Alex Van Halen Reveals TRUTH About Gene Simmons

[@livelydog5960]

Van Halen played in my house in Hawthorne, CA in the summer of '76 for my sister's high school graduation party. Same timeframe!

[@frettin1706]

Is that you Spicoli? lol

[@livelydog5960]

@frettin1706 Sorry, true story dip nuts. I sold beer out the bedroom window with my grandma for .25. 4 people passed out in the backyard the next morning. Once VH hit it big, I could not get my sister to go as she saw them dozens of times at backyard parties. Get this, same house 4 years later, I have a roommate, and he has a friend that hangs out at the Starwood (I saw Quuiet Riot and Randy Rhodes there before they hit it big). She called one day and wanted to come over and pick something up and if she could bring a friend. She said he was a nice guy and played in the band. So, 1 hour later, I am partying with Tommy Lee. He was just a skinny punk back then.

[@jeffwelker8114]

Would be cool if you had some photos from that day. I do believe you.

[@ransakreject5221]

@@jeffwelker8114I had photos of them playing my 12th birthday in 1982 but I lost em, Zeppelin was there too

[@mrbill9248]

​@@ransakreject5221I had acdc play at my 13th bday and ozzy opened for them right in my backyard . It was awesome I got laid for the first time while ozzy sang mamma I'm comin home .

[@BigBass-xf5yi]

Gene wanted to “help”… lol. Who we kiddin? Gene saw $$$ . And when i think of VH, i also immediately think of amazing, integral backing vocals from Mike Anthony… Solid basslines and irreplaceable backing vocals. Along with the rest of the amazing package.

[@SEKreiver]

Gene has ALWAYS praised VH, even AFTER they signed somewhere else. For years and years and years. I read the interviews. Gene has always been a sincere VH fan. I love how Templeman wants to nitpick at DEMOS. Gene never tried to say that the DEMOS were the final product.

[@PatriotDave87]

Gene Simmons met Van Halen in summer 1976. MTV was created in August 1981. How are they the same time period? Can't we get interviewers that know with they're talking about?

[@acorn-yy1gi]

NPR has no clue about hard rock.

[@greglawrence1314]

@@acorn-yy1gi "Our reverence for the truth might be a distraction that's getting in the way of finding common ground and getting things done?" ~NPR CEO Katherine Maher

[@4GuitarTrance]

F@ckin' AI, man... 'nuff said!

[@georgemaranville3305]

Gene is the Hulk Hogan of music.

[@jasonsellars-op3up]

Right and Alex agreed. I hate when this s*** happens.

[@adamlasko315]

NPR do your research. Van Halen & Gene Simmons was in (1976-1977). MTV did not come into play until (1981). Gene Simmons, purchased their first demo, paid for everything. Gene Simmons shopped Van Halen to different labels, managers, and there were no takers. Gene Simmons tore up the contract, once Warner Bros. took over their label for Van Halen. Facts matter, not fiction NPR.

[@acorn-yy1gi]

NPR is mostly fiction and pretension.

[@greglawrence1314]

"Our reverence for the truth might be a distraction that's getting in the way of finding common ground and getting things done?" ~NPR CEO Katherine Maher

[@adamlasko315]

@@greglawrence1314 In other words, there is zero discipline, for doing the actual research. NPR needs to issue a retraction. Unacceptable reporting.

[@purplepanther2771]

Yep. That's why they should not receive governmental funding.

[@johnconway9882]

DEI host. Probably learned about Alex Van Halen the week before. This is probably one of the few Fresh Air shows that isn't focused on some "marginalized" group.

[@johnrwalker53]

I hate watching videos like this when it's all narration. My mistake.

[@paulbattifora7617]

Thanks for your comment, you saved me my time 😎👌

[@MainPrism]

All old azz news too, absolutely nothing new...

[@rodneyriddnauer]

2:22 WOW. This time period was NOT "right as MTV was starting"! Due diligence people. Good lord NPR.

[@deathmetaldouglas69]

Yeah 1976 is when MTV started? What a total ditz!

[@greglawrence1314]

"Our reverence for the truth might be a distraction that's getting in the way of finding common ground and getting things done?" ~NPR CEO Katherine Maher

[@2DclanSnipingTeam]

MTV wasn't even a thing yet and wouldn't air for at least another 5 years after this original demo.

[@crewmax4240]

Nice to see a behind the scenes where the guys admire each other.

[@edlaw51501]

There was a time after or during the making of Fair Warning where Edward called Gene about playing guitar for KISS because he (Ed) was so unhappy with Dave and being in Van Halen with Dave, and Gene talked him out of leaving VH not sure how serious Ed wanting a spot in KISS , but Gene was on Ed s side and helped him realize how unique and special VH was, I dont remember where exactly Ed talks about this but its out there somewhere. The point is that Gene isnt always looking to make money or benefit himself.

[@thomasbehrend7562]

I don't think Eddie would have been a good fit for KISS.

