Gene Simmons is an Israeli-American musician best known as the bassist and co-lead singer of the hard rock band Kiss, which he co-founded in 1973 with Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss. Born Chaim Witz on August 25, 1949, in Haifa, Israel, he moved to New York as a child and adopted the stage persona "the Demon."
Career Highlights
Simmons co-founded Kiss after his earlier band Wicked Lester disbanded, leading to over 80 million albums sold and more than 2,000 shows worldwide. He has pursued ventures beyond music, including founding Erebus Pictures in 2015 for film production and judging the 2022 talent show Yoshiki Superstar Project X. In 2020, he set Guinness World Records for highest flame projection and most simultaneous flame projections at a Kiss concert.
Recent Events
In October 2025, Simmons, aged 76, was hospitalized following a car crash in Malibu. He recently spoke about his friendship with Ozzy Osbourne in a July 2025 interview, noting fans' grief over Osbourne's legacy. Simmons maintains an active presence on X via @genesimmons and promotes his Axe brand.
Other Ventures and Views
Simmons has acted in films like Extract , starred in the reality show Gene Simmons Family Jewels , and supported causes such as children's healthcare through "The Children Matter." He has voiced strong political opinions, including criticism of COVID-19 vaccine refusers and support for Israel during conflicts.
