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The life of the Demon |
Born:
8/25/1949 |
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Gene Simmons is a
former 6th grade teacher in Spanish Harlem (P.S. 75)
and worked for an editor at "Vouge" His first
involvement with the music industry was in producing
radio jingles, but it was not long before Kiss became
a worldwide phenomenon. Simmons, along with his bandmates,
donned complete make-up (in his case a blood-dripping,
fire-eating demon) and it was not until 1983 when Kiss unmasked
that the 'real' Gene Simmons was revealed. Simmons
has recorded over 20 albums with Kiss and
has penned a great deal of the material either solely
or in partnership with Paul Stanley.
Gene's significant other since 1984
has been Shannon Tweed, the 1982 Playboy Playmate of
the Year and actress of many B movies. Together they
have two children. A son Nicholas, born in 1988, and
a daughter, Sophie, born in 1992.
During the 80s Simmons expanded his
talents into production, films and set up his own record
label, Simmons Records. In 1989 he took rock vocalist
King Diamond to court for using facial make-up similar
to that he had worn in Kiss. Simmons won
the case. The 90s sees Kiss still
recording under the guidance of Simmons and Stanley while
the former's other entertainment business activities
continue.
In 1978, while still in full demonic make-up, he
released a credible solo album, as did all his then
bandmates. A star-studded number of guest stars featured,
including Bob Seger, Cher, Donna Summer, Helen Reddy
and Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen, and it reached
number 22 on the US chart. A single was released at
the same time, 'Radioactive', which was marketed in
red vinyl together with a free Gene Simmons Kiss mask.
It reached number 41 in the UK charts
February, 2001, Gene appeared on
ABC's "Who wants to be a Millionaire - Rock Stars
Edition." Gene was the 3rd rocker to the Hot Seat.
He lost going for the $16,000 question.
"The Secret History of Rock 'n' Roll," (Hosted
by Gene Simmons) debuted on June 4th,
2001 on Court TV. It Focused on such musicians as the
late Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys and Brian Jones
of the Rolling Stones, the show will investigate how
unlawful behavior, court battles and prison terms have
influenced the development of popular music over the
past 50 years. It will also feature new interviews,
rare photos and exclusive archival footage and tapes.
In 2003 gene releases his second book, "Sex,
Money, KISS"
2004 has Gene busy. KISS continues
to tour the globe. Gene also releases his second
solo album "Asshole" on june 8th, 2004. He
make a guest appearence on NBC's "Third Watch" in
a three episode arc, that concludes on the 2004 season
premiere episode.
2005 started with "My
Dad The Rock Star" finally getting
am American Network. Nickalodeon started airing the
show on January 31, 2005. |
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Bio-Notes |
06/07/04
- Billboard |
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Birthday: |
August 25th, 1949 (Usually
celebrated in a bowling alley) |
Birthplace: |
Haifa, Israel |
Real Name: |
Chaim Witz / Gene Klein |
Favorite TV Show: |
Twilight Zone |
Peek Typing Speed: |
90 Words Per Min. |
60's Sci-Fi Fanzine: |
Cosmos |
Fire Breathing: |
Learned from AMAZE-O |
Bands Before KISS: |
Bullfrog Bheer, Wicked Lester |
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It's a Dirty Job.... |
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Speaking In Tongues |
DVD
& CD Releases,
2004 |
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DVD Released August 10, 2004:
Speaking In Tongues chronicles Gene Simmons' first
ever, no holds barred "lecture tour" of Australia, shocking
and tantalizing his audiences by speaking his mind on
his favourite topics - Money, Success, Fame, KISS & of
course - Women!
CD Released October 5, 2004:
Gene Simmons, arguably the most opinionated man in
music, offers a fascinating look at… himself. Following
on two speaking engagements in Australia, Speaking In
Tongues is a spoken word show of Gene speaking his mind
on his favourite topics - money, success, KISS,
fame and of course girls! Not only is Speaking In Tongues
a forum for the man to espouse his philosophies, it is
also an in-depth look at his home, his family and his
business dealings. Part stand-up comedy, part self-help
seminar and part MTV Cribs, Gene Simmons' Speaking In
Tongues is a fascinating look at rock 'n' roll's favourite
A**hole.
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A**HOLE |
June
8, 2004 |
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Produced By:
Gene. Simmons
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- Sweet And Dirty Love (Simmons)
- Firestarter (Prodigy)
- Weapons (Simmons)
- Waiting For The Morning Light (Simmons/Dylan)
- Beautiful (Singh/Addison)
- Asshole (Tolstrup)
- Now That You're Gone (Simmons/Kulick)
- Whatever Turns You On (Williams/Simmons)
- Dog (Bag/Simmons)
- Black Tongue (Simmons/Zappa)
- Carnival Of Souls (Simmons/Van Zen)
- If I Had A Gun (Bag/Simmons)
- I Dream 1,000 Dreams (Simmons)
- Everybody Knows - Japan Release Only -
(Simmons)
- You're My Reason For Living - Japan
Release Only - (Simmons)
Billboard Chart (June 26): Debut at No. 86 -
12,913 units sold.