[@edlaw51501]

@thomasbehrend7562 OH I agree 100%, that would have been a year or 2 before KISS took off the makeup so seeing Ed painted up probably wouldn't have happend, but the thought of the greatest rock guitarist in the world leaving a band named after himself to go and played in a band where 50% of the band controlled 100% of all the band did would be pretty funny, it would have been a bigger nightmare in my opinion for Ed, bit then again Ace Frehley is a decent Guitarist nothing like Ed and look how many thousands of guys have listed Ace as their motivation to pick up a guitar, that may have been even bigger with Ed in KISS, but again in 1981 KISS was not riding high like they had been in the mid 70s. Sorry I over thought this idea. !

[@spamwagon]

No. Simmons' involvement was 4 or 5 years prior to MTV's launch in '81. He financed a pivotal demo, but he didn't get them signed.

[@virgilhebert8484]

David Lee is the one that suggested the name should be Van Halen!!! Why they didn't say this or maybe they do. I'm still watching this lol

[@JonDeth]

*Gene Simmons with his "all knowing" pompous attitude really rubs me the wrong way, but about half the time, he's correct and in a sophisticated depth.* Other times, it's just Gene saying things to remain relevant in the modern media and get himself a major headline because this is the persona he's carved out with news media.

[@williamhenderson8371]

Paul and Gene hate Ace because he is a MUCH better musician than they are and he overshadowed them on stage. Which drove Paul and Gene crazy because they have such gigantic egos.

[@thor7564]

No, they don't hate him. They do however dislike his antics and the fact that he and Peter was more interested in partying and doing drugs, that eventually killed Kiss.

[@larrybailey3831]

Doesn't matter how it all happened but the way the band treated Michael Anthony sucks John Paul Jones was a great part of the Led Zeppelin experience but not givin his contributions to the success of the band.

[@PhilC-g5m]

Where is the interview?

[@spellman46]

Do some research folks Gene has helped many musicians for no personal gain - including VH. He has a big heart for those he likes

[@ErikDeMann]

Most of today's biggest heavy rock legends, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, AC/DC, Scorpions, QueensRÿche - you name them, they were there - started off their careers through being exposed to a wider audience, as back-up bands on a KISS tour. Love them or hate them, the world owes a tremendous debt of musical gratitude to KISS, for keeping in touch with which bands that had potential, and then giving them their run at fame and fortune, and a chance to prove themselves where it mattered - in front of a live audience, not in front of a bunch of executives with no musical knowledge, whatsoever.

[@Abefroman-lq3md]

🐂 💩

[@davedecker1725]

Not to mention the MILLIONS snot nosed kids (myself included) to pick up guitars and drumsticks and form their OWN BANDS!!​@@ErikDeMann

[@tracezachdaniels4264]

yep.!!

[@terrylandess6072]

And Alice Cooper was 'instrumental' in helping KISS . . . .

[@KevinEllyson]

I was 12 when the first album came out and I was mesmerized ! I consider myself very lucky to have been on planet earth at the same time as VanHalens career and that i got to see the whole thing ! Edward was the Mozart of our time .

[@evhbombastic]

If only Eddie could have "helped" Gene to actually play music as much as Gene "thinks" he helped Eddie.

[@thefonzkiss]

7:35 “I needed a bass player” LOL

[@ErikDeMann]

Gene Simmons didn't play bass on his first solo album, and always played rythm guitar on his demos. Facts.

[@raulhernandez6197]

Gene only loves Money.

[@chuckshick]

And wigs. 😂

[@raulhernandez6197]

@chuckshick 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@camwatters-iz5bs]

Gene doesn’t help his people playing into stereotype of greedy. Wearing a hat with dollar signs may not be a great look

[@jeffhodge7272]

That's HIS brands logo.

[@jonbon7219]

gene saw van halen and saw dollar signs.

[@tradbowseven]

so what truth did alex reveal that we didnt already know? stupid presintation

[@slvrchrm3100]

Ted has NoTalent! IndustryPlant

[@aliasbandfanclub3357]

Loosing EVH was a huge loss to rock music... period.

[@paulradice3534]

He was irrelevant for yrs before he died

[@aliasbandfanclub3357]

@@paulradice3534 Well, that depends if you're talking the actual "music" side or other areas. His EVH gear became a huge staple of many guitar players tone. Those amps and guitars are used in alot of studios now and in live rigs. So as far as that area goes, I disagree with you.

[@leoborganelli]

Yep 'losing" evh was tough.....

[@Evocati-Augusti]

From Warner Demos 1977, they recorded a solid 26 songs by 1977, all spread across there first 5 records , which is a lot of music to put out from 78-82, they had an arsenal really fast, all those songs are from 1975-76 because Gene recorded them in 1976, and I found a master piece from 1976 Gene Produced that made it onto 1984 "House Of Pain" they used the they used the train sample from "Running with the Devil" I just wanted to share this kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4i5eGRunayWl68

[@marvinmartin3438]

Simmons needs a new wig. Just sayin

[@thor7564]

Gene haters does not like this.

