Kiss bassist Gene Simmons and his band mates fell ill with Corona several times last year, so tour dates had to be postponed. Due to the vaccination, however, he “had no symptoms,” said the musician. Now Simmons openly appealed to all previous opponents of the vaccination and explained that they were still a danger to themselves and those around them.
Gene Simmons is a ‘cautious guy’
Gene Simmons begins by saying he’s “always been a cautious guy.” As an example, he cites never having been hit by a car because he always makes sure to “do what I was taught to do on a street corner”: “It’s look both ways, cross the street when it’s green […] and so forth.”
For him, the pandemic situation is exactly the same: Anyone who gets vaccinated and takes precautions in this way would minimize their risk, according to the bassist. But he also emphasizes that “the pandemic and COVID could be life-threatening,” “especially if you already have other diseases that could die from you.” already died. Almost 10 million people worldwide have died from this disease. I know those conspiracy idiots will tell you that’s not true – but it is true.”
Mild course due to corona vaccination
Simmons therefore “had been vaccinated twice, then received a booster” and is planning another booster vaccination in the near future. In addition, the 72-year-old would be vaccinated against the flu every year.
His Covid disease last year was mild “due to the vaccination”, he says. He didn’t have to suffer a runny nose or pain, on the contrary, he would even have “had more appetite and gained a few pounds”. He also attributes this to the vaccination.
Vaccination is like buckle up
The musician tries to explain how the vaccine works with an analogy: “When you are in the car, the law says you have to wear a seat belt. While this won’t prevent an accident, it can save you from having to pay for a new face if it hits the windshield. A vaccine may not prevent you from getting COVID, but it can prevent you from going to the hospital and getting a tube up your butt.”
Simmons appeal to the unvaccinated
“Normally” Simmons is not a friend of telling others “what to do”. But in this case, the personal decision of everyone would also affect their environment. Appealing to those who have not voluntarily been vaccinated, he asks: “If you are willing to put your hand over your mouth when you sneeze, which under normal circumstances poses no threat to others, why not get vaccinated as well [gegen COVID]which could well be life-threatening for you and others?”
The Kiss member had previously spoken out several times against opponents of vaccination and advocated compulsory vaccination. In this context, he had also criticized politicians who, in his view, acted “self-interested” and “are more interested in being re-elected than actually saving lives”. As early as 2020, the musician had called on fans to wear their masks.
Gene Simmons recently announced a partnership with guitar manufacturer Gibson. He will be releasing an entire collection with the brand, his ‘Thunderbird’ bass model is already available. In addition, the musician made it clear once again that Kiss’ final end is imminent. In 2023, with the end of the “End of the Road” tour, the end of the band should also be certain. In Germany, the hard rockers will be seen live for the last time in June.