Billboard Chart (July 3): Album Falls out of
top 100 list |
Artisist Appearing on the Album: Bag,
Jeff Diehl, Bruce Kulick, Richie Kotzen, Frank Tolstrup,
Thomas Rudd, Shannon Tweed, Louse Tweed, Michelle Casio,
Nira Weiss, Nick Simmons, Steve Parrish, Chris Parrish,
Shophie Simmons, Zachary Grant, Kylie O'Brien, Dweezl
Zappa, Almet Zappa, Moon Zappa, Gayle Zappa, Frank
ZappaDave Williams, Mark Addison nina Singh, Eric Singer |
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Not Seeing the Light of Day |
Old
Projects |
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Evil
Ernie (Producer)
Gene Simmons is set to produce a movie adaptation of Chaos Comics' Evil
Ernie.The news comes from Chaos! big-shot Brian Pulido who made the announcement
at the Comic-Con Expo in San Diego.
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"Rock and Roll All Night" for CBS (Producer)
Jeff Arch, who came up with the story for the Tom Hanks-Meg Ryan starrer "Sleepless
in Seattle," is writing the TV script about a guy who meets a girl during
a KISS concert. But the two get separated, and
for the rest of the movie they try to find each other.
"This is a love story about how we're all trying to find that one true person
we were all meant to be with," Simmons said. Sources said Simmons pitched the
idea for the telefilm directly to CBS Television president and CEO Les Moonves.
No airdate has been set.
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"Spinning Gold: The Neil Bogart Story''
(Producer)
"Scribes Arlene Sarner and Jerry Leichtling (''Blue Sky'') have been enlisted
to write "The Neil Bogart Story'' for Paramount Pictures and VH-1 productions.
Their fee will be mid-six-figures. Gene Simmons is on board to produce
along with Bogart's widow, Joyce Bogart Trabulus. Son Tim Bogart will executive
produce.
The story centers on the colorful founder of Casablanca Records & FilmWorks.
He is credited with popularizing "bubblegum music'' and discovering KISS,
Donna Summer and the Village People. He died of lymphoma in 1982, aged
39.
Bogart also branched into film, executive producing "Thank God It's
Friday.'' As a company, Casablanca produced "Midnight Express'' and "Foxes.''
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"Sex, Drugs & Rock N' Roll" (Producer)
Gene Simmons will produce the film at Touchstone. A rock star witnesses
a murder, becomes the next target and teams with a by-the-book police
officer to stop the killer.The film is being written by Screenwriter
Robbie Fox. Buena Vista is the studio involved.
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"Sable" (Producer)
Simmons is developing a feature based on the comic
book series "Jon
Sable, Freelance.''
The KISS bass player has teamed on the project
with Pacifica Entertainment, the production subsidiary of foreign sales and
financing company Intermedia.
Created by Mike Grell, the "Freelance" comic was an action-adventure
serial about Jon Sable, a former Olympian, war veteran and African game
hunter who lives in Manhattan and splits his time between mercenary assignments
and writing children's books.
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"Chill-O-Rama," for MTV (Co-Creator)
A horror show that recalls the old monster movies of the 1950s and 1960s.
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"Smash", for VH-1 (Producer)
VH-1 ordered a pilot for the series, which revolves around a well-educated,
late twentysomething black performer/businessman who's never been able
to duplicate the success he had as the Hammer-esque teen singer Phat Boy.
After giving up on a singing career, Phat (unsuccessfully) tries to launch
a record label; his efforts to pull the company out of a financial hole
will serve as the main plotline for the series.
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"Groupies" (Ex. Producer)
"Groupies" is currently in development for an MTV movie. Executive
produced by Gene Simmons and written by Erica Rothschild, "Groupies" sees
two best friends graduate high school and decide to hit the road and become groupies.
Update (05/09/01) Newline Cinema is involved with
the project.
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Lost, But not Forgoten? |
May
Still Have Life |
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"Tennessee Waltz''
A thriller funded by indie producer Interlight Pictures about a down-and-out
cop who goes to Nashville to pursue his brother's killer and uncovers
political intrigue. Budget is seen at about $35 million.
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"November Files''
Also at Interlight, is another mid-budget thriller. The script is by Tim
Bogart, son of Neil Bogart. Director Stuart Baird (''U.S. Marshals'')
is said to be eyeing the picture.
