Nick Simmons, Sophie (son and daughter) Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed (love of his life)
Gene Simmons knows a thing or two about success. Simmons co-founded KISS 35 years ago and KISS continues to be the juggernaut of licensing and merchandising, with over 2,500 licenses. Not only that, but KISS has broken BOX OFFICE RECORDS set by the Beatles and Elvis and continues stronger than ever. KISS has been America’s number one gold record, award-winning group of all time. And there’s no sign of KISS stopping now. Currently, Gene and his band are embarking on an extensive U.S. and Canadian tour from September to December. He is also starring in the new movie, “Extract,” co-starring Ben Affleck and Jason Bateman, due in theaters soon. Plus, he currently stars in his own successful reality TV show on A&E called “Family Jewels.”
While watching one of his segments on “Family Jewels,” – the “Rootin’ Tootin’ episode, Gene visits Nashville with his manager, Doc McGee. While enjoying the sights, Gene stops by the eclectic Basement Bar and talks to young performers, then visits the famous Tootsie’s Bar downtown. There, Gene observes an up and coming band called “The Drew Davis Band,” a young rock-country band. When they were finished performing, Doc introduced the band to Gene and Gene mentioned that he was considering producing them. The band members were very arrogant and asked him if he was qualified to judge and produce a country/rock band.
Stunned. Shocked. This is the only way to describe this viewer’s reaction. These guys had two-toned hair-dye jobs, sleezy smiles and were typical of many who go to Nashville to “make it big.” Gene informed them that he didn’t need to audition for anyone – that he had paid his dues. After all, not only has Gene been in a very successful rock band, he also discovered Van Halen and produced their 50 song demo. He has managed the recording careers of many others to date.
The members of the Drew Davis Band were arrogant and disrespectful of Gene, but Doc intervened and was able to get the goons to understand that Gene Simmons made a special visit to hear them play and they were wasting his valuable time. I mean, come on guys, Gene Simmons is a legend! The young musicians tried to correct their faux pas and was a tiny bit nicer. Gene, being the older, wiser one, was gracious enough to go visit them in a recording studio the next day. He observed them for a few moments, but nearly walked out because the young members of the band were arguing over trivial matters. Then, Doc intervened again and persuaded the boys to settle down. Gene brought in his friend, Trace Adkins, and the two mega stars gave the young band some good advice about working together, getting along and “getting their act together.”
Again, cringe. Shock. Unreal. What were these boys thinking?
Then, Gene took them to the Ryman Auditorium, a National Historic Landmark and former home of the Grand Ole Opry (1943-1974). The Ryman continues its more-than-100-year music tradition by offering the best in entertainment today. Gene walked with them onstage and they stood in the center, where the plank floors were worn, scuffed, and scratched. He told the boys that the floor was left this way to show where all the famous people had stood. “Sacred, holy ground.” He berated the Drew Davis Band as being undeserving of standing onstage at the original home of the Grand Ole Opry where Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and others have played. He told them how these famous artists had worked hard to hone their craft and that the Grand Ole Opry is “where it all started” for many. The boys seemed to be a little bit more humble, but it could have been an act for the TV cameras.
What Gene offered in the way of advice was priceless and is good advice for all the young Brit and American musicians and actors who have newfound stardom or are on the brink of stardom. Gene talked about being through the wars of touring and how it takes a lot of hard work to achieve success. After all, if success comes too soon, it can burn out even the brightest of stars. Sometimes, when an actor or musician gets fame too easily, they take it for granted and can, in turn, become arrogant and ungrateful. This can lead to burnout and failure. There is something about working hard and “paying your dues.” It takes time to craft and hone your talents. Maybe years. One can’t always expect it in just a couple of years. If they do reach it that fast, then they should embrace it and be grateful. Respect of yourself and others, honor, keeping your word, doing all you have agreed to do, never cheating someone out of money, and never smearing another’s name – are all important attributes to adhere to when working toward success and stardom. Plus, it's important that these young musicians and actors select great managers who can guide them and mentor them along the way. A bad manager can mean disaster and lead the musician or actor down a path of failure. Being a successful recording artist takes a lot of business savvy and marketing skills. It's not just about the talent. There are many talented artists out there who will never succeed in "the business."
Many of today’s young musicians and actors who are on the brink of stardom lack the “people skills” needed to make it in the entertainment industry, according to Gene. Of course, many do possess the skills and these people will excel and shine above all the others. No matter, the young Brits and Americans of today should listen to Gene Simmons. He knows what he’s talking about. And whether the Drew Davis Band is talented or not and will "make it" or not, will depend on many factors - some within their control and some not. Of course, reality TV shows can often skew the way people behave and make it appear one way or the other. The young members of the Drew Davis Band gave Gene a pair of cowboy boots at the end of the show as a way to offer appreciation and thanks for his help. That was a good gesture and a kind one. So, in fairness to them, maybe they weren't so arrogant, after all.
Gene returns to Nashville on October 28th when KISS plays the Sommet Center. And if you haven’t heard it already, listen to the new KISS single: “Delilah.” It’s great!
Comments
Great insight. Totally agree with everythign you said.
Actually, what was an act was the Drew Davis Band. These guys are the most talented, humble, and sweetest people but the producers made them play the bad guys so Gene could swoop in and be the hero. Viewers, be careful how much stock you put into these "reality" shows.
Agreed that today's hot shots need to spend less time partying and more time writing, recording and managing their money. Kiss is a great example of what hard work can achieve. They've survived ups and downs, hits and flops and still manage to pack em in. The Ramones had a similar formula -- gruelling tour schedule, hard work, travel cheap, release a CD every few years.
Drew Davis Band's music should have said it all. Be careful what you gauge as reality!
Gene Simmons is THE MAN. Eeryone should listen to him. love him!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!