Gene Simmons Says Beyoncé Would ‘Pass Out Within Half an Hour’ After Performing in Her KISS Costume
Gene Simmons boldly claimed that artists like Beyoncé, Bono, Mick Jagger and Bruno Mars couldn’t perform in his famously over-the-top costumes, due to their excessive weight and heaviness.
In a new in-depth interview with entertainment tonight, the KISS frontman explained that, especially at 72 — more than 50 years since his debut with the group — physical fitness is crucial to maintaining his prowess as a performer. “We’re working hard on it,” Simmons assured reporter Kevin Frazier, telling him the band currently enjoys “no drugs, no alcohol, no tobacco. None of that stupid rock and roll stuff.
He continued: “I walk almost every day with Shannon [Tweed, Simmons’ wife]we do three to five miles a day, and it’s hard to keep going.
Because of his intense training schedule and five decades of outfit experience, Simmons says, he’s especially good at traversing KISS’ long sets in intricate theatrical costumes. As he boasted of HEY: “You have to understand – we love Jagger and Bruno Mars and Bono and anybody else, they’re all awesome, but if you put these guys – Beyoncé, put Beyoncé in my outfit with seven to eight platform heels inches, dragon boots that each weigh as much as a bowling ball…
“The whole outfit, studs, leather and armor weighs about 40 pounds. The guitar and studs weigh 12 pounds on their own. Then you have to spit fire, fly through the air and do this for two hours. They would vanish in less than half an hour.
Simmons went on to say that KISS was “the hardest working band” – something they “are proud of”, especially as their five-decade tenure draws to a close. The band are currently gearing up to embark on the final stint of their latest world tour, with their final shows scheduled for November (as part of this year’s edition of KISS Kruise).
On why he sees now as a good time to bid farewell to KISS, Simmons said, “The last thing you want to do is be a guy who stays in the ring too long and gets his ass beaten. Get out of the ring when you’re a champion.
Later in the HEY cat, he continued: “You have to have a certain pride and not stay too long. Always keep them eager. I’m the most blessed and grateful guy in the world to be able to be part of a group where I can wear more makeup and higher heels than your girlfriend.
Among KISS’ latest performances will be sets at this year’s Download, Rockville and Louder Than Life festivals.