Can Gene Simmons actually play bass?!

[@spooksmalloy]

He can play his own lines, he's just deeply incurious about anyone else's stuff and clearly doesn't play the bass outside of the band.

[@ferox965]

He's never needed to.

[@Geezer-yf8hv]

Right! One of guys who doesn’t play unless it’s at the gig, and just half asses at the practices and sound checks! In his mind, he’s bigger than the music! It’s just a tool to get what he wants, (money and pussy)! Not there’s anything wrong with that!! I have just never considered him a dedicated musician! Just get this B, or C level song out and move on to the next one!

[@NotTylerT]

@@ferox965when ur making thousands why lol

[@nedlerswedlers19]

​@@NotTylerTMillions

[@roncaruso931]

He sucks.

[@grahamkristensen9301]

He's been playing that bass line every day for the past 50 years, of course he got it down.

[@smileysatanson3404]

Took him 50 years but yeah, good to see him finally get it lol

[@trevorwhat]

No, he can’t play bass

[@msill5684]

He still had to look at the fret board.

[@TheDeathOfPassion]

He fakes it over backing tracks on the shows, he probably used to play back then hahaha

[@smileysatanson3404]

@@msill5684 i mean he had 50 years to get it without looking, tells you a little then

[@jamesgardner2101]

That's a solid middle-school level bass player, there.

[@metalman9572]

He’s been successful for decades so you really sound like the bullshitter who hasn’t accomplished anything. If you could PLEASE give a link to anything that you’ve did to qualify you to talk crazy like this, maybe it would help you look less like a narcissist

[@jimcullen2224]

Way better than any member of Neutral Milk Hotel

[@devinhill6823]

​@@jimcullen2224 idk that singing saw guy might be able to one up him

[@LMay11037]

Nah nah he’s waayy better I swear (Incidentally, I am probably not as good as him)

[@LilLingLing6789]

His attack is so weak like drummers who don't know how to hit their skins

[@MontyRoyal963]

after so many years they gotta pick up something 😂😂😂

[@fredriknerli9197]

Youd be surprised, flea is getting worse every year

[@soulrefix6503]

Dude I don't even like rhcp bit to say his playing is getting worse is just bad trolling at this point. New shit is lame but it's not due to the bass part.

[@didybopintitys]

@@soulrefix6503 exactly I don’t like rhcp either and don’t see flea as some god among men bass player, but dude sounds fine lol

[@southie3177]

@@soulrefix6503Flea plays the same as he always has Slap slap

[@lazybaker1187]

Ken Oath! He'd wanna know that one!

[@TimDanielCFB]

People call him an asshole, but my girlfriend and I were in line at a restaurant for my birthday waiting to get in. A friend of mine walked up to me and wish me a happy birthday. After he walked away, Gene turned around and said is it really your birthday? I said yes. He said happy birthday let me buy you a drink when we get inside. He sent me and my girlfriend a glass of wine, and he got the entire outdoors patio to sing me Happy Birthday. Cool as fuk!!

[@DrDeuteron]

Gene waits in line? wtf!

[@Trobtwillis]

Cool!

[@LordHorst]

You know, assholes are not assholes all the time.

[@OutHereOnTheFlats]

NIce share. He was also very nice to my son who was 3 at time. cool interaction

[@SacredKaw]

Even Hit-lar liked dogs

[@garyhill2740]

Carol Kaye is a super boss bass player. A lot of self taught rock players would probably have trouble picking up her licks.

[@steveturner5519]

Even Hendrix played with her

[@destianpatrianagara1119]

​@@steveturner5519 you can't top that one

[@MrFuck1006]

Are you by chance a bit of a jazz snob yourself?

[@Truckinglifewithjoey]

@@steveturner5519everyone played with her, or she played with everyone. However you want to look at it. She’s on so many records and being a part of the Wrecking Crew is its own statement.

[@bryanwithat6763]

“You’ve got to do it with the beat though Gene” Fkn hilarious.

[@Distortion-Overdrive]

Yup, headshot-kill. On that particular day. I have no doubt that Gene wished he hadn't taken the guitar out of the case.

[@angrytater2456]

Carol was not amused.

[@SenecaHighlander]

It helps to actually learn the melody first before tightening it up with the drums. That's what he was doing.

[@bryanwithat6763]

@@SenecaHighlander Yeah well, it’s still Fkn hilarious….

