Gene Simmons

[Eric Moesle]

Originally posted by redneck2wild
KISS has several live albums that he plays the hard interesting lines on.

FWIW, almost ALL live albums have some post-production overdubbing on them, and in some cases entire instrument parts are replaced. This is usually done so well that you can't tell if you try.

 

[acesclone]

Gene is a good bassist, especially for KISS. He played the bassline on DRC. It was suggested by Ezrin. This has been documented several times by both men. KISS has used ghost musicians from time to time. They are ALL well documented here Invalid Link Removed. On the first 8 KISS albums(the ones that REALLY matter) Gene wrote and played the basslines. These are the GREAT bassslines he is known for. In later years he got lazy and usually pumped the single note (trying to keep in style with the hair bands I believe.) Despite his deterioration during this period(a period where he didn't play a LOT of the basslines) he returned to form when the original KISS got back together. Warren Haynes at the KISS show? Seems hard to believe. Was Al DiMeola there with him? Most that dis KISS are jealous of their success. Many "real" musicians can't understand that music is to entertain. That's why KISS plays stadiums and does world tours of over 200 shows. Govt. Mule is lucky to sell out a 1500 seater. I can appreciate all styles of music, most people cannot. Funny, disciples of Billy Sheehan, Jaco and other GREAT bassists can't stand bands like KISS and AC/Dc, BUT Billy himself UNDERSTANDS and appreciates these kinds of bands. Strange world we live in.

 

[buzzbass]

Gene was my original inspiration for taking up the bass when I was a kid. I realize he's not Jaco, but then again who of us is. I enjoy what he and his band have done. Like it or not, they opened up the doors that many of us have stepped or are stepping through now. To all the high brows out there, get off your friggin' high horses. Enjoy it for what it is. Music, plain and simple.

 

[liquid-dream-ex]

Originally posted by Eric Moesle


FWIW, almost ALL live albums have some post-production overdubbing on them, and in some cases entire instrument parts are replaced. This is usually done so well that you can't tell if you try.

Not only some parts were redone in studio at KISS Live Albums, but all of it, including when Paul Stanley talked to the audience.

 

[liquid-dream-ex]

Kiss was also my main band that got me into music, and I used to love Gene.

I dont know if it are his lines or someones' else, but I still like them, and they are pretty solid.

 

[Funkster]

Originally posted by acesclone
Gene is a good bassist, especially for KISS. He played the bassline on DRC. It was suggested by Ezrin. This has been documented several times by both men. KISS has used ghost musicians from time to time. They are ALL well documented here Invalid Link Removed. On the first 8 KISS albums(the ones that REALLY matter) Gene wrote and played the basslines. These are the GREAT bassslines he is known for. In later years he got lazy and usually pumped the single note (trying to keep in style with the hair bands I believe.) .

Finally a post that tells the truth in this thread!!

Did anybody in this thread ever listen to Almost Human or Hundred thousand years or fire house, Man you guy's are missing some killer pick playin on the earlier albums.
Kiss was the Sh*% in 1978 Gene is what made me get my first bass.

 

[FunkaLunk Kitty]

Originally posted by liquid-dream-ex


Not only some parts were redone in studio at KISS Live Albums, but all of it, including when Paul Stanley talked to the audience.

It is true that some of the KISS studio work was redone. But never was it the band talking. The main work was actually done to the sounds of the crowd. The wanted the live albums to sound rowdier than they did so yes the put some ummph into the crowd.

My instructor knows Gene quite well. When I heard a lot of these rumors about Gene not playing on some of their albums and especially that he couldn't actually play well I asked me instrutor about it. He just rolled his eyes and said that people need to realize that perhaps Gene is not the greatest bass player in the world but that he can jam with some of the best.

 

[brake]

I like this thread so I'm gonna bring it back.

I like Gene's playing.


*puts on flameproof suit*

 

[Loren]

well, I have four pieces of evidence to the contrary.
exhibit a: bootleg recording of kiss alive! 4 (with the melbourne symphony).
exhibit b: official kiss alive! 4 CD's
exhibit c: kiss alive! 4 dvd
exhibit d: being front row at gene's feet during the entire melbourne kiss alive! 4 concert

verdict: gene not only plays his own basslines but he playes them very well. gene plays very tight, flowing basslines, and he plays them effortlessly while singing and doesnt look at the fretboard even once.
say what you may, but the proof is in the pickin'.
the only major difference between the bootlegs and the official CD's is the removal of much of pauls "between song" banter.

gene rocks!

i can understand how he as a man can turn many ppl off, but so could jaco...