[@johnconway9882]

Almost immediately into the interview, the host -- Tonya Mosley - makes a HUGE factual error. Van Halen's discovery by Simmons and subsequent debut album (1977) happened LONG before MTV (1981). To put things in perspective, the entire Carter administration came and went during that time frame. 😅

[@MichaelDouglasSkewes]

Gene is not the KISS frontman! Also, Gene was trying to take Alex and Eddie and replace Ace and Peter with them! This was just bait and .......same old same old, nothing new!

[@thor7564]

Wrong. Both Ace and Peter was out of Kiss at that time.

[@timrobinson100]

Why’s everyone got a down on Gene , seems a pretty decent guy to me

[@FirebrandVOCALS]

Drama Drama Drama nothing but Drama

[@1956tojo]

I take away from all this that..... He actually thinks he is somehow significant in the music world.... He is NOT... He just happens to be the older brother of one of the most revered guitarists to ever live.... if not for Eddie, alex wouldn't have drummed his way out of Pasadena, much less his parent's basement or garage...

[@Themilkmanskid.]

Need the timestamp where Alex reveals the truth please, or anything beyond the narration will be okay too.

[@deathmetaldouglas69]

So the NPR ditz thought that MTV started in 1976? What the friggin' hell?

[@johnfitzgerald1344]

Gene didnt sign em for some reason

[@kingslaphappy1533]

Nice ending.

[@TheRocker27]

Gene is a jerk. What a dope. 🤘🃏🎸🥃🍺🤤🙉🛸

[@virgilhebert8484]

A smart and rich dope you forgot that part lol

[@TheRocker27]

@virgilhebert8484 u b da dope. Gene is a tubby weirdo. 🤪😁

[@raulhernandez6197]

Ace Frehley is GOD.

[@carlcrasmussen]

Nobody is God, but Ace had one hell of an enjoyable flavor and style to his playing.

[@evelynwells-rk1ed]

Media time to get the facts right??

[@chuckshick]

Nice “hair” Gene.

[@binkwood]

It would be ridiculous to assume Gene Simmons' interests in Van Halen or any other band was not based largely on greed.

[@dutchman063]

Well he is a jhewe so of course he was only after Eddie for the sheckells.

[@elanyadan695]

@@dutchman063I didn’t realize how common general jew hatred was until after Oct 7 I’m glad I know now I can’t look at any of you non Jews the same anymore and I don’t think my view will ever change.

[@jeffhodge7272]

Give it a rest.

[@thor7564]

Yes. That's why he ripped their contract in two. You're a genious 🤡

[@darren.humphries]

Time to learn how to mix sound in your videos

[@evelynwells-rk1ed]

What happened to a positive media!

[@johnfitzgerald1344]

Poor info from interviewer

[@thomasbehrend7562]

Gene mentions Black Oak Arkansas. David Lee Roth is a direct knock off from the singer in that band

[@guitarizt68]

Gene didn't "discover" Van Halen. In fact, it was Paul Stanley who saw them, FIRST, and then brought Gene to a club to see them, the following evening.

[@jcruisioso5975]

Yeh Gene was a showman. Not the best musician. Good garage band. lol. But Van Halen was pure talent

[@remiduguay2258]

Mr SOS Gene

[@jam1701]

They both have credibility issues with anything they say…

[@LORDS-SWORD]

Look, good music was made. Other than that. Who cares? L😂L

[@jimmurphy834]

Gene saw a chance to captilize on them and make $$$

[@jeffhodge7272]

🥱🥱🥱

[@stevemineer2857]

He also had the decency to tear up the contract and let them go. He could’ve tied them up and stifled them.

[@Abefroman-lq3md]

He’s a dew. What do you expect.

[@jeffhodge7272]

@Abefroman-lq3md He's a what?🤡

[@ericstevens8939]

Would love to hear Gene do an interview on Fresh Air sometime

[@phaigemartin]

ALways wondered if Gene wanted to sign them to shelf them (out of fear) they were so good...as was a thing but his handlers said nah we cant contain these guys... the even higher higher ups...ya dig

[@Dutch2go]

It was their mom who discovered them first, lol.

[@medievaltimes6473]

Ron Leejack from Wicked Lester actually discovered Van Halen in 1975 in Springfield, Missouri.

[@thefonzkiss]

LOL. Total falsehood.

[@JamesWhaley-b7l]

Gene sw true potential and did anything he could to help them. Good job Gene!

[@imtheonevanhalen1557]

As I remember, Eddie said he didn't want to be in clown show......full stop (and that's what Kiss is...)

[@travist1113]

Alex Van Halen has never once in his life told the truth about anything. .... EVER

[@ToggsMonger]

GODDAMN CLICKBAIT!!! Yes, Alex reveals the TRUTH about Gene Simmons: “He was a great guy - we had a great time together” Goddamn KZbin…

[@chizmo7]

Eddie - a great writer and player. Gene - a money grubbing opposite of Eddie.