[@glenforde6558]

I saw the whole interview with Carol Kaye. Gene picked up on it.

[@dougpeters1625]

He plays incredibly well for the amount of talent he has.

[@leonardoflorentin]

I'm confused, is that a compliment or a roast?

[@Crushbandicoot-wv8xb]

It’s a roast gene sucks

[@claudecoteIAM]

:D

[@davidreed3357]

Well said

[@For_The-namesakesnake]

​@@leonardoflorentinprobably both.

[@halhortonsworld5870]

I am a bass player. I always wondered if he could actually play well. Then I saw him on MTV Unplugged playing Beth on an acoustic bass. He Was Amazing! So the answer is a resounding yes.

[@WilliamsDad1989]

Well as a bass player then, if Gene's amazing, how would you rate say, Chris Squire of Yes or John Entwhistle of The Who. Stratospheric ??

[@halhortonsworld5870]

@@WilliamsDad1989 I think I said 'amazing' because up until that point I never really thought much of his abilities. I didn't say HE was amazing, I said his playing in that acoustic performance was amazing. You expect someone like Chris Squire to be amazing at everything he does, so it doesn't really shock you. Hearing Gene Simmons give such a great performance really struck me.

[@WilliamsDad1989]

@@halhortonsworld5870 That's fair. But in defense to my comment, here's your quote -"He Was Amazing!" , followed by "the answer is a resounding yes." And I don't wanna argue music, that's stupid. Too much out there and too many different likes. Everybody's got their own preferences. But I'm gonna end saying, Simmons IS NOT an amazing bass player.

[@submissivelover]

​@@WilliamsDad1989 But he's nowhere near average, he's a solid player, added some pretty excellent catchy licks to KISS songs, he's not a virtuoso by any means but he's consistent, not a session player who can pick up songs after a few listens, but at the same token? fuc those guys they're not artists with a genuine vision like he had for his band... I think being the bassy pulse of one the greatest live acts speaks to his quality playing more than anything in this video

[@DarkestVoid]

@@submissiveloverso you’re a submissive lover as in love people who are submissive or you yourself are? Lol

[@kraig800i]

That was an epic put down lol "you got to do it with the beat, Gene"

[@gmc1966]

He's not qualified to carry her gear ,she's a master musician he's a hack that dresses like a clown

[@justinparkerthewildwolf6394]

Gene is the beat

[@DaveClark-ib6sp]

She's the Queen of songwriting. She's absolutely one of the most talented musicians in history. Gene being able his biggest hit is no real stretch.

[@DaveClark-ib6sp]

​@justinparkerthewildwolf6394 he's absolutely garbage. Kiss is a no tallent band. They are a spectacle, nothing more.

[@therealfronzilla]

She said B not beat

[@andrewpappas9311]

I mean his playing on the first few albums like Strutter, Cold Gin, Detroit Rock City, Rock and Roll All Nite and God of Thunder are honestly pretty damn solid, so he can still play some really melodic stuff when he wants to

[@Chelaxim]

I was made for loving you...but you gotta bring your a game with bass on disco.

[@CourtWatchAu]

@@Chelaxim Yeah that disco bassline is great. I think Gene and Nikki can both do well in the rock context

[@BlackSheepUSMC]

Those basslines were actually arranged and played by Ace Frehley.

[@erikrupp692]

@@BlackSheepUSMC Ace only wrote the basslines for some of his own songs. Gene wrote the bass lines for songs like Strutter, 100,000 years, Black Diamond, etc.

[@BlackSheepUSMC]

@@erikrupp692 My point was that the better basslines were Ace's, and he had to play them because Gene couldn't.

[@jersydvl]

KISS isn't a band, they're a brand.

[@idn]

That doesn't explain why so many legendary, top tier musicians are documented as being inspired by their MUSIC.

[@MarkTubeG]

They're both.

[@Freehardy]

Yes, They're also terrible with pretty much a back catalogue of awful music. Caveat: Detroit Rock City is Ace. See what i did there?

[@Freehardy]

Also, I play bass terribly. I can do what Gene is doing here. It's very rudimentary.

[@jersydvl]

@@Freehardy the single most overrated band of all time.

[@jasonbrumley5453]

I think Gene Simmons is a good bass player if you listen to their early stuff. Very melodic and much more similar to Paul McCartney than the metal bands KISS would inspire. That said, I think (by his own admission) Simmons checked out musically in the late 70s. But honestly, the appeal of KISS isn't their musical proficiency.

