Rating: 
Summary: Gene to a "T"
Review: If you've ever heard Gene Simmons interviewed, then you know exactly what to expect from this book: it's contrived and stilted and carefully calculated to boost the Kiss legend. According to Gene, Kiss invented virtually everything in music and was second only to the Beatles in greatness (not too much an overstatement, huh?). But, read in the right light, the stilted language ("...then I had a liaison with this girl...") and diatribe ("Ace did nothing.") can be pretty funny.
Rating: 
Summary: You wanted the truth:some shineing moments,and penthouse too
Review: OK, I bought the book because I wanted to see Genes side of things. I liked it, but he could have used some help organizing his thoughts. He would go from telling some interesting bit of KISStory, and then go headlong into a torid tale of personal karnal history. I enjoyed the insight into his childhood and his parents. When it comes to KISS, If all this is true; its amazing that they went as far as they did for as long as they did. The analogy of "oil and oil, and water and water..." seems appropriate. I question though; that if Ace and Peter were so difficult to deal with what was it that they DID RIGHT that kept the band together???There has to be something. If ACE did absolutely nothing, as it appears in the book by the repeated phrase "ACE did nothing.." What was it that Ace DID that made it worth while to continue? Remember folks: This is Gene's book, Gene's opinion, from Gene's point of veiw. If you keep that in mind, the book is entertaining and a quick read. Is it the TRUTH?...sure, Gene's truth. Is it the whole truth? We may never know...In all fairness though, Gene dose say near the end of the book that regardless of the pitfalls along the way, he would not have changed the members of the band. He offers a pat on the back, and a thumbs up to ACE for hanging in there till the end;and to Peter, although they may disagree, they are still family.(Thats the sense I get anyway.)
I have to say, that two thirds of the way through the book I was floored. I was very impressed with Mr. Simmons discussion on his relationships with Cher and Diana Ross. As a fan I was left confused by that whole period because I only saw the published media on the subject. Gene further explained the goings on at the time with a lot of personal introspective insight. As a fan I say Thank you. As a father of two myself, I was most impressed with his impressions and discription of his reactions to fatherhood...that part of the book really grabbed me and spoke to me on a personal level...(although, I don't think I could even imagine going to the extremes that Gene imagines!) The personal insight into Gene Simmons the man, and father, are powerful and personal. It just goes to show you that you really cannot judge a book by its cover! Its not perfect, but what is?...and so what? Thank you Mr. Simmons
Rating:
Summary: Kiss and Tell not quite but The God of Thunder has spoken!
Review: Ok, I have read all of these review by other people and I have to say that I agree with some and other I don't. Simply KISS and Gene has never made qualms about doing what they do for two reasons girls and money. With that out of the way, you need to also understand Gene Simmons has one of the biggest egos ever!So, this book is about Gene Simmons his life as from beginning to the now. While yes he may come off as over promoting his bands importants somethings you have to give KISS the nod for. The did invent the modern stage show. They have sold millions and millions of records, hell most bands would give their souls to sell half the records KISS has sold. KISS also has had a thirty year ride in the rock business, in a world where most bands last three years that has to tell you that there is something special about this band. Simply the fans. Reguardless of how you feel about them the KISS Army is always there to support them. KISS has always been about being extreme before extreme was some kind of pop culture buzz word. So yes the book can seem hard to swallow sometimes. But even if you are not a KISS fan it is a good read. I found it very interesting and informational. While it is not a J.R.R. Tolken novle it is not written on the highest level, but it is a smooth read. Pick it up read it learn something about The God of Thunder and the Hottest band in the world KISS!
Rating:
Summary: Good read, but more meat with the potatoes, Gene!
