Fail Better with David Duchovny Gene Simmons: The Demon Loves His Mom
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Sep 9, 2025 
Gene Simmons, the iconic bassist of KISS and a larger-than-life entrepreneur, shares his journey from a challenging childhood to rock stardom. He reflects on the profound influence of his single mother and the lessons of resilience she imparted. The conversation touches on the delicate balance between his public persona, The Demon, and his personal life as a family man. Gene also discusses the importance of authenticity in artistry and how experiences with legends like Ozzy Osbourne shaped his identity in the music industry.
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Success Needs Timing And Intuition
- Gene describes success as timing plus intuition rather than pure design.
- He credits a bit of accidental singularity with KISS becoming a multibillion-dollar brand.
Walking Away From A Record Deal
- Gene and Paul walked out of their Epic Records contract and bought back their mastered record for $44,000.
- They destroyed Wicked Lester to reinvent the band and build what became KISS.
Makeup From Woolworths And Mirrors
- The KISS makeup originated from a Woolworths Halloween experiment with clown white and black stick makeup.
- The band improvised faces in a warped mirror and created the look that became their persona.