This was my fifth (and definitely briefest) interview with Gene Simmons. It took place at the American Music Awards on Nov. 14, 2004, 12 days after the U.S. presidential election.
Simmons (pictured backstage) was hanging out in the press area by himself. I didn’t have any burning questions, but thought I’d pop over and see what came out of my mouth. Good initiative journalism there, especially since I had no idea that he’d reveal he was a neocon who had just voted for George W. Bush. I included a line or two in my awards overview, but it was cut for space and never published.
(UPDATE: Gene tweeted this in response to my tweet about this post — “Yes. I voted Pres Bush, Pres Obama twice. What’s your point. I can vote anyway I like without your approval, right?” Don’t get defensive, Genie. You were right first time.)
AS A NATIVE OF ISRAEL, WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ON THE LATEST MIDDLE EAST PEACE SITUATION, AND HOW DO YOU THINK GEORGE W. BUSH’S REELECTION WILL HELP THINGS?
The important thing is that the people should always voice their opinion and it should be respected. Whether print or media agrees with it, is not the point. There are no more kingmakers. This is America, of the people, for the people, by the people. And I’m not really interested if the media approves or doesn’t approve … In time of war, I approve of anyone who’s going to take decisive action and isn’t there to do something that’s gonna make the press agree or disagree. You either elect leaders to make decisive decisions, or they’re gonna be tugging on your shirtsleeves to find out if it’s O.K. to go in the kitchen and kill all the roaches.
SO GEORGE BUSH WAS THE RIGHT DECISION?
Umm, I don’t actually agree with almost any of his points of views. I don’t agree with his point of view on stem cell research, separation of church and state. I think there should be women’s rights, environmental issues. However, I can hug a tree next year. Right now, there’s a war going on. I think he’s the right guy for the job. He’s a no-nonsense guy who’s not terribly educated. He can’t pronounce the word “nuclear,” but he’s not a college professor. He’s supposed to be the commander in chief of the armed forces and that’s exactly what he’s doing.
YOU VOTED FOR HIM?
I did vote for him. The interesting thing is, the last election, I did not. I voted for Gore. I was not all for Mr. Bush. But in time of war, if you go through a bad neighborhood, I don’t want a little French poodle, I want a Rottweiler on my hands. Rottweilers are not very popular, they even turn on your children. They will kill your children. But a Rottweiler is the correct dog to have when you get attacked. That’s correct.
HOW’S YOUR MOTHER? SHE WAS THE MOST FASCINATING CHARACTER IN YOUR BOOK (SEX MONEY KISS 
My mother is wonderful and is loving all the houses I bought her, and everything is good.
I HOPE SHE WRITES A BOOK AT SOME STAGE
Thank you!!
###
NOTE: If you want to read my detailed 1993 interview with Gene, check out my gossipy rock bio, Strange Days: The Adventures of a Grumpy Rock ‘n’ Roll Journalist in Los Angeles, which is available here
Copyright © 2004, 2013 by Dean Goodman. PLEASE DO NOT CUT AND PASTE THE WHOLE THING