Review: I was 10 years old when I first saw KISS play my hometown. Gene was 80 feet tall if he was a foot, and I knew that day that I must be a bass player, because that's what Gene played. Twenty-plus years later, I'm a fairly good bass player, and KISS has always been an influence. Don't worry about the nay-sayers who feel this is a money-making scheme by Gene...of course it is! What exciting revelation do you feel you're unveiling here? Gene wants your money! So does Stephen King! So does Tom Clancy! It's a business! This is also one of the main points of the book...Gene's always been very straightforward and it shows in his writing. It's not Shakespeare by any stretch, but I'll take it. My only complaint, as others have had on here, is that he really didn't dig too deeply on the things I'd imagine his fans really want to know. Crazy Nights isn't even mentioned, and Bruce is given only a couple passing paragraphs. He talks a lot about the women he's bedded, but in a very respectful way. It comes across that KISS was a pretty dull band to be in, and I doubt very seriously that's true...die hards who know most of these stories will find it pretty standard, but if you were ever curious about this band, it's a pretty good read. Thanks Gene, for a peek behind the curtain.
Rating:
Summary: Remember, it's a GENE SIMMONS bio, not a KISS bio
Review: So many other reviewers here have bemoaned the relatively small proportion of KISS road stories, recording session stories, etc. But this is an autobiography of just Gene, not a tell-all of the whole band. Have some perspective, guys.
I really liked this book. Gene's gentle and sometimes humorous writing style makes this a pleasure to read. I've been a KISS fan since I was a 10-year old kid in 1976, and I've read or heard all of the glossed-over stories about the band's inner turmoils. Finally Gene has taken the gloves off (or at least one of them, perhaps) and let some of the less-flattering truth about KISS's up-and-down career filter through. Primarily, though, he talks about himself (his favorite topic). He certainly makes no apologies for his choices or lifestyle (nor should we ask him to), and his rather obvious intelligence certainly shines through. He managed to guide a band (that would so often be on the verge of self-destruction and collapse) from their humble beginnings on the streets, to the heights of international stardom, to near irrelevance in the 1980's, and back to the top of the (nostalgia) heap in the 1990's. A helluva ride, and Thank You Gene for letting us tag along. Most of us who grew up listening to KISS learned a LONG time ago that the "Rock and Roll Gods" image has its time and place, and that Gene (just like Paul and Ace and Peter) is basically just another regular guy, although with chutzpah to spare and and an unwavering ambition. Gene is entitled to be Almost Human like the rest of us. That means he is allowed to cry, love, regret, and make mistakes like you and me. He sure does those things, and readily admits it. KISS is a business as much as it is a band, so how is that any less forgivable than any other celebrity selling him- or herself to stay on top and gainfully employed? If you weren't already a KISS fan you probably wouldn't be buying or reading this book anyway. But for the legions of KISS fans everywhere this book is Gene without the make-up - a regular (and singularly driven) guy whose destitute upbringing gave him a sense of perspective on the American Dream that most of us take for granted and even resent when it blesses people other than ourselves. I don't think Gene is trying to hold himself up as the paragon of success or as a role model to anyone else. All he is saying in this book is "Hey! I came here with nothing, but thanks to a lot of hard work, a little luck, and my refusal to run from a fight or let someone else sabotage my dream, I have achieved great success, carved out a name for myself in this world, found true love and happiness as a father and companion, and learned a lot about myself. And I owe a lot of respect to my Mom!" Sounds like a great success story to me. Don't let the fact that he did all this through the fickle medium of rock and roll cloud the facts.
My only wish is that he had delved into even greater detail about the business end of KISS, as C. K. Lendt did in his excellent book "KISS and Sell" (available through...). Not all the KISS years were rosy. Some were downright embarrassing. But at least Gene isn't throwing as big a PR spin on those times as he has in other interviews and books - even the fascinating KISSTORY book pulls its share of punches. But I doubt we'll get much more honest disclosure from any of the band members until after they've hung up their platform boots for good. Because to do it before then, and let fall some of the sheen of mystique before every last promotional buck has been bled out, would just be bad business.
