Sex Money KISSby Gene Simmons
Synopsis: Exhibiting an abiding faith in self and an ability to think outside the traditional parameters of ethics, religion, rituals and social mores, rock legend and Kiss founding member Simmons offers his no holds barred life philosophy. Presenting the book as access to the American dream of money and happiness, Simmons recounts his rise from an immigrant boy who did not speak English until his teens and paid for college buying and selling old comic books, to his current music, recording, acting and publishing successes. Simmons touches on a range of topics, including investment advice, his brief stint as a teacher and behind the scenes Kiss business negotiations.
I've been a KISS fan as long as I can remember, and I really respect Gene for what he's accomplished in his life and I've shoveled plenty of my money into his deep pockets, but let's face it... he's an ass. This book will do nothing to dispel any thoughts of that, nor does it try to. Gene tells it like it is and gives his opinions on topics, mainly around the subject of "how to get money and keep it." He's as brash and arrogant as ever... but the guy knows of which he speaks. I don't agree with a lot of what he says but that doesn't make it any less interesting to hear his take on things.
Negatives? He bashes on Ace and Peter (as usual) and even if they deserve it and it's all true... enough already. We get it; they're idiots. There wasn't a whole lot about Paul either, but it is Gene's book I guess. He only briefly touches on KISS' history and music, choosing to talk more about their merchandising and all his behind the scenes sort of moves to keep the profits coming in. My biggest annoyance with the book though is that there are little "asides" sort of in their own boxes where he might go on about a topic, but during the actual reading of the book he says a lot of what was said in the aside. It's sort of hard to explain I guess, it just annoyed me that I was reading the same thing twice often. Minor issues though.
It's a decent read, but nothing mind-blowing. If you don't want to read it for yourself, I'll help you out with these things right from the noggin' of The Demon himself:
* The harder you work, the luckier you'll get.
* Time is money.
* Never get married.
* Avoid alcohol and drugs.
* Nothing will come to you. You have to go after it.
* Dumb men will always get married. So will smart women.
* Originality is highly overrated.
* Keep your eyes and ears open.
So read it if you're a KISS fan of course but also you might find it enjoyable if you're seeking a method to financial success or just chasing some sort of dream... rock star, actor, entrepreneur or just the dream of being rich. You might pick-up on some ideals you'll find useful, if you can ignore or laugh at some of Gene's silly and at times ridiculous posturing. It's hard to argue with his results though.
6/10
