Gene Simmons: 'The Internet Killed Music' - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 02-09-2008, 12:06 AM

Kiss star Gene Simmons has blamed internet downloads for destroying the music industry - insisting there will never be any more legendary bands like The Beatles. The 58-year-old rocker is convinced illegal downloading has forced record labels to conform to a new way of working that will eventually put them all out of business.

Simmons, who is known for his entrepreneurial skills, insists there is now less opportunity for talented new bands to find recognition because the internet is swamped with wannabes. He says, "The very same people that love the music the most have slit its throat and they're surprised it's dying.'How come my new band can't get a shot?' 'Because you killed it, bitch.'

"Every day college kids who probably love music more than anybody are the same people slashing the record industry's throat by file sharing and downloading. It's the saddest thing for new bands. Doesn't affect me or Kiss. We can continue to play stadiums and do very well, and we release DVDs. But there isn't a chance for a new band to become the next Beatles or Kiss because there isn't the infrastructure to do it."

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)

Dean Winchester · 02-09-2008, 12:19 AM

I lost a lot of respect for Gene for saying KISS will never record again because some kid might download it for free. He is so greedy it's not even funny.

The thing I find hilarious about it all is that Paul Stanley is really the glue that has held Kiss together for 30+ years, but Gene takes all the credit. Pick up a Greatest Hits album, and most of the songs are Paul songs, and Beth

Nighthawk76 · 02-09-2008, 12:44 AM

I think Gene has always been full of himself.

I love the way David Lee Roth talks about Gene in his autobiography, Crazy From the Heat.

Dean Winchester · 02-09-2008, 12:47 AM

you'd think DLR and Gene would be best friends with those egos

Nighthawk76 · 02-09-2008, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean Winchester

you'd think DLR and Gene would be best friends with those egos

Janice · 02-09-2008, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean Winchester

I lost a lot of respect for Gene for saying KISS will never record again because some kid might download it for free. He is so greedy it's not even funny.

The article just quoted Gene as saying that KISS will release DVDs. If you read the article, he makes sense, and he's not the first artist to take this stance and make the same argument. Downloading doesn't affect KISS and the established bands, but bands trying to get off the ground.

Dean Winchester · 02-09-2008, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janice

The article just quoted Gene as saying that KISS will release DVDs. If you read the article, he makes sense, and he's not the first artist to take this stance and make the same argument. Downloading doesn't affect KISS and the established bands, but bands trying to get off the ground.

it wasn't in this article, but another one I read. Gene said that with downloaded music, he doesn't plan on doing another KISS album because of the thought of someone downloading it. Depriving legions of loyal fans because a few people who wouldn't have bought it anyways download it. Thankfully Paul Stanley has been doing the solo thing now tho he still tours with KISS, because unlike Gene, he still loves making music and pleasing the fans despite the potential that people might download it.

Janice · 02-09-2008, 01:35 AM

Well, in this article, he states he'll release DVDs, and this article is recent. I'm not going to go on a tear against a person for not doing something, and I'm reading the opposite.

Dean Winchester · 02-09-2008, 01:40 AM

well, DVD's are more profitable than CD's right now, especially considering KISS are raiding their vaults and making 30 year old concerts commercially available for the first time. To go back into the studio wouldn't be as profitable since most people generally consider KISS to be past their prime musically. The DVD's are easy to sell since people still love the classic material and love to finally own all the old concerts and the sort, a new album wouldn't be quite as easy to sell since a lot of people think they stopped making relevant music before they put their makeup back on and reunited with Ace and Peter.

Janice · 02-09-2008, 01:48 AM

These guys are older. Not just KISS, but most bands, just want to relax and enjoy their grandkids. Not everyone is like The Rolling Stones, who I believe, plan on performing until they're 112, lol.

Dean Winchester · 02-09-2008, 02:01 AM

I think The Stones are the perfect example of a band that's still around, but when they put a new cd out, nobody cares to buy it, but fans will still buy tickets to see them and will buy classic material, just don't care to hear anything current. KISS is in that same situation, and I think Simmons realizes that since he knows there's more money to be made revisiting 1974-1983 on than putting out a new CD. However, I think it does show how different him and Stanley are, since Stanley is releasing solo albums and still loves recording even if it won't sell anything compared to 30 years ago.

I admit that I also didn't care for Gene's alleged treatment of Peter Criss and Ace Frehley when they returned to the fold (both guys have since left), and apparently he kicked Eric Carr out of the band when he was dying of cancer. I always liked Paul better, since he's always had a great reputation of being good to the fans and trying to keep the peace inside the band.

Mikado · 02-09-2008, 02:30 AM

its bands like KISS, all special effects, makeup and screeching guitars, that ruined rock & Roll in the first place, not d/l music

Janice · 02-09-2008, 02:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean Winchester

However, I think it does show how different him and Stanley are, since Stanley is releasing solo albums and still loves recording even if it won't sell anything compared to 30 years ago.
I admit that I also didn't care for Gene's alleged treatment of Peter Criss and Ace Frehley when they returned to the fold (both guys have since left), and apparently he kicked Eric Carr out of the band when he was dying of cancer. I always liked Paul better, since he's always had a great reputation of being good to the fans and trying to keep the peace inside the band.

So, he doesn't do what Stanley does. Big deal. He's his own man, makes his own decisions.

I remember reading that one of the band members was too sick to play in the band anymore, so how do you get that he was kicked out. If a person is terminal with cancer, how can they play in a band?

