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Gene Simmons’ Take on Adam Lambert: He Should Shut Up

KISS co-founder says Glambert doesn’t have what it takes to be a rock star

By Elena Gorgan, Life & Style Editor

12th of June 2009, 13:48 GMT

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Adam Lambert with KISS / Gene Simmons on stage during the American Idol finale
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Adam Lambert’s much mediated coming out Rolling Stone issue is out on newsstands and, as expected, it’s causing the anticipated reaction in the media and the public. Celebrities are also joining in on the debate, with some of them embracing the American Idol runner up both musically and personally, while others not so much. Gene Simmons is torn between the two, as his latest interview with Fox reveals.

The rocker, who founded KISS more than three decades ago, says that, while Lambert is a brilliant kid with plenty of talent and even more potential, there are several things that might work against him, and kill his career in the bud. For starters, Simmons says, he should consider getting into a band and basically not even attempt a solo career in rock-n-roll music (or anything along those lines), since he does not have what it takes for it. Secondly, Simmons believes Adam should “shut up” about his preferences because no one really cares about that.

“Well you know he’s a very talented kid. He should have won American Idol as far as I am concerned. I will tell you that he deserves to be in a rock band that serves his particular style. He really doesn’t have a rock-n-roll voice. He’s more like Queen. He’d be great on Broadway. He’s a great belter and all that stuff. But unfortunately, he’s let the other story take center stage.” the rocker says, preparing to deliver what Fox aptly named “the kiss of death.” According to Simmons, who is now preparing for the launch of a new reality show on his life, talking private matters in public can only have negative consequences on Adam’s career – and the damage might have already been done in his case.

“That’s going to be a career killer. I think it’s going to be over before it’s begun and it’s unfortunate because the kid’s got the pipes. There’s no questions. He should really shut up. No one cares what you do behind closed doors anyway. And if you’re putting that front and center, you’re forcing us to deal with it and it’s going to be a turnoff for the masses.” Gene Simmons believes. Adam should focus exclusively on his music right now and forget everything else, Simmons says, because that’s what fans care about exclusively. Arguably, fans would beg to differ, as they’ve shown the American Idol runner-up their most sincere support for his decision to come out publicly.

It could very well be that Simmons might be feeling a pang of jealousy at how much hype Adam is generating, some are saying, which becomes obvious when the Fox reporter asks him how it was like for him to perform with Lambert on the AI finale. “How was it for him to perform with us, you mean? That’s right, I see. Well, you just have to realize who the governor is and who the little puppy is.” Simmons states. 

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Adam Lambert | Gene Simmons | music | interview | American Idol
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User opinions:


Comment #1 by: Cindy on 12 Jun 2009, 14:39 GMT reply to this comment

Gene, you are such a hypocrite! You and your family were on a reality show and that to me is THE KISS OF DEATH...when celeberties go on shows like that it just proves they are ...what do you call them...oh yes... A HAS BEEN! Don't take his advice Adam, you my friend are real and genuine and we love you even more since you did your interview in the BEST magazine to read for all of us ROCKERS and ROLLERS!


Comment #2 by: sheila on 12 Jun 2009, 15:54 GMT reply to this comment

It is really funny how all of these old, ugly washed up singers are so jealous of Adam Lambert. Rolling Stone said that Adam upstaged Kiss at the American Idol finally, and that is so true. Adam can sing circles around any other artist you can name. There has not been anyone this exciting since the Beatles. Adam can perform rock and any other syle of music to perfection. Gene, there is nothing about you that is attractive. I realize that is why Kiss always had to hide under all of that make up. Gene needs to hide his ugly face and go back and sit in his rocking chair where he belongs.


Comment #3 by: MIA on 12 Jun 2009, 17:12 GMT reply to this comment

Ok Mr. Simmons, I respect your opinion but I like Adam better than you.


Comment #4 by: 4foxfire on 13 Jun 2009, 06:08 GMT reply to this comment

Gene Simmons should shut up. When Adam performed with KISS, he was fantastic....he made them better. Simmons isn't the governor of anything, and Adam is not a "puppy". He has been performing for 17 years. I am 66 years old..have listened to KISS for years, and still think Adam made them a better group. I guess time will tell.


