I just got through reading KISS AND TELL the autobiography of Gene Simmons, bass player of KISS. THis was a very interesting book, and I read it in one day. It talks abouthow he was born in Isreal, one year after it was actually recognized as a nation. It tells of him growing up poor, in a Jewish state, without his father. He tells stories of moving to america, and how he could not speak English, but could speak Hebrew, German, Spanish, and Hungarian. The man is very smart, and he OBVIOUSLY loves his mother, who raised him to dream big and to work hard.

He tells stories about Paul and him meeting, and about how they chose Peter and Ace for the band. He also tell stories of Peter and Ace's years of battling drugs and alchahol,a dn how he feels thier addictions cheated everybody, band members, fans, families, etc, out of years of entertainment.

It also tells the stories of how each member was replaced and he goes into a sad chapter on the death of Eric Carr.

Any kiss fan should buy this book. It is very informative, and tells about Gene's burning desire to controll his own destiny. He explains why they license thier name to thousands of items (KISS KOFFINS) and how he would rather be powerful than rich and famous.

A good read, and very entertaining. He also goes into his relationships with Cher, Dianna Ross, and his girlfirend of 18 years Shannon Tweed.\

This book is highly recommended!

Sounds like an interesting book.

I always wished Simmons would have starred in more movies. I particularly remember him starring alongside Rutgar Hauer in Wanted: Dead or Alive. He made a great bad guy!

I just happened to learn about his book the other day while browsing in a book store. I want to read it, for I have been a KISS fan forever. Thanks for all the info. on what is covered. Sounds better than what is on the jacket.
:cool:

I have the book, too, Jasper! It is great!
Of course I have always been a big Gene Simmons fan...

By the way.. I got the KISS box set the other day too... and it rocks! 5 discs of demos and live performances and a very nice book that tells when each one was recorded and who played the instruments on them... Paul actually did all the instruments and vocals on the demo of "God Of Thunder" that's in it! It's too cool!

There's a cool merchandise catalogue in it as well.. with the KISS coffins in it.. they go for $4,700 !!

I got the book! Well, not yet, but it's on it's way! I just remembered something that I had years ago but have no idea where it could be now. It was a KISS comic book and the big hype on it was that KISS each put a vial of their blood into the ink that went into the book. Does anyone remember that? :cool:

Yup.. they supposedly used a vial of each one of their blood for the ink in the comic books... pretty neat, huh?

Do you have to be a monster KISS fan to get something out of the book? Even though I know a lot of their songs, I wouldn't be able to name other members than Gene. Will I still enjoy the book or should I stay clear?

I was always partial to Peter Criss to tell you the truth. Maybe because I was probably a cat in another life :) I just love the sound of his voice...kind of raspy in the same mode of Rod Stewart & Bryan Adams.

Flix, it is more of a story of how gene became a member and the work they did to become famous. It is more focused on him. A very interesting read nonetheless. A person who is not a HUGE fan may find parts oring, but it is still worth while to read!

My husband is reading it now.. if I could get it away from him, I would read it! LOL