Ok. We admit that things got a little rocky (no pun intended, Ha!) when our entertainment correspondent Reid Ard tried to interview former KISS frontman and Rock and Roll legend Gene Simmons. Apparently, Reid wasn't aware that he was supposed to read Simmons' new book prior to the interview. As a result, Gene give him the big KISS-off (yes, pun intended, Ha!) and the interview was cut prematurely short.
But have no fear. We at Imbecile Magazine are journalists first and idiots second. We would never let a big fish like Gene Simmons get off the Imbecile Magazine hook. Not when we have him right where we want him -- in the Imbecile Magazine Newsroom! So here's part II of our exclusive chat with Simmons -- conducted by yours truly!
Dim Whitt
Senior Editor
D.W.: Ok, now that the dust has settled. I want to thank you for giving us another chance here at Imbecile Magazine. I'm glad that we could reach an agreement as to the terms of the interview.
G.S.: (counting) 14...15...16...17...18...19...Hey, you're short by a hundred! You said two grand for the hour!
D.W.: Oh, sorry about that. Here you go. (pause) Anyway, we're going to talk about your latest book, Ladies of the Night, but first I'd like to go back and talk about the early years of what many people consider to be the greatest rock and roll band of all time.
G.S.: Lord help me.
D.W.: How did you come up with the name "KISS?"
G.S.: Wow! That's a fascinating question! Did you come up with that one yourself or do you have a team of experts working around the clock?
D.W.: No, I came up with it.
G.S.: Oh, I see. Well, let's see. How did we come up with the name? You know, I've only been asked that question about six million times. Let me see if I can recall the story.
D.W.: Ok.
G.S.: We were sitting around...trying to figure out what would be a good name for a rock and roll band. We had some ideas but we hadn't yet come up with the perfect name. Then we asked ourselves: "What would be a good name for a band?" Some people had some names. Some other people had some other names. But we hadn't yet come up with the name that we wanted. Then, it was suggested that we name the band: "KISS." And we agreed that that would be a good name. So, there you have it, and the rest is history!
D.W.: That's fascinating! So, who came up with the name?
G.S.: Jesus. The band was formed in 1973. That was more than 30 years ago. I don't remember all the minor details.
D.W.: Ok. Let's talk about some of your hit songs. One of my favorite songs is "Rock and Roll All Night." The song says, and I quote: "I wanna rock and roll all night and party every day." Did you, in fact, want to rock and roll all night and party every day? Is that song autobiographical in any way?
G.S.: Gee, that's a good question. I've never thought about it. Actually, I did rock and roll all night and party every day. But I'm not sure if there was an actual connection between what I was doing and the writing of that song. You know, I've never thought about it. Can I get back to you on that one?
D.W.: Sure, no problem. Now -- I wanted to ask you about the band itself. What was it like working with Tommy Lee?
G.S.: I don't know. I never worked with Tommy Lee.
D.W.: Wasn't he the drummer?
G.S.: No, he wasn't.
D.W.: Well, according to my notes, he was the drummer.
G.S.: Your notes are wrong.
D.W.: Oh, I get it. Because Tommy Lee has had legal troubles, your attorney advised you not to comment on him, right?
G.S.: No. I comment on whomever I like. But you asked me if Tommy Lee was the drummer and whether I worked with him and I told you that I had neither worked with him, nor was he the drummer.
D.W.: Hmmm?
G.S.: He was the drummer for Motley Crue. Perhaps you mixed up the two bands?
D.W.: Oh...yeah! That's right! Wow! I guess I did mix that up. Did you like Motley Crue?
G.S.: That does it! I'm out of here!
D.W.: No....no...please...wait! Sit down! Let's talk about your book! It's called: Ladies of the Night, right?
G.S.: Yes.
D.W.: So what's it about?
G.S.: Whores.
D.W.: Really?
G.S.: Yes, really.
D.W.: It says here that it "offers a fresh look at the history of the world's oldest profession as seen through the eyes of rock legend - and renowned ladies' man - Gene Simmons."
G.S.: That's right.
D.W.: Well, the world's oldest profession isn't being a whore, is it?
G.S.: Yes, it is.
D.W.: I would think there would be professions that are much older. Like hunting dinosaurs or building caves, or making wheels?
G.S.: Were you saying something? I was farting into this cushion.
D.W.: I was just saying...is prostitution really the world's oldest profession?
G.S.: I knew I shouldn't have eaten that chili. Actually, I'm glad I did. Can you smell that?
D.W.: Yes I can. Should I change the subject?
G.S.: Hey, it's your $2000. I'm working by the hour.
D.W.: That's right! Just like a prostitute.
G.S.: Just like a prostitute.
D.W.: So have you ever visited a prostitute?
G.S.: What do you think?
D.W.: I don't know.
G.S.: Read the book.
D.W.: I will.
G.S.: Read it now.
D.W.: I don't think we have time for me to read the whole thing. Maybe I can look at some of the illustrations and ask you about them. Oh...this one is naughty! Oh my!
G.S.: God, this chili is really turning my stomach upside down. You mind if I hit the head while you page through the book?
D.W.: No, go right ahead. It's the second door on the right.
Editor's note: Well, aside from a series of flushing sounds, we didn't hear anymore from Mr. Simmons. The rock and roller spent the balance of the agreed upon hour in the restroom. When I tried to get a few more questions in, his bodyguard slammed me against the wall and head butted me until I lost consciousness. I never did read the book. The bodyguard took it out of my hand and bonked me over the head with it about a million times.
[Photos: Above: Gene Simmons and two "friends," 2008. Below: Gene Simmons as "The Demon" in KISS, 1979]
Tomorrow! Our swimsuit issue caused quite an uproar. Find out about our most controversial issue ever!
