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Summary: Gene Simmons Tells All...
Review: Gene Simmons has another way to shine in the spotlight. Kiss and Makeup is the new biography on Kiss bassist Gene Simmons. The book covers Genes life from his upbringing in Israel as a child named Chaim Witz. He chronicles his life through the tough times living with his Mother. Coming from a poor family, he and his mother made their way to America. Following his mother's strong will Gene made his way through life by his own rules and succeeded in becoming one of Rock and Rolls most notable superstars.The reading is interesting. Because I've have been a major Kiss fan for twenty-six years I've heard or read most of this before. There was some very interesting information that I was not aware of such as the real reason Peter Criss left Kiss in 1980. Gene chronicles his way into music, the history of Kiss from a tell all perspective, his business ventures, his relationships with Cher, Dianna Ross, and Shannon Tweed. Let's not forget the groupies. Every story he covers seems to include some sort of sexual escapade. To anyone who is a general fan, the reading will be informative and interesting. To big fans it will be very enjoyable. This is "Behind The Music" in print. If you enjoy reading, pick this one up!
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Summary: Less is More But More Is Better
Review: Rock and roll: New York Dolls meet the Beatles. Most of the reviews of this book I have seen, tend to take the "high" road -- calling it "excess"; but those of us that have smelled the stuff up close know it's only rock and roll -- which, thank goodness -- IS excess! These reviewers were probably listening to the Bay City Rollers, the Grease sound track and the Bee Gees while Simmons and Stanley were lighting it up at 120 Db -- inventing all that has since become cliche. Rollicking laughter was my experience as the reader -- a fan of rock and roll, though not necessarily of KISS per se. I came away with an appreciation of Simmons' vision, focus and the resolve to make it happen, while dragging along some very uncooperative "partners." Highly recommended page turner ....
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Summary: Yes I believe in me !
Review: In one song, Gene sings "Cause I believe in me"...
This book is the perfect illustration of how a well determined mind can drive you to the top of the mountain.
It's a lesson for every "slug people" in the world, as long as you don't move, nobody will move you.
As a non English speaking, I also liked the simplicity of the writing, it's maybe not an award promised book, but it reaches the aim : The heart of the reader.
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Summary: Now you know
Review: Having been a fan of the band for over 25 years, this story was eagerly awaited. However, many foot soldiers of the Kiss Army may have their image of the band shredded when they read this. Gene's inside expose' of the band and the band's business is fascinating, but blunt. His personal story of rising to fame and his outlook on life are inspirational at times. No dry reading here. Gene pulls no punches on his bandmates (or himself) and he tells it as he views it. Not a book to read at your leisure. I read it in two nights. The book is worth every penny that will go into Gene's bank account.
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Summary: Awesome book!!! KISS fans will like this book!
Review: I thought this book was well written and hard too put down. I read it all within 2 days. I would definitly recommend it to KISS fans and even non-fans. I hope Paul Stanley writes a biography, I would definitly buy that.
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Summary: How could a guy in KISS write such a dull book?
Review: That's my question? How could he-a man who has been in rock and roll for over 30 years-write such a boring book? The chapters basically repeat themselves: 1)I was a poor jewish kid raised by only my mother; 2)I don't drink or smoke, but I sleep with anything slightly resembling a woman; 3)Peter and Ace were always trouble-be it alcohol or drugs-but I didn't want to fire them. As for his relationships with Cher and Diana Ross, People magazine wrote better articles. P.S. Does Paul know what Gene wrote about him? That was the only interesting part of a paper wasting, so-called autobiography.
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Summary: oke but not great
Review: I ordered the book recently. It was a nice book, but I expected more. You think if one of the original members of kiss writes a book you get a lot of insight information that you don't know.
This is not the case. The stories about what happened in kiss are stories you heard about a thousand times before. The nice stuff:the stories about Gene's private life, from growing up untill now. To conclude this review: The book to me was a bit disappointing. There are other and better books (for example Kiss en Sell) that give a lot more insight information than this one.
A missed chance.
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Summary: The Demon RULZ!!!!!!!!!!
Review: I bought this book when it first came out! I like it! NUFF said!
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Summary: from a diehard kiss fan
Review: When I was a kid I was a huge fan of the original Kiss (mid 70's)
I couldn't get enough of the band. it was a large part of my life and feel it really helped me through the tough growing up years. Kiss and Ace in particular got me into playing guitar. I thought Ace was the greatest. I wanted to be able to play just like him. Let me also say that I also looked up to Peter, Paul, and Gene also. Even today I remember that time in my life dearly.
Once The original kiss went in different directions, I lost interest. it wasnt the same for me. Once they got back together the magic was back. it was great and they put on a great show. Now after I have read Mr. Simmons book, I guess I didn't know what I was listening to. as it turns out Ace was a terrible role model. He is a drug abusing lush and couldn't play all that well.
peter wasn't a good role model either. now I guess I should have followed in Genes footsteps and been a non drinking non drug taking egomaniacal name dropping rich skirt chaser. The fact of the matter is kiss would be kiss without all four members being at the right time and the right place. Gene should be grateful for the others and not take all of the credit, and I think that he forgot that it was a autobiography about him not Ace and Peter . Some things he needed to keep to himself and the other band members.
If you like Ace and Peter, Don't wast your time, it you like Gene, Read it and find out what a whiner he is, but he's a non drinking non drug using egomaniacal rich skirt chasing whiner.
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Summary: Big Personality - Huge Contradictions - That's Gene Simmons
Review: Notice I didn't mention "long tongue" in my title - I've never been a fan of Kiss's music - nor am I enamored of rock stars in general. Especially rock stars who brag about their conquests (which purportedly number in the 4,000 range) and preserve them in photo albums. But there's far more to Gene Simmons than those tired cliches would suggest. There's also the loving and respectful son, who pays noble and heart-rending tribute to his mother, a survivor of Hitler's death camps. There is also the intelligent and forthright individual who presents his opinions with keen insights and learned wisdom - even if the reader doesn't always agree with his conclusions. There is the bandmate who held his confab together, and offered helpful criticism when it was needed - when others would probably have taken the money (and photos) and run. Finally, there is the dedicated father whose devotion and pride in his progeny seem to have paid off - in spades. Of course, he's still not married - but consider this: He has maintained his relationship with actress Shannon Tweed, the mother of his children, for eighteen years. During the book's closing chapters, he reveals a startling aspect of their relationship that no other couple - whether married or single - whether fundamentalist or atheistic -has ever pulled off in my observation. During my adolescence and early adulthood in western Kansas, I wryly observed that the most fervent Bible bangers frequently had children behind bars for drug smuggling, shoplifting, truancy, vandalism, etc. Their faith in the Almighty was resolute, their abilities to spout Vatican dogma beyond reproach - and their parenting skills were mediocre. I remembered this dichotomy while reading Simmons's book - Simmons himself ponders a similar paradox during the book's opening chapter. His music still isn't my cup of tea, but "Kiss and Makeup" was an interesting read, and it left me with newfound respect for the author's strengths.
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