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"My Generation'' (Producer)
Based on the book of the same name by Michael Gross, a senior editor at
George magazine. Gross describes it as "the life and times of the
Baby Boom, a Studs Terkel-y kind of book'' about 20 Boomers, some famous
and some not.''
Simmons does not have a studio deal and does not foresee one, preferring
to handle each project individually. "It's easier without overhead,''
he reasoned. "I get things done by picking up the phone.
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"The Will" (Producer)
One of the latest in a long succession of attention-grabbing book deals Scott
Steindorff, one of the most aggressive buyers of high-caliber literary
material in Hollywood, has made lately is Reed Arvin's new legal thriller, "The
Will," to be produced with KISS rocker Gene Simmons. No further
details were given at this time.
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"Pentagon" (Producer)
Someone seizes control of the most powerful building in the world.
The writer of the project is Timothy Scott Bogart.
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"Real Monsters" (Producer)
A pair of dock workers accidentally release three monsters on New York City
and must capture them to save their jobs.
Adam Rifkin was attached to direct and write. New Line Cinema is the studio
involved with the project.
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"Stupid Action Movie" (Producer)
Not a lot of information on this title other than it is under development
and is an Action/Comedy. The only other name of note to be involved in
the project with Gene Simmons is writer - Robert LoCash (BASEketball, Naked
Gun 33 1/3, High School High)
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'"Legend of the Seven Golden Vampires" (Producer)
Gene will be producing along with Barry Levine and Brian Riley, starring
Tim Allen. Screenwriter is of Tim McCanlese.
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Gene Simmons Show or Sex with Gene Simmons (Host)
The partners with gene are the producers of the COURT TV documentary (SECRETS
OF ROCK AND ROLL)
The premise of the show is going to be very loose. Great conversation. Great
looking girls.
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"TWO CHIEFS" (Producer)
Written by Peter Federenko. It could involve Chaz Palmintieri, Dennis Farina,
Armand Assante and Leo Rossi.
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The Latest Projects |
Too
New To Die |
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Acting Gigs for the Small Screen |
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Show |
Date |
Episode |
Character |
Third Watch |
9/1704 |
"More Monsters" |
Donald Mann |
Third Watch |
4/30 & 5/7 2004 |
"Higher Calling" & "Monsters" |
Donald Mann |
Talk To Me |
4/11/2000 |
"About Taking It Like a Man" (episode
# 1.1) |
Himself |
Millennium |
10/30/1998 |
...Thirteen Years Later (episode
# 3.5) |
Himself/Hector Leachman |
TheHitchhiker |
1/28/1986 |
O.D. Feelin (episode # 2.8) |
Mr. Big |
Miami Vice |
9/27/1985 |
Prodigal Son (episode # 2.1) |
Newton Blade |
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KISS Meets The Phantom of the Park |
NBC
- Oct. 28, 1978 |
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Suspense/Horror
The tale of rock band KISS and their efforts to
thwart a diabolical plan by mad scientist Abner Devereaux.
Devereaux has found a way to clone humans into robots
in his laboratory at an amusement park. It just so happens
that he plans to uses the KISS concert as a platform
to unleash his plan on the world. KISS must use their
special powers to stop him.
Character: Self
Directed by: Gordon Hessler
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Runaway |
Released:
Jan. 1, 1984 |
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Science Fiction/Fantasy
In the near future, a cop tracks down a terrorist
who uses robots and electronic gadgets to carry out his
evil doings.
Also Starring: Tom Selleck, Cynthia
Rhodes, Kirstie Alley
Character: Luther
Directed by: Michael Crichton
Domestic Gross: $6,800,000
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Never Too Young To Die |
Released:
1986 |
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Action/Adventure
A vicious hermaphrodite wants control of the city
and only two people stand in his way.
Also Starring: Vanity, John Stamos,
George Lazenby, John Anderson
Characters: Carruthers / Velvet
Von Ragner
Directed by: Gil Bettman
View Trailer |
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Trick Or Treat |
Released:
1986 |
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Suspense/Horror
A teenage outcast's obsession and fascination with
rock music and heavy metal superstar idol, Sammy Curr,
turns into a spine-tingling, life-threatening situation
not only for the outcast, but also for his high school
and home town.
Also Starring: Marc Price, Tony Fields, Lisa
Orgolini, Ozzy Osbourne
Character: Nuke
Directed by: Charles Martin Smith
Domestic gross: $6,797,218
View Trailer |
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Wanted: Dead Or Alive |
Released:
January, 1987 |
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Action/Adventure
In this modern update of the classic Steve McQueen
western television series, Hauer plays Nick Randall,
a former CIA man turned bounty hunter who becomes the
bait in an FBI-CIA conspiracy and finds himself pursued
by an international terrorist who pushes him to the limit
of survival. It seems that Nick and the terrorist, Malak
Al Rahim (Gene Simmons), are linked by the past, and
the two embark on a deadly cat-and-mouse game that only
one man can win. Of note, Hauer's character is mentioned
as being the great-grandson of McQueen's character in
the original series.
