Gene Simmons states that record industry died once people started giving music away for free

Gene Simmons states that record industry died once people started giving music away for free

KISS co-founder, bassist and lead vocalist Gene Simmons was recently interviewed by Selena Fragassi for the Chicago SunTimes in advance of the Gene Simmons Band‘s show at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, Illinois, USA on May 3, 2018.

Simmons commented on the changes in the record industry as he stated: “When we all started in this business, up until 30 years ago, there was actually a record ‘business.’ But once people started giving away music for free, the record industry died. Which means new bands couldn’t make a living and couldn’t quit their day job. Record companies were the best friends acts could have — they paid us money so you could quit your day job and be devoted to your art, which is the reason I got here.”

In terms of how long KISS can continue, Simmons opined: “There will be one at some point… We can’t keep doing this forever. We are the hardest-working band in show business. If [Mick] Jagger stepped into my Dragon Boots, he couldn’t last a half hour…. [The band] doesn’t want to stay on stage a day longer than when we feel valid. … Remember we introduced ourselves as ‘When you wanted the best you got the best, the hottest band in the world.’ Not we ‘used to be’ the best.”

You can read the rest of the interview with Simmons at the Chicago SunTimes‘ website.