You seem hell bent on ripping on Gene and blaming him for everything. Can't imagine why. I think he's a kick, whenever I see him on interviews. The majority of rock stars and bands have their controversies. Members leave, come back, whatever. It's a rarity to find a band with all the original members. Simmons did something right. He's been in the business for probably 35 years now, and has made some fantastic music.

Janice · 02-09-2008, 02:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikado

its bands like KISS, all special effects, makeup and screeching guitars, that ruined rock & Roll in the first place, not d/l music

Good point. KISS destroyed Rock & Roll. Someone get Rolling Stone magazine on the phone. Stop the presses.

Janice · 02-09-2008, 03:09 AM

According to imdb, and I don't know how reliable they are, here's what I got on Gene Simmons, in the quote section.

http://imdb.com/name/nm0005430/bio

Has never drank alcohol, used drugs or smoked.

He has one non-negotiable condition for anyone interested in signing with his record label Simmons Records: No Drugs.

[on the dismissal of his KISS band-mates Peter Criss and Ace Frehley in the early 1980s] They were let go for being into alcohol and worse drugs, pure and simple. I love both those guys to death. But I didn't want them to die on tour.

02-09-2008, 12:06 AM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	Gene Simmons: 'The Internet Killed Music' Kiss star Gene Simmons has blamed internet downloads for destroying the music industry - insisting there will never be any more legendary bands like The Beatles. The 58-year-old rocker is convinced illegal downloading has forced record labels to conform to a new way of working that will eventually put them all out of business. Simmons, who is known for his entrepreneurial skills, insists there is now less opportunity for talented new bands to find recognition because the internet is swamped with wannabes. He says, "The very same people that love the music the most have slit its throat and they're surprised it's dying.'How come my new band can't get a shot?' 'Because you killed it, bitch.' "Every day college kids who probably love music more than anybody are the same people slashing the record industry's throat by file sharing and downloading. It's the saddest thing for new bands. Doesn't affect me or Kiss. We can continue to play stadiums and do very well, and we release DVDs. But there isn't a chance for a new band to become the next Beatles or Kiss because there isn't the infrastructure to do it." (This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

02-09-2008, 12:19 AM	#2
Dean Winchester Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Sep 28, 2003 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 14,803	I lost a lot of respect for Gene for saying KISS will never record again because some kid might download it for free. He is so greedy it's not even funny. The thing I find hilarious about it all is that Paul Stanley is really the glue that has held Kiss together for 30+ years, but Gene takes all the credit. Pick up a Greatest Hits album, and most of the songs are Paul songs, and Beth

02-09-2008, 12:44 AM	#3
Nighthawk76 Rachel Berry Forum Celebrity Join Date: Feb 28, 2003 Location: Illinois Posts: 23,254	I think Gene has always been full of himself. I love the way David Lee Roth talks about Gene in his autobiography, Crazy From the Heat.

02-09-2008, 12:47 AM	#4
Dean Winchester Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Sep 28, 2003 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 14,803	you'd think DLR and Gene would be best friends with those egos

02-09-2008, 01:35 AM	#8
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	Well, in this article, he states he'll release DVDs, and this article is recent. I'm not going to go on a tear against a person for not doing something, and I'm reading the opposite.

02-09-2008, 01:40 AM	#9
Dean Winchester Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Sep 28, 2003 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 14,803	well, DVD's are more profitable than CD's right now, especially considering KISS are raiding their vaults and making 30 year old concerts commercially available for the first time. To go back into the studio wouldn't be as profitable since most people generally consider KISS to be past their prime musically. The DVD's are easy to sell since people still love the classic material and love to finally own all the old concerts and the sort, a new album wouldn't be quite as easy to sell since a lot of people think they stopped making relevant music before they put their makeup back on and reunited with Ace and Peter.

02-09-2008, 01:48 AM	#10
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	These guys are older. Not just KISS, but most bands, just want to relax and enjoy their grandkids. Not everyone is like The Rolling Stones, who I believe, plan on performing until they're 112, lol.

02-09-2008, 02:01 AM	#11
Dean Winchester Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Sep 28, 2003 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 14,803	I think The Stones are the perfect example of a band that's still around, but when they put a new cd out, nobody cares to buy it, but fans will still buy tickets to see them and will buy classic material, just don't care to hear anything current. KISS is in that same situation, and I think Simmons realizes that since he knows there's more money to be made revisiting 1974-1983 on than putting out a new CD. However, I think it does show how different him and Stanley are, since Stanley is releasing solo albums and still loves recording even if it won't sell anything compared to 30 years ago. I admit that I also didn't care for Gene's alleged treatment of Peter Criss and Ace Frehley when they returned to the fold (both guys have since left), and apparently he kicked Eric Carr out of the band when he was dying of cancer. I always liked Paul better, since he's always had a great reputation of being good to the fans and trying to keep the peace inside the band.

02-09-2008, 02:30 AM	#12
Mikado Main st bridge Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 06, 2005 Posts: 25,892	its bands like KISS, all special effects, makeup and screeching guitars, that ruined rock & Roll in the first place, not d/l music

02-09-2008, 03:09 AM	#15
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	According to imdb, and I don't know how reliable they are, here's what I got on Gene Simmons, in the quote section. http://imdb.com/name/nm0005430/bio Has never drank alcohol, used drugs or smoked. He has one non-negotiable condition for anyone interested in signing with his record label Simmons Records: No Drugs. [on the dismissal of his KISS band-mates Peter Criss and Ace Frehley in the early 1980s] They were let go for being into alcohol and worse drugs, pure and simple. I love both those guys to death. But I didn't want them to die on tour.