HEROES-Gene Simmons

Most people think of integrity as honesty, but I prefer the more precise definition of having the same quality throughout. With this precise definition, we can see that even scoundrels can have integrity. They can only ruin it by doing something chivalrous.

There is no danger in Gene Simmons displaying chivalry. But the man does have integrity. He is a selfish individual out to make a dollar. He has no pretensions about making great art or saving the world. He is true to his individualism, and I admire him for that.

Gene gets a lot of criticism for being a one man marketing machine, and he stands opposed to those earnest rockers from the 70's to today who like to pretend they are more than what they are which are entertainers. Gene says it best:

Anyone who tells you they got into rock n` roll for reasons other than girls, fame and money is full of shit.

Ouch! Rolling Stone may have been harsh to KISS over the years, but I think Gene is right. Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen have made a lot of cheddar. But those guys are poets. And what about Saint Bono? That guy is the savior of humanity. But I think Gene says it best again:

When you really think about it, I'm not delusional enough to think that what I do is important to life as we know it on this planet. No. But neither is what you do.

Who is the arrogant person? Is it the one who dresses up like an asshole and gives you a good show? Or is it the one who dresses up like an asshole and charges you money to hear him preach at you for your consumerist lifestyle? Clearly, Gene Simmons shows greater integrity on this, but you won't find KISS in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. You will find ABBA.

Rolling Stone would define musical integrity as not selling out to corporate interests or endorsing a Republican for public office. Gene Simmons has done both which is why KISS gets no credit from the RS folks. But in today's age, we have rockstars selling their songs for credit card commercials. We rockstars angry that their fans download their music for free from Limewire and then sue those fans. Gene is right. These folks want the fame and the chicks and the money just like he does. The only difference is that Gene Simmons doesn't gild his intentions. He is honest. he wants to get laid, and he wants to get paid. And he is willing to prostitute himself for that end. He has wedded capitalism to being a rockstar, and he believes in giving value for the dollar.

Has Gene always given value for the dollar? I don't think so. He has put out some product over the years that frankly sucks, and he will agree with you. But consumers vote with their dollars, and Gene listens.

In the realm of his personal life, Gene is also unique. He has never married and portrays himself as a sex fiend. But he also eschews drugs and alcohol and shows that he is a good father on Family Jewels. He is honest about who he is. As Gene puts it:

The first thing I did when I met Shannon Tweed, or Cher, was say: `Here, there are no skeletons in Gene Simmons`s closet.` I refuse to lead a Dr Jekyll-and-Mr Hyde life. There are DJs who get caught with prostitutes, MPs with stockings on their head. It`s a waste of time. Just say, `This is who I am. Take it or leave it.` Then you sleep well.

And this sums up what Gene Simmons is all about. Integrity is not about living up to some mythic ideal. Integrity is being true to who you are. Gene Simmons does that. He is what he is. Take it or leave it.

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