Comment #5 by: Mona on 13 Jun 2009, 07:05 GMT reply to this comment

I think that if Gene Simmons had a fantastic career going on right now, he would have very little time to be commenting on what Adam is doing. He really needs to get a life. There sounds like there's an awful lot of jealousy going on. How about wishing him luck and then minding your own business. I don't hear Adam going around trying to trash other people. You might want to take a page out of his book. Even Simmons admits that Adam is very talented. Adam, just needed to set the record straight, so that he can concentrate on his music. Good for him. I can't wait to hear him rock the world!


Comment #6 by: anya on 13 Jun 2009, 07:25 GMT reply to this comment

I think Simmons should pull his head out of the sand. Adam is responding to the obsession the media and certain groups of citizens have had with his sexuality. As he says, for him this issue is not a big deal and not he is not obsessed with it. Now that its been said, I think Adam hopes we can all move on to what really counts: music and self expression. Where does Simmons come off ignoring the context in which these statements were made? He just sounds ignorant and lacking in savvy himself. Furthermore he sounds out of date - this is a new era of self disclosure and celebrity that Simmons doesnt wuite get the vibe of.


Comment #7 by: Henni on 13 Jun 2009, 07:46 GMT reply to this comment

Interesting Simmons said that --- tell me,WHAT has kept HIM in the radar for the last 3 decades? Not his hit music or talent but his stupid "I slept with thosands of women". LOL...seriously, this man is an arrogant hypocrit. And probably ashamedly wishing his very own son could have 1/4 of the talent, looks, and charisma Adam Lambert has. Gene Simmons is feeling threatened by Adambecause Gene is not iconic and never will be --- the people don't come to Gene..he comes to them and begs for attention or pays his way to get it. He's a desperate old, rich man needing more attention so he's now using Adam to get more! Gene --- go home, hang your hat and call it day, will ya old fella?


Comment #8 by: Ann on 13 Jun 2009, 07:58 GMT reply to this comment

Gene Simmons always has been a rude man. He has not changed. Gene never had the chops to become a stand alone artist. That's fine. Now he is older and not any wiser. Take his comments with a grain of salt.


Comment #9 by: Bill on 13 Jun 2009, 08:08 GMT reply to this comment

It is time for Adam to get back to the music and it is time for Simmons to go home and stay there.


Comment #10 by: linda on 13 Jun 2009, 08:18 GMT reply to this comment

Gene you need to stick that long tongue of yours in your mouth and then zip it because you're part of the past and adam is our future.


Comment #11 by: MW on 13 Jun 2009, 08:19 GMT reply to this comment

The media wouldn't shut up about Adam's personal life, and that's why he wanted to just dish it so that everyone can just MOVE ON. So let's do that now huh?? Adam Lambert rocks the house and I'd watch him any day over Mr. Simmons. He does have a right to his own opinion, but I'm just sayin.


Comment #12 by: vicky on 13 Jun 2009, 09:27 GMT reply to this comment

OH RIGHT, no one cares what's happening inside CLOSED DOORS, then what the hell is that reality show going about around you and your families lives? Honestly, how can he say like that? And dissing Kris Allen indirectly, stating that Adam should've won, that's just not nice even if the statement is true. As Adam and Kris said, they are two DIFFRENT artists! You really can't decide. Gosh, Gene.


