Simmons has got to be one of the most egotistical, arrogant people in the music industry. To say something in public about anyone who just passed, so very shameful.
Perfect timing. I've read a number of posts on this thread like the above, and this one came through right when I wondered if I should comment.
Many here are all about defending Prince's addiction issues because it was a response to pain, and we understand pain. Physical pain.
It doesn't matter that Prince had the ability, agency, and means to a) not get hooked, and b) get help when he did. He gets a pass because we like him or his music, or his "contribution to culture." And we know physical pain.
But Simmons on the other hand, is an "ass-hat". His emotional disorders cause behavior that offends the tender sensibilities of those who don't even know him because they don't understand mental health problems. Mental health problems are far more stigmatized than drug problems. So when Simmons mouths off, people don't say "oh, isn't it sad that his emotional problems have atrophied his empathic abilities, I sure wish he and others like him could get help for the sake of his family and friends." And he didn't play bass like Jaco Pastorius (another musician with mental health problems) So, he's an ass-hat. "egotistical, arrogant [...] shameful."
Narcissism is not an epithet you direct at someone with an overdeveloped self image. It's a mental health issue. Had Simmons never been successful with Kiss, he still would be a narcissist. That doesn't make him a bad person, it only means that things that come out of his mouth may reflect an inability to relate to other's thoughts or feelings. In our society, that's a social crime. Drug addiction? oh, poor soul.
Prince was a talented dude whose music I had no inclination to buy. His death was too early and even more sadly, preventable.
Simmons is a talented dude whose music I bought until his creative fire was overtaken by success. With therapy, the discomfort that he causes his family (he has few friends) could be prevented. I wish him well.
As for you, my TB friends: If you're one those who have nothing but "ass-hat" and "shameful" for those that don't have all the screws in their head buttoned down, take a look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself just how compassionate you really think you are?
Of course, you don't have to be compassionate, now do you?
You could just be an ass-hat.
Right?
