Gene Simmons, the bassist and co-founder of Kiss, doesn’t mind being labeled an “asshole.” In a recent interview with Kara Mayer Robinson for the Really Famous podcast, the 75-year-old rock icon said he not only accepted the label, but also “re-appropriated” the term. his way.
He explains: “There are probably people, maybe a lot of people, who think I’m an asshole. I even called my second solo album Asshole because it made me think of how black people reclaimed the ‘n word. [terme péjoratif désignant une personne noire ou à la peau foncée]. It’s the same thing for overweight people who re-appropriate derogatory terms to lessen their impact.”
Simmons goes on to say that he is comfortable with this public image: “I’m at peace with being seen as an asshole, because I know who I am.”
A career driven by money: an uncompromising reality
Far from being affected by criticism, Simmons also accepts his financial motivation behind his career. “There are people who think I only do this for the money”he said, before adding, bluntly: “Of course yes. Why wouldn’t that be the case when most jobs in the world are done by people who don’t love what they do, but do it to feed their families and put a roof over their heads? head ?”
Simmons points out that, like everyone else, he works for a living, although his earnings are much higher. “The fact that I earn more money doesn’t change anything. But I also do philanthropy. And besides, it’s none of your fucking business”he says.
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Be comfortable with yourself: advice from Gene Simmons
For Simmons, the most important thing in life is to be at peace with yourself. “Perhaps the best advice is simply to be comfortable in your own skin. Even Jesus is not unanimous”he comments.
Far from limiting himself to the music industry, Simmons thinks big. During the interview, he encourages everyone to develop strong self-esteem, even if it may seem “crazy”. He cites the example of Mike Tyson, explaining that determination and the “will to win” are essential factors for success, whatever the obstacles.
