Gene Simmons hits back at fans accusing him of putting money first

Even while KISS‘s music is still relevant today, its music output and visuals are only a small portion of their history, as per theprp. Over the years, they have gained notoriety for using every aspect of the band to their financial advantage. Few chances to make money have gone untapped for the band despite years of nonstop farewell touring, marketing everything from the Kiss Kasket to an empty bag of KISS air guitar strings, a video game, and more. The band sold their likenesses, royalties, and other items at the conclusion of their most recent retirement tour, with the goal of continuing their “live” performances by using digital avatars. A live performance by an unmasked KISS has since returned to the stage.

On April 4, KISS bassist/vocalist Simmons ended up participating in an unplanned fan Q&A on X after posting a video supporting an impending catastrophe movie called “Deep Water” by director Renny Harlin. alongside Simmons declaring in the short clip that he planned to attend some unscheduled viewing of the movie to take it in alongside fans, some assumed the video was a paid promotion for the movie. Simmons was accused of greed as a result of the video because he responded to fan criticism with his usual candor. In response to a fan’s comment on Simmons‘ previously stated video promoting the movie, “Don’t you have ENOUGH money yet Gene???” Simmons said this.

This is a loser’s question. Warren Buffet, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk all get up every day and try to make more. No matter how much they’ve got. Get out of your losers’s mentality, and try to win in life, every day.

This is a loser’s question. Warren Buffet, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk all get up every day and try to make more. No matter how much they’ve got. Get out of your losers’s mentality, and try to win in life, every day. https://t.co/jk2QLcFjzG— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) April 4, 2026

More exchanges went like this:

Yes. But respectfully, the legal term is “trademark”. https://t.co/j7WAhG422e

— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) April 5, 2026

How about this. Stop looking at my plate and mind your own business. What makes me happy, is to never stop, and continue to add value to my family, their future generations, to charity, and to these blessed United States of America. Sending good wishes to you. https://t.co/dyacuyxOre— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) April 5, 2026

Yes, John. We have five rescue dogs. And I’ve contribute to tens of thousands to rescue dogs. How about you? https://t.co/SJ98aP8LX3— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) April 5, 2026

Well…I started working at 12 years of age working for a butcher, grinding the fat from the butcher’s block. I delivered newspapers. I was the assistant to the director of the Puerto Rican interagency council. I was the assistant of the editor of Vogue magazine. And I was a 6th… https://t.co/7QLNgs2aNj— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) April 5, 2026

Timmy, i’ve paid more than $100 million in taxes. I’ve created thousands of jobs, which enabled thousands of people to feed their families. I’ve contributed millions to wounded warriors, pediatric aids and support 1400 African children. And what have you accomplished in life? https://t.co/baXBjG9MhC

— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) April 5, 2026

Because by earning more, you create more jobs, by spending more money, which provides other people with being able to support their families. Without earning more, you can’t even give to charity, much less support your family. https://t.co/slOLdDF4Y0— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) April 5, 2026