Product Description

Delivered in Gene's own honest, outrageous and uncensored voice, he tells of his early beginnings in Israel, of his arrival in New York at the age of eight, his first taste of 1950s pop culture and his developing thirst for fame, fun and girls. Undoubtedly, one of the most infamous rock and roll legends alive, Gene tells the never before revealed story of Kiss' reign as the biggest, most fiercely adulated band in the world. Finally, the real story of the man behind the make up.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #44278 in Books
• Published on: 2003-01-02
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

New York Times
'How did Chaim Witz... become Gene Simmons, fire-breathing, tongue-flexing, blood-spitting rocker?’

From the Publisher
The autobiography of Gene Simmons of KISS, one of the most infamous rock & roll legends alive.

About the Author
Gene Simmons lives with his partner and two children in Los Angeles.

Customer Reviews

It's all about the power.
I first learned about Gene Simmons from his "Family Jewels" TV show, which I liked. It showed him to be a loving family man and I was curious to know more, so I listened to the audio book, "Kiss and Make-up." It was fascinating. One needn't be a fan to appreciate his hard work and unprecedented success. He was born in Israel and came with his mother to America at age 9. As a boy he loved superhero comic books, because superheros were powerful, and that is what he wanted to be. He had the boundless love and encouragement of his mother and started playing in bands as a teenager. One thing led to another and his Kiss band became a worldwide phenomenon.

He devotes much of the book to his legendary conquests of women, from groupies to Cher and Diana Ross. His relationships with bandmates is also discussed at length. His reading voice is a monotone, but the story is so interesting that one hangs on his every word. A tireless businessman and entertainer, Simmons has truly aquired the power he always wanted. This is a must for Gene's old fans and for new fans, like me.

me, me, me, me!!!!
Well, let's face it, Gene Simmons' was ALWAYS gong to write an autobiography! I've never known a more self centred person but what a story!

Found the stuff about his early childhood in Israel interesting and the development of KISS was intriguing. When Kiss were at their zenith I think I was listening to 'Aha' but then I'm glad I didn't come to this book as a KISS fan. I came to it with an open mind and enjoyed it for what it was. I have since listened to some of their music and enjoyed that too. I still can't erase the thought that he's just a 'mummy's boy' who likes dressing up like his comic book superheroes (I wouldn't say that to his face though!) but he's done bloody well out of it!

This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. If you don't come away inspired to either buy KISS records or to make loads of money then you're not as easily persuaded as me! It's a cracking read, even if you're not a KISS fan (which I wasn't, until now!)