Gene Simmons Admits KISS Stole From Band

KISS legend Gene Simmons recently opened up on the band’s merchandise.

KISS has been one of the most popular rock bands for decades. They are also popular for their merchandise. They have different products listed as part of their official merch line.

Gene Simmons explains the music business

During an interview on Really Famous with Kara Mayer Robinson , Kiss’ Gene Simmons discussed the music business. And how important it is for musicians to familiarize themselves with it.

“Unfortunately, most guys that strum guitars never paid attention to truth in advertising,” Simmons said (transcribed by Ultimate Guitar ). It was never called ‘music,’ it was always called ‘music business.’ ‘Yeah, but music is more fun. ‘Business’ is guys with Jewish names.’ Predominantly, yes. ‘But I don’t want to pay attention to that.’ Well, too bad. And so, from the outset, we took care of that. Created trademarks.”

“There was a Kiss before Kiss, they never trademarked the name. You snooze, you lose. ‘I didn’t know that.’ Well, it was your responsibility. You have an inferred fiduciary duty to yourself to find out who, what, when, where, how. Having the right thing at the right place at the right time. That’s your responsibility.”

Simmons further discussed when he first realized that that was a demand for Kiss products other than merely albums and concert tickets. And he has early fans of the band to thank for it.

“We saw fans, early fans or curiosity fans, who started to make their own Kiss t-shirts. They’re telling you what they want, or what they’re willing to pay [for]. So, the audience is always right. And since then, it’s been… Oh my God, over 50 years, and boy do I look good!”

“It’s been over 50 years. And during that time, I get to do the joke, but it’s also true: we’ve had literally thousands of licensed products: everything from Kiss condoms to Kiss caskets. We’ll get you coming, and we’ll get you going.”

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