Comment #13 by: Linda L.W. Alvarez on 13 Jun 2009, 09:39 GMT reply to this comment

It is very unfortunate that at his age, Mr.Simmons does not handle his jealousy with more care.This rising talent, Mr. Adam Lambert, handles himself extremely well,(much better than I have ever witnessed Mr. Simmons manage to do) exhibiting both appreciation and composure along his journey. He appears to be what he more than likely is; a good man utilizing the talent given him by his Creator, to bring a little pleasing entertainment into our daily journeys. In fact, this is what he has been saying all along that he wants to do...And guess what Mr. Simmons? He sure is.....Linda Alvarez


Comment #14 by: Sherri on 13 Jun 2009, 12:16 GMT reply to this comment

Gene Simmons is the last person that should tell ANYONE to SHUT UP about their personal lives. We have heard for years about the 4000 +? women that he has bedded. If the MEDIA had left Adam alone about his preferences, he would have been happy going on about his life without having to address the issue. Unfortunately because of his insane popularity, some groups expect him to become a poster boy for their cause. "Reporters" (term used very loosely) haven hounded him ceaselessly about THE issue. Kudo's to Adam for tackling the situation with humility and respect, and for doing it HIS way. Now.......... IF THE MEDIA WOULD LET THIS REST !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! By the way........... Gene, you never could sing! ADAM......... BRING ON THE MUZIC. YOU ROCK KID!!!!!!!!!!


Comment #15 by: adamseve on 13 Jun 2009, 12:23 GMT reply to this comment

HAH! Adam will have more women throwing themselves at him than Gene could ever dream of bedding. And, OH MY GOD........... HE'S GAY!!!!!! I thought you had a little more class Gene. Oh, wait a minute...... you have your family life on display...... so you can make more MONEY. Never watched an episode and never will (especially now)........Yuck!! ADAM..... stay humble and honest. ROCK YOUR HEART OUT !!!!!!


Comment #16 by: Mona on 13 Jun 2009, 12:44 GMT reply to this comment

First Gene Simmons says that Adam shouldn't be singing rock n roll and then says he belongs with Queen. What kind of music does Queen sing, rap? Duh? Then, he says that Adam shouldn't be coming out because it might ruin his career. Do me a favor Adam, don't take advice from this guy. He's a washed up-has-been who's looking for attention. We love Adam to pieces and don't care about his sexuality. Hope we can all move on now and look forward to his rockin' music!


Comment #17 by: Jfpb on 13 Jun 2009, 12:54 GMT reply to this comment

Mr. Simmons, the only thing you were right about is the fact that Adam should have won AI. I have been a fan of Kiss and attended Kiss concerts, but you are a little off base here. You see, Adam had NO choice but to come out. The Media won't let it go. Adam could care less about talking of his personal life. However, every interviewer always ask him the same stupid questions. I applaud him for handling this so openly and politely. And, finally, his extraordinary talent will sustain him for a long and glorious career. I know I can't wait to see him in concert and buy his first CD.


Comment #18 by: mary ann on 13 Jun 2009, 12:56 GMT reply to this comment

Gene Simmons is a very arrogant person. I have never liked him. The reason why I like watching their performance in American Idol is just because of Adam. If Adam were not there I would not have watched it.


Comment #19 by: Vic on 13 Jun 2009, 13:14 GMT reply to this comment

Gene you are too old to be telling the hottest kid on the musical block to shut up. If he wasn't on the stage with you there is no way I would listen to Kiss. Adam Lambert is going to be huge. I would not go to a KISS concert without him. I only bought my Itunes download because of the song you guys did with him. You are so full of yourself to think you are the one we are going to see. GET OVER IT. You need to pay respect to that man who gives respect to everyone and in a very classy way.


Comment #20 by: Donna on 13 Jun 2009, 13:51 GMT reply to this comment

Kiss had a few good tunes over the years that are still enjoyable. Adam's voice comes to me first thing in the morning, and gives me the greatest pleasure all day -I don't think this is a fleeting thing - he has consumed many of us. Can't get enough of him - he is the full package. His sexuallity is a non-issue in the this modern Lambert-Obama world.


