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Opinion on Gene Simmons

Opinion on Gene Simmons

  • He's Awesome

    Votes: 41 8.4%

  • He's Ok

    Votes: 182 37.1%

  • He's Absolutely Horrible

    Votes: 191 38.9%

  • No Opinion

    Votes: 77 15.7%
  • Total voters
    491
  • Poll closed .
#181
JimmyM said:
I don't think I am. I think musical integrity exists, but every popular band represents a huge effort from many people besides the band members, and I don't know of a single band out there that hasn't had to do something that they didn't want to do at some point in order to put their band out there or make a name for themselves. If one exists, I'd like to see it because it would be a miracle. And when they say that they've done exactly what they want every step of the way, I don't believe them.
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Logic states you can't prove a negative. Therefore how can anyone prove not a single band didn't do something they didn't want to do in order to gain some name or success? Didn't want to do? That's all very ambiguous and so open ended it could mean anything! I didn't particularly feel like going to band prac four nights in a row last week for a big support gig we had to further our name. Does that mean I have now lost all integrity, even though I was looking forward to the gig? And just because you don't believe someone doesn't make it untrue, it just means you don't believe them.

However, once you sell a buttload of albums, it gets infinitely easier to deal with people and have the clout to call more of your own shots. Just remember that music is only a small part of the music business.
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Yes, well for the third time, are you talking about the music INDUSTRY, or musicians in the industry?
 
#182
Jake of Bass said:
Logic states you can't prove a negative. Therefore how can anyone prove not a single band didn't do something they didn't want to do in order to gain some name or success? Didn't want to do? That's all very ambiguous and so open ended it could mean anything! I didn't particularly feel like going to band prac four nights in a row last week for a big support gig we had to further our name. Does that mean I have now lost all integrity, even though I was looking forward to the gig? And just because you don't believe someone doesn't make it untrue, it just means you don't believe them.

Yes, well for the third time, are you talking about the music INDUSTRY, or musicians in the industry?
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I'm not sure what you're trying to get out of me here. Are you trying to get me to admit that Tool and Mr. Bungle never had to compromise on anything at any single point in their career? I believe that Tool has been largely left alone musically, but I find it very hard to believe that a producer never took issue with anything Tool has ever done and attempted to get them to change it, and I also find it hard to believe that members of a band that makes millions have never had to make a compromise for the good of the band. I firmly believe it is impossible.
 
#183
JimmyM said:
I don't think I am. I think musical integrity exists, but every popular band represents a huge effort from many people besides the band members, and I don't know of a single band out there that hasn't had to do something that they didn't want to do at some point in order to put their band out there or make a name for themselves. If one exists, I'd like to see it because it would be a miracle. And when they say that they've done exactly what they want every step of the way, I don't believe them.

However, once you sell a buttload of albums, it gets infinitely easier to deal with people and have the clout to call more of your own shots. Just remember that music is only a small part of the music business.
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Phish.
 
#184
The guy hasn't had the need to hold down a real job in over 30 years. That makes him a success in my book, and by extension 30+ years of success make him an awesome musician. He's not my favorite, but he's obviously doing something right.
 
#185
JimmyM said:
I'm not sure what you're trying to get out of me here. Are you trying to get me to admit that Tool and Mr. Bungle never had to compromise on anything at any single point in their career? I believe that Tool has been largely left alone musically, but I find it very hard to believe that a producer never took issue with anything Tool has ever done and attempted to get them to change it, and I also find it hard to believe that members of a band that makes millions have never had to make a compromise for the good of the band. I firmly believe it is impossible.
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Ok, well let's run with what you believe to be impossible for the moment. If this scenario pans out as true, does this mean they lose integrity? At what point are you suggesting a producer has enough sway over a band that it means they have no integrity? And this is all under the assumption that the producer isn't putting the music first, which is simply not true a lot of the time. Rick Rubin is one producer who has shaped many bands - do they lose integrity because they worked with someone so influential and amazing at what they do?

Ultimately what you're saying (based upon your first post in this discussion) is that NO band in the music industry has ANY integrity. Which I find to be a ludicrous statement.
 
#187
JimmyM said:
I don't think I am. I think musical integrity exists, but every popular band represents a huge effort from many people besides the band members, and I don't know of a single band out there that hasn't had to do something that they didn't want to do at some point in order to put their band out there or make a name for themselves. If one exists, I'd like to see it because it would be a miracle. And when they say that they've done exactly what they want every step of the way, I don't believe them.

However, once you sell a buttload of albums, it gets infinitely easier to deal with people and have the clout to call more of your own shots. Just remember that music is only a small part of the music business.
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This guy knows what he's talking about.
 
#192
RONQUITO said:
my GOD i just finished watching the youtube bass "solo"....

seriously, i feel sick, and...kind of sorry for him, i don´t care that he has ALL the money in the world...
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You people talk about that "solo" like it was Gene up there, giving it everything he had technically. Do you realize you sound like boobs? A Kiss show was about theatrics. First and foremost. I enjoy their music. it's influenced me. I also think Gene is a solid player, writing/playing some DAMN tasty walking lines and counter melodies that fits the music perfectly.

Regardless, their live shows were theatrics. Judging by the reaction of the crowd for that solo, he did a damn good job I'd say! I can think of a similar silly solo that Michael Anthony did that's all over YouTube. So what? It's for the show and audience response. They both got a HUGE (positive) audience response! :rolleyes:
 
#193
Jake of Bass said:
Mike Patton was in Mr. Bungle for about 5 years before he was recruited by Jim Martin to join Faith No More. Tool held onto their copyright and artistic control before they ever made it to a recording studio, before they ever made or sold a record or played a big gig. And have kept it that way the entire time.
You give both more integrity credit than they deserve.

TooL is a product, to be sold. It's self admitted.
Tell me that Puscifier would do as well as it is without the label of being "Maynard's project" attached to it.
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#196
I'm posting to retract an earlier post in which I basically slammed Gene Simmons. That was a 3 beer post, so I was a bit buzzed, and I was expressing my gut reaction to Kiss, a band that I still dislike (for which I make no apologies).

My #1 rule for any bass player is "Give yourself to the song; it's not about you, it's about the song". Stage antics and tongue aside, Simmons did just that. So, while he's no virtuoso, he gets an OK from me.

I just finished my third beer. I should probably quit while I'm ahead.
 
#198
Jake of Bass said:
Ok, well let's run with what you believe to be impossible for the moment. If this scenario pans out as true, does this mean they lose integrity? At what point are you suggesting a producer has enough sway over a band that it means they have no integrity? And this is all under the assumption that the producer isn't putting the music first, which is simply not true a lot of the time. Rick Rubin is one producer who has shaped many bands - do they lose integrity because they worked with someone so influential and amazing at what they do?

Ultimately what you're saying (based upon your first post in this discussion) is that NO band in the music industry has ANY integrity. Which I find to be a ludicrous statement.
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OK bro. Have fun!
 

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