Also Starring: Rutger Hauer, Robert Guillaume,
Mel Harris
Directed by: Gary Sherman
Domestic gross: $7,555,00
View Trailer |
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Red Surf |
Released:
1990 |
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Action/Adventure
A pair of inseparable, hard-partying ex-surfers (George
Clooney and Doug Savant) get in over their heads as drug
runners for a savage inner city gang. They want out,
but the plan doesn't unfold that simply as they cross
paths with the most brutal drug lord.
Character: Doc
Directed by: H. Gordon Boos
View Trailer |
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Detroit Rock City |
Released:
August 13, 1999
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Comedy
The year is 1978: the KISS Army
is at the height of its powers. Enter card-carrying members
Hawk (Furlong), Trip, Lex and Jam- four Detroit teenagers
who will do anything to go to the KISS show.
As we follow them through one day, we see the insane
lengths these shaggy-haired young chaps will go to in
order to see their favorite rock-and-roll superheroes
at a Detroit arena. The band themselves show up in full
regalia as their 1978 selves, but Lyonne steals the show
as a sweet young disco mama.
Character: Self (Also served as Producer)
Also Starring: Edward Furlong, Sam Huntington,
Lin Shaye, Melanie Lynskey, Natasha Lyonne
Directed by: Adam Rifkin
Domestic Gross: $18,000,000
View Trailer |
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At Any Cost |
VH1
- 2000 |
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The story of two brothers and their
best friend struggling to make it in the music industry.
Brothers Lance (Eddie Mills) and Mike (James Franco)
are dedicated to music and their band, Beyond Gravity.
With the help of their best friend and manager, Ben
(Glenn Quinn), they are determined to go all the way
in search of a record deal. Full of ambition and idealism,
they pack up and leave their hometown of Austin, Texas,
and head to Los Angeles, dreaming of fame and fortune.
Once they hit Los Angeles they land a recording contract
and think they have finally made it--until they are
forced to face the harsh realities of life. Mike's
addiction to heroin threatens his health and the longevity
of the band, Ben is tempted by more lucrative business
deals, and Lance and Chelsea (Maureen Flannigan), his
girlfriend and Beyond Gravity's bassist, must face
the responsibility of caring for their young son. This
modern rock & roll drama features original songs
written by Rod Taylor and Spencer Proffer and sung
by Eddie Mills. Don't miss a cameo appearance from
rock icon Gene Simmons (The Record Producer).
Starring: Eddie Mills, Glenn Quinn, James
Franco, Maureen Flannigan, Cyia Batten
Directed by: Charles Winkler |
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The New Guy |
Released:
May 10, 2002 |
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Comedy
At Eastland High School, new guy Gil Harris is Mr. Popularity.
Mysterious and charming, Gil has girls falling all over him and thugs scrambling
to get his back. He's got Eastland High in the palm of his hand. But Gil's also
got a secret. Not so long ago, at Rocky Creek High School, Gil, formerly known
as Diz, was the resident loser. So how did lowly Diz become Gil, the hot new
guy? With a simple plan, determination and the help of some unlikely friends,
Diz makes an incredible transformation that works like a charm -- that is until
some students from Rocky Creek also make the transfer to Eastland...
Character: The Reverend
Starring: DJ Qualls, Eliza Dushku, Zooey Deschanel, Lyle Lovett, Eddie Griffin
Directed by: Ed Decter Domestic gross: $28,900,000
Web Site Link |
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Wish You Were Dead |
Direct
to Video: 2002 |
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A hired killer could not be more out
of place in a small town. This dark comedy explores
this theme with Elaine Hendrix giving an inspired turn
as the hit woman. In this tiny village, she encounters
a gaggle of residents who only desire to escape from
their tiny enclave. The hit woman finds the town a
bit reassuring, though, when she encounters an insurance
investigator who recites poetry and wins her dark heart.
Character: Vinny
Also Starring: Cary Elwes, Mary Steenburgen,
Christopher Lloyd, Robert Englund, Elaine Hendrix
View Trailer |
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Be Cool |
Direct
to Video: 2002 |
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Disenchanted with the movie industry, Chili Palmer (John Travolta) tries the
music industry, meeting and romancing a widow of a music exec (Uma Thurman)
on the way
Character: Self
Also Starring: John Travolta,
Uma Thurman, Vince Vaughn, Cedric the Entertainer,
Steven Tyler, Harvey Keitel, The Rock.
View
Trailer |
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My Dad The Rock Star DVD |
Released: 09/12/05 |
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KISS and Make-Up |
Released:
Dec. 4, 2001 |
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Sex, Money, KISS |
Released:
June 1, 2003 |
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