[@puderkman]

​@@AtomicMeatballGuitarHe never said they were

[@javierherrera8782]

Hahahaha gene didnt compose or record at all!!!! Was like the issue with sexy pistols😂

[@AtomicMeatballGuitar]

@@puderkman my bad, I misread it.

[@davidtingley9978]

​@@javierherrera8782he wrote or co-writer plenty throughout their career

[@darrenwells2277]

Agreed about the early stuff... really good walking bass runs on the first few albums. Listen to Goin Blind for a song where the bass carries the song... its great

[@CrashPK77]

People forget, KISS isn't about musicianship. They're not Rush. They're entertainers, first and foremost. That said, the first 6 KISS albums have very Beatle-y walking basslines, which he wrote...and plays, while teetering around on 8" platforms, spitting blood, breathing fire, and singing. Most bassists just fucking stand there, regardless of how difficult the bassline is. Respect.

[@bohab787]

Except you also have bands like GWAR who have the same level of showmanship and also actually play good music

[@darnhootn]

Catch their 1975 Midnight Special appearance and tell me there isn't some musicianship there, at least in the roots of it

[@lewstone5430]

Right. Most rock bass players just stand there and deliver great, sometimes incredible, music, unlike Gene.

[@nikoniko893]

You make some very good points.

[@SenecaHighlander]

@@bohab787 That's a matter of opinion... one which I do not share.

[@mikey-mike8301]

Gene wrote some really great bass lines, especially in the early days. The bass line for Rock and Roll All Nite is one of the coolest.

[@ASingleSpaghetti]

He can play the bassline to Detroit Rock City and 100,000 years. He's a good bass player.

[@Mr.CliffysWorld]

Those are no where near "difficult" bass lines . 🤣😂😅😂

[@ASingleSpaghetti]

@@Mr.CliffysWorld They most certainly are not "beginner" bass lines either. I'm glad to know YOU can play them easily, but someone who hasn't put at least a bit of practice in won't.

[@ASingleSpaghetti]

@@Mr.CliffysWorld Why does something have to be "difficult" in order to be considered "good" anyway? Why is that even necessary to add?

[@metalinyourhead3604]

I was just about to say that. Detroit rock City has string skipping, a a lick that runs up and down the neck. It’s by not complicated but it’s not easy either.

[@ostrichblips]

​@metalinyourhead3604 it might not be beginner, but after how many decades of playing and that's his peak? For a conversation strictly about his abilities, its hardly impressive.

[@MariUSukulele]

not a Kiss fan, but in all fairness i do have to say, the man’s solid! he delivers what a bassist in a rock outfit is requested to do!

[@steelman774]

Most technical? Not even close. Good BEHS player? Absolutely! For over 30 years Gene has been one of my favorite bass players because he plays the right stuff for two guitar band, he’s a great performer, and he plays and sings. He makes my top 10 list probably every time.

[@robbob022]

When he was once asked about why KISS’ music is so simple, his reply was that it was what they knew their fans wanted. They reiterated the same 3- and 4-chord motif in their songs songs that every other successful band used. The difference was that they realized that bands who’re visually appealing and have a unique gimmick are the ones that are the most remembered. They’ve had a dedicated following for half a century.

[@dcx1169]

He ain't wrong. Look at country music, 3 chords and the truth. We don't need Steve Vai technical prowess on every song, Just something relatable that sounds good!

[@pigxstix]

Worked for AC/DC too. Not everyone has to be some complex artistic innovator, some can just hit the right nerve over and over regardless how simple it might seem. Hooks are hooks.

[@SenecaHighlander]

The chord progressions weren't very complicated, but listen to his walking bass lines behind them. He's what really held the music together.

[@breakingthelaw7974]

Yes Genes bass hold them together along with Peters signature groove.

[@PabloMcFlyFTW]

Trying to keep up with Carol Kaye is no small feat.

[@Geezer-yf8hv]

Yeah, many people don’t know she is legendary! Played Good Vibrations with The Beach Boys, and more!

[@danielsnyder9443]

Amen! That woman is phenomenal! And she didn't start as a session bassist, she started as a session guitarist but there was a pinch at a recording studio and the rest is "herstory"

[@jasonryan2243]

What's more, if this dweeb bothered to sorce the entire clip he actually nails the lesson and Ms King is very complimentary.

