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SINGAPORE : Ask Gene Simmons for the definition of modest and he will probably tell you that such a word does not exist in his dictionary. The controversial, tongue-sticking bassist with the demon persona from rock band KISS, otherwise known for their outlandish stage outfits and trademark make-up, is one who's not afraid to speak his mind.
"They can stand in line if anyone has a problem with it. You know, life is short, say what you mean, mean what you say, passionately believe in what you believe in, so that people don’t think that you are talking out of both sides of your mouth. What I say, I mean. You got a problem with that?" asked Simmons, point blank.
Simmons was in Singapore last week to announce his latest project, "KISS: Carnival of Souls", a musical theatre show produced in collaboration with local company Storm Lion, as well as to shoot episodes for his reality television show, "Gene Simmons' Family Jewels".
"KISS: Carnival of Souls" is the brainchild between Simmons and fellow KISS band mate Paul Stanley, and is based on a song of the same title that Simmons wrote.
Describing it as a "visual, aural extravaganza and a cross between Cirque De Soleil, a live KISS concert, combined with special effects," Simmons said the show will be based in Las Vegas, with plans to tour around the world. While it is a KISS-inspired show, the band will not be appearing in it.
“What KISS, the band, usually does is put on big rock extravaganzas. But 'KISS: Carnival of Souls' is actually going to have a storyline - although not a lot of talking.
"You are going to be seeing a basic story premise that takes place in four chapters. It will be presented visually and it involves a journey through the imagination, that’s visually way over the top," explained Simmons when asked if the production was going to differ from what KISS usually does.
Looks like "KISS: Carnival of Souls" is set to be a sellout just like the band.
"We have been a sell-out for 35 years, and we always sell out at every concert," said Simmons.
“KISS is timeless, KISS is not about an era, KISS is anti-fashion and anti-fad. Fashion is an enemy, fashion means that everybody looks at everybody else to figure out how to dress, how to walk, how to talk, what food to eat, what music to listen to.
"KISS does not care and marches to the beat of its own drummer. We do what we want, and if you take a look at how the band dresses on stage, platform heels, leather studs, it has nothing to do with fashion. Fashion can shine our shoes," described Simmons on the band’s unique appeal.
Simmons added, “Our imagery and our iconic brand has not only existed but survived and have pervaded pop culture around the world.”
Being around Simmons is like walking on eggshells. One moment he's being interviewed and the next he's distracted by the sound of the cameraman moving. He makes a comment about the noise and goes back to the interview, without missing a beat.
He admits that most people often mistake his self-confidence for arrogance, “I have a very large ego and I am overly confident of myself to the point of being delusional.”
But beneath that intimidating exterior, Simmons credits his mother as someone who helps him remain grounded. “My mother can see right through me and she should, you need people like that in your life who can pull you back, to keep you real and not let you get too full of yourself.”
When asked to share some of life’s lessons he has learnt along the way, Simmons offered, “Never compromise. Not in your beliefs, and your sense of self. Never dilute who you are. Don’t try to be somebody you are not. Because peer group pressure around you – cool people or not cool people, conservative or liberal people or people who want to censor you - be who you are, be true to yourself.” Spoken like a true rock star.
- CNA/nc
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