MonAug 25

Gene Simmons

Gene Simmons, born on August 25, 1949, started his music career as a teenager with his first band named Lynx (later Missing Links). He disbanded the band and formed another band called Long Island Sounds. Later, he left to join Bullfrog Bheer. In the 1970s, he moved on to form Wicked Lester with his friend, Stanley Eisen who is also known as Paul Stanley. Together, they quit Wicked Lester as they weren’t allowed to fire band members. Eventually, they formed Kiss in 1973 and enjoyed immense fame and financial success spanning many decades.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Chaim Witz

Nickname:

Gene Simmons, The Demon, The God of Thunder

Birth date:

August 25, 1949

Age:

75

Zodiac Sign:

Virgo

Height:

6' 2"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$400 million

Chaim's Social Media:

Background

Gene Simmons is a colossus in the rock music genre and his relatable personality has made him a darling to millions of music lovers. He spent a lot of time fine-tuning his sounds and getting the right talents into his band. He has continued to be a positive influence in the music industry. Simmons was born on August 25, 1949, in Haifa, Northern Israel. His father was Yehiel Witz, and his mother was Florence Klein, a holocaust survivor. He has Jewish origins, and his zodiac sign is Virgo. His parents separated shortly after his birth and his mother raised him alone.

Simmons and his mother relocated to New York in 1958 when he was eight years old. In New York, he had a short stint at Yeshiva Torah Vodaas, a religious school, before moving on to public schools. His inspiration to pursue music came from The Beatles, as young Simmons liked the admiration The Beatles got from women. He learned how to play the guitar in his teens and watched many cartoons. Cartoons would later be the primary influence in his use of makeup and costumes. After high school, he attended community college in Sullivan County, New York, where he began experimenting with music.

Over the years, he formed and quit many bands. He met Paul Stanley, a long-term bandmate in Wicked Lester, one of the bands he formed before starting Kiss in January 1973. Kiss struggled at first, but Simmons did not only focus on writing and playing. He put his best into marketing and audience building. Eventually, the band had die-hard fans called the Kiss Army and sold more than a hundred million records. Outside the band, he also did well for himself with T.V., restaurants, and movies.

Career timeline

1958
Coming to New York

Like many poor immigrants, Gene Simmons goes to New York with his mother in search of a better future.

1970
A Band is Formed

He meets Paul Stanley and forms Wicked Lester.

1973
Forming A New Band

After having a falling out with members of Wicked Lester, he forms Kiss with Stanley.

1974
Kiss’ First Album

Kiss releases their first album in February.

Why We Love Gene Simmons

  1. He gives compliments when it's due

    Gene Simmons is not one to let a good deed go unnoticed, and he showed this in a conversation he had with Tesla founder Elon Musk. He commended Musk for his efforts, and we think this is a sweet thing.

  2. He is involved in politics

    Participating in politics is a sure way to get our voices heard. Simmons is no different, choosing to be vocal about his political views.

  3. He helps the weak and defenseless

    His non-profit organization, Mending Kids, provides free surgery to children whose parents cannot afford them. The effort is made available in various countries of the world.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. He had many names

    When he immigrated to the U.S., Gene Simmons adopted his mother’s maiden name and also chose a stage name that paid tribute to rockabilly singer Jumpin’ Gene Simmons.

  2. He speaks multiple languages

    Simmons speaks five languages — English, Japanese, German, Hungarian, and Hebrew.

  3. He was once a teacher

    Simmons was a sixth-grade teacher in Spanish Harlem, a neighborhood in New York.

  4. He owns a chain of restaurants

    Simmons owns Rock and Brews, a rock-themed restaurant that serves large food plates and craft beer.

  5. His favorite chef is Wolfgang Puck

    Simmons is a long-time fan of Puck's manners and fine culinary abilities.

Gene Simmons FAQs

Is Gene Simmons a billionaire?

No. He is very wealthy but he is not rated as a billionaire.

Is Gene Simmons the one with the tongue?

Yes. Simmons didn’t realize that his tongue was unique until he was 13.

What is Gene Simmons’ least favorite Kiss song?

He dislikes the single ‘I Was Made for Lovin’ You.’ He is not the only one who feels this way, as his bandmates do not like the song either.

Gene Simmons’s birthday dates

Year Date Day
2025 August 25 Monday
2026 August 25 Tuesday
2027 August 25 Wednesday
2028 August 25 Friday
2029 August 25 Saturday
August
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
 
 

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