Comment #21 by: pixiecherie on 13 Jun 2009, 14:02 GMT reply to this comment

how fab it is that ppl like gene simmons and rob zombie can't stop thinking about adam? LO-F-N-L! adam doesn't want a career like KISS, that would mean adam is a farce, a comedy routine, a big pokemon on stage. i don't think adam would ever ever ever let a toy company make MR POTATO HEAD in his image. look for MR GENE POTATO HEAD coming to toy stores in July; look for ADAM'S GROUNDBREAKING ALBUM this Fall. adam should be flattered that the old fogies are all talking about him, but he should rather concentrate on blowing them all out of the rock-n-roll hall of fame :-P


Comment #22 by: AdamAddict on 13 Jun 2009, 14:03 GMT reply to this comment

Listen up Gene. Adam only addressed the "gay" issue not because he wanted to, but b/c the press was hounding him constantly and he wanted to put the issue to rest so he could go on with his career, which will be phenomenal. He chose well, using legit forums like Rolling Stone and 20/20. He should be commended for that. You should be helping him out rather than dissing him. You are a grown man, act like one and don't be a jealous jerk. Plus, since he's Jewish and so are you, you should help each other out. There's enough negativity out there already without you adding to it.


Comment #23 by: adam fan on 13 Jun 2009, 14:29 GMT reply to this comment

If a celebrity wants to be in entertainment news, all he has to do is mention Adam Lambert's name. The media is so fickle it will talk to any celebrity who has an opinion on AL whether it's good, bad or irrelevant, and print that garbage. The media might be the first one to hyper-ventilate over AL, but it will also be the first in line to tear him down.


Comment #24 by: logan on 13 Jun 2009, 15:39 GMT reply to this comment

Gene Simmons is a creepy egomaniac....I feel he is jealous of Adam Lambert's amazing talent, gorgeous looks, emotional maturity, eloquence, charisma, and ability to move people...Simmons has none of these qualities...He is repulsive in every way....An egomaniac who has to do reality shows on television because that is the only way he will get noticed.....The Governor is Adam Lambert and the has-been is Gene Simmons..Simmons is disgusting looking, inarticulate, and has no talent...He is all hype..I would never listen or buy his music...The narcissist (Simmons) lecturing Lambert on career moves is surreal......This is the creepy guy who needs to do low-class reality shows in order to get attention.....


Comment #25 by: will on 13 Jun 2009, 16:19 GMT reply to this comment

Gene go swallow your tongue and shut up! yuck.... you are low class, you got your little headline talking about Adam just like Clay......pathetic


Comment #26 by: *Beenie* on 13 Jun 2009, 17:14 GMT reply to this comment

Well folks, Gene Simmons has the right to his opinion... even if it's way WAY off. Isn't it obvious that the luck of KISS is starting to run out... with, what, Gene having to resort to being on a reality show (which, by the way, puts the entire Simmons household and all their personal laundry, is anyone in your family gay?, on camera) to help, what... pay the bills? The only thing about Gene that's worth noting during the AI performance was his massive gut spilling over his spandex pants - his make up also helped hide the sagging wrinkles on his face. Adam was forced to confront his sexuality because of the MEDIA, which, in my opinion, I believe Adam handled exceptionally well and with dignity and grace. If anything, I think Adam's timing of and venue for his disclosure was purrrfect! The world is in a better place when it comes to embracing others for who they are - completely and without fear. I LOVE everything about Adam Lambert and LOVE how intelligent, dynamic, brrrrilliant, and awesome he is. I am a totally straight female who is enjoying Adam's music, performances, career, and message that love, and not war, will always win in the end.


Comment #27 by: Also an Adam Fan on 13 Jun 2009, 20:46 GMT reply to this comment

It's kind of funny it's kind of sad (Mad World) that Gene after Adam sang with Kiss on the AI finale did not hesitate to put Adam on his online front page including that YouTube had over 1 million view before being pulled out and advertized the video clip for sale on iTune (still a best seller in the US and in Canada) - Gene: do your home work everybody knew for over 2 month that Adam was GAY this did not come as a surprise for anybody, all his fan clubs knew and could not care less! If that surprised you, you probably were the only that did not know? Even David Archuleta guest it? So comming out pleased Adam fans as we got to get a great Rolling Stone cover and some great pictures! Adam is know more popular than ever! I just mailed some Rolling Stone magazines to fans in Asia that could not get it there! YOU ARE WRONG GENE! BEST CAREER MOVE THAT ADAM COULD HAVE DONE!