FWIW, almost ALL live albums have some post-production overdubbing on them, and in some cases entire instrument parts are replaced. This is usually done so well that you can't tell if you try.

even if you are talking about a bootleg? i didnt think so.

 

[The Mock Turtle Regulator]

I've had to learn "Psycho circus"- that one's fun to play with a pick.

 

[hands5]

Gene Simmons is not a good bassist. "ghost" musicians did the KISS bass lines.

How do you know that he didn't play those lines or not ?
As one person has already stated,Gene isn't a ground braking bass player,but what I do know he's better than what you think.

 

[Funkster]

Here's the Setlist I had to learn for a Kiss tribute night that we are doing in april. Let me tell ya Gene is no slouch, Just listen to the chorus in She and tell me that's not a Sir Paul inspired bass line.
I Want You
100,0000 years
Shock Me
Got Love for sale
Parasite
FireHouse
ColdGin
SnowBlind (Frehleys solo album)
Almost Human (My personal favorite)
She
Rock Bottom
Black Diamond

This is going to be fun...

 

[NV43345]

Hey Henry, that gig sounds like alot of fun, what Bass are you
going to play ? got any new ones lately ?

 

[Funkster]

Hey Henry, that gig sounds like alot of fun, what Bass are you
going to play ? got any new ones lately ?

I'm using this badboy, (82 Ibanez Musician) It just sounds fantastic for pickstyle playing.
Link Removed

Funny you ask if I got anything new, I just traded my PV classic 400 head for this baby from Zooomboy and couldn't be happier. Early 80's St Blues Bluesking!! I love these basses
Link Removed

 

[Electricmayhem]

well he sure has a long tongue

That's true...

Hey, has anyone ever read any of the KISS comics!

Or has anyone gotten any of their action figures?

They're a merchandising empire, not a band!

 

[metaldog]

Gene is one of the most underrated bassists out there. True, other musicians played some of his parts on some tunes (Paul played "Love Gun", Ace generally played bass on all his tunes), but on those first three albums, it's all him. Gene has always been very up front about it. And yeah, I have the dolls, posters, etc, etc, but that doesn't take away from the fact that KISS is a tight band. Unfortunately, the image has overshadowed the fact that thay have some badassed tunes with alot of groove.

KISS is the reason I became interested in music and above all, I love KISS for the music first, not all the other stuff.

I think his lines are creative, have alot of melody and above all, are FUN to play. When I was a kid and I'd sing along to a KISS tune, I always found myself humming to the bassline.

Gene has described himself as a "meat and potatoes" player and having "a workingman's style". He couldn't care less about virtuosity, but he can throw it down!

PS. Has anyone else noticed that while Gene plays with a pick, he always uses his fingers in the videos?

Long may the God Of Thunder reign!

 

[metaldog]

BTW, Electricmayhem, love your signature. I miss C&H.

 

[Funkster]

Gene is one of the most underrated bassists out there. True, other musicians played some of his parts on some tunes (Paul played "Love Gun", Ace generally played bass on all his tunes), but on those first three albums, it's all him. Gene has always been very up front about it. And yeah, I have the dolls, posters, etc, etc, but that doesn't take away from the fact that KISS is a tight band. Unfortunately, the image has overshadowed the fact that thay have some badassed tunes with alot of groove.

KISS is the reason I became interested in music and above all, I love KISS for the music first, not all the other stuff.

I think his lines are creative, have alot of melody and above all, are FUN to play. When I was a kid and I'd sing along to a KISS tune, I always found myself humming to the bassline.

Gene has described himself as a "meat and potatoes" player and having "a workingman's style". He couldn't care less about virtuosity, but he can throw it down!

PS. Has anyone else noticed that while Gene plays with a pick, he always uses his fingers in the videos?

Long may the God Of Thunder reign!

Great post Metaldog!

 

[metaldog]

Great post Metaldog!

Hey, thanks. And good luck with your tribute show, sounds like a blast. BTW, "100, 000 Years" has always been a favorite of mine to jam to and the groove on "She" is so damned sleazy, I love it!

 

[NV43345]

Quote:Funny you ask if I got anything new, I just traded my PV classic 400 head for this baby from Zooomboy and couldn't be happier. Early 80's St Blues Bluesking!! I love these basses.

That is one sweet lookin Bass, and good choice on the Ibanez.
My Favorite Kiss song to play is Domino.
I met Gene in x-mas 1989 we played a Shriners Hall Benifit show and he Jammed with us on strutter. I had him autograph
the insert from my Crazy Nights CD. He is a very nice and stayed and signed everything everyone brought and took pictures. He played a Black Stingray with a Maple neck. thru
my Peavey Mk VI & 2X15 cab.