Kiss And Make-Up
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Product Description
New York Times
'How did Chaim Witz... become Gene Simmons, fire-breathing, tongue-flexing, blood-spitting rocker?’
Book Description
The autobiography of Gene Simmons of KISS, one of the most infamous rock & roll legends alive
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Well, let's face it, Gene Simmons' was ALWAYS gong to write an autobiography! I've never known a more self centred person but what a story!
Found the stuff about his early childhood in Israel interesting and the development of KISS was intriguing. When Kiss were at their zenith I think I was listening to 'Aha' but then I'm glad I didn't come to this book as a KISS fan. I came to it with an open mind and enjoyed it for what it was. I have since listened to some of their music and enjoyed that too. I still can't erase the thought that he's just a 'mummy's boy' who likes dressing up like his comic book superheroes (I wouldn't say that to his face though!) but he's done bloody well out of it!
This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. If you don't come away inspired to either buy KISS records or to make loads of money then you're not as easily persuaded as me! It's a cracking read, even if you're not a KISS fan (which I wasn't, until now!)
Found the stuff about his early childhood in Israel interesting and the development of KISS was intriguing. When Kiss were at their zenith I think I was listening to 'Aha' but then I'm glad I didn't come to this book as a KISS fan. I came to it with an open mind and enjoyed it for what it was. I have since listened to some of their music and enjoyed that too. I still can't erase the thought that he's just a 'mummy's boy' who likes dressing up like his comic book superheroes (I wouldn't say that to his face though!) but he's done bloody well out of it!
This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. If you don't come away inspired to either buy KISS records or to make loads of money then you're not as easily persuaded as me! It's a cracking read, even if you're not a KISS fan (which I wasn't, until now!)
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I first learned about Gene Simmons from his "Family Jewels" TV show, which I liked. It showed him to be a loving family man and I was curious to know more, so I listened to the audio book, "Kiss and Make-up." It was fascinating. One needn't be a fan to appreciate his hard work and unprecedented success. He was born in Israel and came with his mother to America at age 9. As a boy he loved superhero comic books, because superheros were powerful, and that is what he wanted to be. He had the boundless love and encouragement of his mother and started playing in bands as a teenager. One thing led to another and his Kiss band became a worldwide phenomenon.
He devotes much of the book to his legendary conquests of women, from groupies to Cher and Diana Ross. His relationships with bandmates is also discussed at length. His reading voice is a monotone, but the story is so interesting that one hangs on his every word. A tireless businessman and entertainer, Simmons has truly aquired the power he always wanted. This is a must for Gene's old fans and for new fans, like me.
He devotes much of the book to his legendary conquests of women, from groupies to Cher and Diana Ross. His relationships with bandmates is also discussed at length. His reading voice is a monotone, but the story is so interesting that one hangs on his every word. A tireless businessman and entertainer, Simmons has truly aquired the power he always wanted. This is a must for Gene's old fans and for new fans, like me.
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
That shy and retiring KISS player has written a book about his favourite topic - himself. Gene is an engaging self made millionaire megalomaniac who has virtually written a blueprint for the American Dream: If you work hard enough and long enough, you will get what you want. From humble beginnings in Israel, his family moved to America where he became enamoured alarmingly quick to the land of plenty and it's potential. You can't keep a good man down when it comes to either money or women: he appears to have seen more naked women than the average gynaecologist and believes there is no such thing as too much money in the bank. Shy? Retiring? He's not shy and despite being in his Sixties he certainly won't be retiring just yet.
Perhaps I've read the book a tad too quickly, but a couple of points evaded me: Given his Jewish mother's experiences during the war, why did he tactlessly adopt the Waffen SS runes for the double S in the KISS logo? Also, whilst giving auditions for guitarists he turned down a black guitarist whom he felt wouldn't fit the overall band image. Seeing as they wore more make up than found in Superdrug, who would know or care? White audiences had previously accepted the Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Equals, Booker T & The MGs, Sly & The Family Stone with no fuss. Just an observation: I don't believe Gene had acted with any deliberate prejudice, just single minded ambition with no tact or consideration.
These minor quibbles aside, It's an entertaining read even if like me you know nothing whatsoever about KISS at all. The music is irrelevant: he could have been in politics or banking and been the same lovable egomaniac with a hunger for money and the good life. Rock & roll may just be a means to an end. Gene is basically exercising his work ethic to push a highly successful but questionably unimaginative product like cornflakes (as does the music business). Those who have warmed to him in Rock School can dip in this autobiography with confidence. Go on. He needs the money.
Perhaps I've read the book a tad too quickly, but a couple of points evaded me: Given his Jewish mother's experiences during the war, why did he tactlessly adopt the Waffen SS runes for the double S in the KISS logo? Also, whilst giving auditions for guitarists he turned down a black guitarist whom he felt wouldn't fit the overall band image. Seeing as they wore more make up than found in Superdrug, who would know or care? White audiences had previously accepted the Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Equals, Booker T & The MGs, Sly & The Family Stone with no fuss. Just an observation: I don't believe Gene had acted with any deliberate prejudice, just single minded ambition with no tact or consideration.
These minor quibbles aside, It's an entertaining read even if like me you know nothing whatsoever about KISS at all. The music is irrelevant: he could have been in politics or banking and been the same lovable egomaniac with a hunger for money and the good life. Rock & roll may just be a means to an end. Gene is basically exercising his work ethic to push a highly successful but questionably unimaginative product like cornflakes (as does the music business). Those who have warmed to him in Rock School can dip in this autobiography with confidence. Go on. He needs the money.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Fascinating
Anyone of a certain age who grew up with this kind of music must remember the first time they clapped eyes on KISS. Personally it was the I Love it Loud video and I was stunned. Read more
Published 10 months ago by J. Adair
£££££'s
I got tired of this book halfway through but persisted with it. Gene Simmons would have you believe he invented Rock and Roll, especially Rock theatre. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Poundhound
The Demon in his own words!
A great read from start to finish, starting from humble beginnings in Israel to being a Rock God in the hottest band in the world! I'd recommend this to any Kiss fan.
Published 23 months ago by S. Bailey
The story of an arrogant man
Gene simmons is at times a conceited,arrogant,sexist,thoroughly dislikeable human being but his story is truly inspiring. Read more
Published on 17 Feb 2010 by Mr Blackwell
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