Gene Simmons surprisingly spoke out in favor of EDM and rap artists who neither sing live nor play an instrument. This statement was unexpected – in 2016, the Kiss bassist complained that he was looking forward to the “death of rap”.
Old wise man
In his recent remarks on The Adam Carolla Show, Simmons explained that his opinion on the concept of live shows in EDM (Electronic Dance Music) and rap has changed. Instead of focusing on the traditional elements of a band performance, what matters to him is how the audience experiences the performance. The reason for the inspiration could be the planning of the group’s own Kiss Avatar show, a virtual concert that is scheduled to take place in the next few years. “There are no rules anymore. And I want to say something on behalf of EDM and rap and all that stuff. I don’t have to understand it. It’s just about the fans going crazy,” said the 74-year-old.
Simmons justified his latest finding by saying that the creative work of these types of music takes place in the studio. The moment of the concert is more of a production. “The big acts, who are called DJs, work on the computer beforehand. “Then the moment comes, you put your finger in the air, press a button and the crowd goes wild,” “The Demon” explained.
The Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame – a multi-generational house
But, now? This flash of inspiration is in stark contrast to Simmons’ previous comments about rap and “canned music.” In 2016, the musician, who also declared that rock had suffered cardiac arrest, told Rolling Stone that he was looking forward to the “death of rap”. For him, a song has lyrics, but also always a melody. Rap, he concluded at the time, was not “real” music, but rather a form of “speaking”. “Rap is going to die. Next year, in 10 years, sometime, and then something else will come. And all of that is good and healthy,” predicted the Kiss founding member.
He didn’t get away with this unscathed – his claim was followed by strong backlash, especially from the hip-hop scene. When they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Ohio, the NWA rappers referenced the made-up rock star in their acceptance speech. “I want to tell Mr. Gene Simmons that hip-hop will be here forever – get used to it,” MC Ren said. And his colleague Ice Cube followed up: “Rock’n’Roll is not an instrument – Rock’n’Roll is not even a style of music. Rock’n’Roll is an attitude to life!”
Petty quibble? Not rock star-like at all
Simmons didn’t let the barbs against him and his genre sit – and provoked back on social media. He only respects rap when “Jimi Hendrix is inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame.” In 2023, the Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame created a new definition of the term – and largely agreed with the MCs from NWA. Rock’n’Roll is a “spirit”, an attitude to life. It “celebrates the sound of youth culture and honors the artists whose music connects us all.” Is the discussion now finally off the table?