KISS’ Gene Simmons Rips Johnny Marr for Apparently Blocking Smiths Reunion: “Get Rid of the Guitar Player”

The post KISS’ Gene Simmons Rips Johnny Marr for Apparently Blocking Smiths Reunion: “Get Rid of the Guitar Player” appeared first on Consequence .

KISS ’ Gene Simmons has weighed in on guitarist Johnny Marr ’s apparent adamance against a Smiths reunion, stating that the band should reunite without Marr if he’s not willing play along and reap the profits.

Simmons’ remarks came during an extensive interview with Forbes in which the KISS founder was asked about numerous topics and trends in the music industry — including notable reunions in the wake of KISS’ own retirement.

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After commenting on the recent headlines made by the return of Oasis and Linkin Park, Simmons was asked about the potential reunion of another vaunted band, The Smiths. As recently reported, singer Morrissey disclosed that The Smiths have been greeted with lucrative offers to reunite, but accused Marr of turning down the opportunity . Likely standing in the way is Marr’s disdain for Morrissey’s recent far-right political views.

Simmons’ solution? Find another guitarist.

“Get rid of the guitar player and get somebody else,” Simmons said. “Nobody cares. They just want to hear the songs. I keep saying this over and over again. If you go down the street, and with all due respect to Johnny Marr, you go down the street and ask the general person, ‘Who’s Johnny Marr?’ they won’t know who you’re talking about.”

Simmons continued: “[Hypothetically], saying no to $100 million dollars would be lunacy. What other job would pay you that!? Unless you’re willing to break your back and play football or something…”

Gene’s comments aren’t surprising considering he applied the same logic to KISS when things went sour with longtime axeman Ace Frehley.

As for Morrissey, Simmons said he has “exchanged pleasantries” with the iconic singer and called him a “great artist.” He also stood up for Morrissey’s opinionated and outspoken nature, which has led to backlash over the years.

“It’s funny to look at a gift horse in the mouth,” Simmons said. “We’re all alive, and every artist and every human being has a right to express their opinion. ‘Here’s my opinion on that. I think you should be angry’ — or not. And that’s his opinion. I happen to agree with it. … I say more power to [Morrissey] for speaking up. And by the way, if you want to take advantage of capitalism, which is to have a record company give you money, you can’t blame him.”

For now, fans can catch Johnny Marr on a co-headlining North American tour with James. The outing kicks off Tuesday night (September 17th) in Denver, with tickets available here .

KISS’ Gene Simmons Rips Johnny Marr for Apparently Blocking Smiths Reunion: “Get Rid of the Guitar Player”
Jon Hadusek