Rating: 
Summary: GENE AT HIS BEST
Review: I am a long time KISS FAN and have met gene in hot in the shade tour. SO I know from the time I started reading I was in for a journey into the eyes of gene from HIS non drug belief to his dating cher he leave nothing to hide a must for any kiss fan and for his down to earth being a dad. HES only HUMAN > A five star
Rating: 
Summary: Tell us something we don't know
Review: This is a reasonable book and in some places gives a better insight into Gene and his personality...it should do being an autobiography ! But all too often this is just Gene's excuse to get up on his soap box and lecture about how great he is and how right his philosophy on life is. The last chapter or two of the book were the worst. All through the book Gene attacks Ace and Peter and the last couple of chapters are basically just that. Don't get me wrong, I sympathise with Gene and Paul's constant struggle with Ace and Peter, but I think the bashing would have been better kept to a minimum and balanced with slightly more praise for their contribution to the big picture. A far better book - in my mind the essential history of KISS - is called KISS and Sell and is written by Chris Lendt (ex-employee of Aucoin management). That book is exceptional and written by a far more intelligent and articulate man than Gene. Also a man who remembers far more than Gene seems to. Buy Gene's book by all means, but whatever you do get Chris Lendt's book first - you will never regret it.
Rating: 
Summary: Hey Gene, how about some NEW music !
Review: Just another way for Gene to make money. I have been a Kiss fan since 1976. I was with them when it wasn't cool to be a kiss fan but i have to say this book isn't worth the price. The box set also ..., how many times has Rock and Roll all Night been on a Kiss album anyways ?
Rating:
Summary: I drove them wild and they drove me crazy!
Review: Gene's autobiography will no doubt delight the true Kiss fan, as it is an unashamed, behind-the-scenes look back on the wild ride that is Kiss. It will also enrage a lot of the fair weather fans. Namely those who were: a) not around when the band was in its hey-day... or... b) Those that believe Kiss can only ever be the four original members. I found the chapters of a young Gene living in Israel and moving to America to be very interesting. I also enjoyed reading of Gene's obsession with television, monster movies and comic books. When I got to the formation of the hottest band in the world... I was only SLIGHTLY disappointed that there weren't any more road stories, or more on his growing partnership with co-founder Paul Stanley. Oh, there are plenty of small stories, mind you, but Gene could have sprinkled in a few more juicy tales from past tours and records. But that's a MINOR nitpick in what is an overall good read. Gene has obviously worked hard to get to where he is today and deserves the rewards of that hard work. He comes off in his writing style as a man who knows precisely what he wants in his life. There's nothing wrong with that. He is a dedicated father and clearly adores his children and their mother. There's nothing wrong with that either! More power to you, Gene! It's America and if you work hard enough, you should be able to enjoy what you have without a care for what other people think. As for the treatment Ace, Peter and Vinnie receive in this book... well... let's just say that it wasn't anything I didn't already figure out in the band's 30 year history. The in-fighting, substance abuse, ego trips, etc. is obvious if you really take a good, hard, long look at the band throughout the years. And all of that's fine. I have no problem with any of it. I got nearly 30 years of entertainment from a band I adore. From each and every member along the way. No one can take that away. Reading Gene's autobiography brought back a lot of memories from what was (and continues to be) a great life. Every record. Every tour. It reminded my of how fun it is to be a Kiss fan . I'm glad I read it. There are fifteen words that will stay with me for as long as I live. The sheer delight and excitement of being in an arena or stadium when it goes pitch black and I hear, "You wanted the best. You got the best. The hottest band in the world.... KISS!!" Some of you know what happens after that.
Rating:
Summary: TRUE KISS FAN
Review: Growing up I idolized KISS and especially Gene Simmons. I was very excited when I found out he was releasing this book. However, the book doesn't live up to its hype. It's worth reading just to get an idea of how Simmons grew up but the stuff written about KISS is so bland. I expected a chapter on how Gene began playing the bass and what he styled himself after. Instead it's mentioned that at one point he switched from guitar to bass when playing in a band. This book skips around situations that would be interesting to read about. In fact, Gene doesn't even mention how he started spitting blood or what is even in the blood mixture. So many things are barely mentioned or not explored thoroughly. Ace and Peter are made out to be drug addicts that Gene and Paul took along for the ride. Surely Ace and Peter were not the only ones who caused problems. Please make note that as exciting as that sounds to read about it's not explored very deeply. The book has a very rushed feel to it. I think the biggest disappointment is you expect a book with fireworks, blood spitting and fire breathing excitement only to get Gene on a stool telling old stories after a long career. I hope this will prompt a book with the views of each band member on what the KISS experience really was like.
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