Comment #28 by: Mont on 13 Jun 2009, 23:26 GMT reply to this comment

Old Gene. I understand there are few things why you bash Adam:

1. Jealousy - not only he's more talented than you are, but more good looking than you. Just hide your ugly face with make -up. Your make-up is scary but your true face is SCARIER. We prefer your make-up then.

2. No more source of income. Your career had been dead long time ago. You desperately need Adam's help. Be thankful to Adam because your name has not been heard for long time until Adam re-introduce you to AI. It was him who wanted you there.

3. To push him away to the rock world, because you feel he is a a big threat. Well, why worry, you're not popular anymore, you'll just be totally forgotten, as Adam comes in in rock music.

4. "Riding on Adam's coattail".

You are an ugly BULL Dog, & ADAM is a very cutie puppy, And everyone likes puppy, not big dog.


Comment #29 by: Fabi on 14 Jun 2009, 10:38 GMT reply to this comment

I just think that Simmons is very jeaous of ADAM. I enjoy watching Kiss because of ADAM. I have never ike them really because they used to scare me. Adam you are great. You are going to find more simmons in your carrier because you are amaizing. thank you for eting us know about who you reay are. I am a bit desapointed becouse you are one gourgeous men. I wish you the best!!!!!


Comment #30 by: michaeljoe on 14 Jun 2009, 13:46 GMT reply to this comment

I noticed in the Gene Simmons interview that before he commented on Adam Lambert he first promoted his reality show, concert and new album. Gene is just another celebrity using Adam Lambert to promote his own interest. It's ok Gene you can ride on Adam's coat tail if you need to I'm sure he won['t mind to much. Mr. Simmons referred to Adam as a puppy, this comment coming from a man who performs with his tongue hanging out like a dog all the time. Excuse me! Look who is calling the kettle black when Gene ran around bragging for years about the number of women he slept with, no that no one believed him them anymore than they do today. In short Mr. Simmons needs to wake up and smell the coffee and realize that he's history and Adam is our future. Rest in peace old man.


Comment #31 by: sha on 14 Jun 2009, 15:53 GMT reply to this comment

Well, here's another "has been " who's riding on Adam's coat tails!!! Gene, your glory days are over, shouldn't you be heading to the retirement home now??? You sound really jealous, insecure and hypocrite!!!!


Comment #32 by: LA on 18 Jun 2009, 16:31 GMT reply to this comment

Gene Simmons should shut up! Adam is more talented, better looking and has a better voice and .....it just sounds like sour grapes Gene. How did it feel to perform on stage with Adam? I'll bet the envy was overwhelming. You are ugly, have a horrible voice and have done the same crap forever. It's pretty sad that you have to do reality shows, brag about your busy life and talk about farm animals and puppies LOL... Seriously, you are a pathetic joke and we are all laughing at you.. Go stick out your tongue in the mirror you old has been. You've been rock and rolling all night too many nights it seems. This middle aged woman has had enough!


Comment #33 by: Lauren on 25 Jun 2009, 17:47 GMT reply to this comment

Gene Simmons is a hypocrite.

So no one wants to know about what goes on about closed doors, huh?
Is this the same man who's gonna put his family on a reality tv show?
Is this the same man who bragged about doing it with 4600 women?

Who are you to say that people should leave their private lives private?

Or is it just that gay people should do that? I'm sensing a LOT of homophobia from you. Surprise surprise, "the masses" don't mind being "forced to deal with it" at all. Our generation does not give a damn about people's sexual preferences.


Comment #34 by: interesting on 27 Jul 2009, 17:09 GMT reply to this comment

Oh my! I have ALWAYS been a Gene Simmons fan, but not anymore. This is pure jealousy on his part. Adam is a tremendous talent. As one of the posts points out, Gene is famous for the number of women of women he has slept with and is a reality tv star. And he wants Adam to keep quiet about his private life. Give me a break and get a life Gene! Your time has passed!

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