[@bongjovi4928]

​@@Geezer-yf8hvray pohlman and lyle ritz played on good vibrations

[@aidenn0de0evil01]

play jazz is a beast especially when you come from a rock background..

[@What-a-drag-it-is]

Hermano. I love your commentary and the accent just kills it! BOOM!😂 SCHMECHEL KILLS IT.😂😂😂😂

[@FerretsInBathtubs]

I live in Whistler BC and Gene and his family have a place here. The whole family came out to a couple jams at one of our local Cafes and I got to jam with him and his son Nick a couple times. Gene just jammed with us and his son sang some Led Zeppelin. Nick is an amazing singer and Gene held it down on the bass. None of us are virtuosos and Gene clearly is just jamming like the rest of us, and he seemed to really be having a great time. The most impressive moment was Nick singing. He killed it!

[@sira.scottascot8865]

Of course he can. Not a super Kiss fan, but he's a fine rock-'n'-roll bass player with some good, bouncy lines. I think he plays it down. He's held it down in arena after arena for well over 40 years.

[@Komodoensis]

My all-time fave contribution from Gene on bass would have to be the studio version of 100,000 Years. Melodically and with such authority - he threw down for that one. So colorful. They were all killin' it back then 😎

[@0ZZM0SIS.]

His bass solo for when he spits blood is just supposed to be for atmosphere, hes actually a pretty good bassist and knows how to make some really good basslines especially on albums like the first one, hotter than hell, love gun

[@Myrzghe]

Yeah, I think he plays a "real" bass solo on the "live, UK 84" video. Some kind of blues thing I think

[@vincent7160]

Destroyer and love gun were solid albums in my opinion, so was Hotter than Hell!

[@NunYabiznass-hd6dj]

Pure cringe

[@grasscutter1919]

I always liked his part on “Hard Luck Woman”.

[@kurtisbased183]

love that song

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

There's no doubt that Gene can play bass. There's also no doubt that he's credited as the bass player in some Kiss studio recordings where it was someone else.

[@scottgarrick1966]

Listen to the first 3 albums. His bass lines are walking for miles.

[@NunYabiznass-hd6dj]

Meh

[@Sc00byg00ky]

What does that mean?

[@scottgarrick1966]

He wrote awesome bass lines. And was great at carrying a song rhythmically along with great harmonies!

[@REDI2UM]

'Sure Know Something' is one of my favourite basslines of his. Kiss were my gateway into music as a child, and that song was probably my first ever introduction to groovier music.

[@woccia]

And that was actually recorded by Paul 😂

[@johnnyjohns3863]

I like his bass playing on Black Diamond and Detroit Rock City.

[@SenecaHighlander]

@@woccia Paul wrote it. Gene played it.

[@marctorres2488]

Paul played bass on that track on Dynasty album. I saw an interview with Paul and he confirmed

[@The_paradox_of_Youth]

I didn't realize Paul wrote thaI bass line. Sure Know Something is one of my all time favorite songs. Dynasty is a brilliant album and my personal favorite. Some of the songs on that album just shouldn't work within the confines that album but yet it all comes together somehow and Sure Know Something is one of those songs that I put with Carly Simon's You Belong to Me or Chris Isaac's Wicked Game when it comes to being sexy and vulnerable and catchy and fun all at once. Lol I can't explain it but to me it humanized those artist and helped me connect with their other songs. Anyways, it's a long winded way of saying. Thanks for enlightening me 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@TitanicHorseRacingLover]

He is a very good bass player. Many of those KISS song have awesome bass lines, particularly the classics in the 70s.

[@BurnsTennis]

Did they hire session musicians to play on their records?

[@ThrashRebel]

He can play. He might not be an extremely skilled bassist, but he can sing and play at the same time. Gotta give him respect for that.

[@ferox965]

He plays KISS bass. That's all he needed to do. Nothing wrong with that.

[@NunYabiznass-hd6dj]

Playing bass and singing at the same time is pretty easy in rock songs, he's mediocre, nothing special

[@roncaruso931]

You call that crap songs singing? He sucks.

[@_vixen_4504]

Mediocre? He has written som great songs in his carrer and he can sing alright he has a great tone.

[@roncaruso931]

@@_vixen_4504 LMAO!! Great songs? He can sing? Name some of those great songs. KISS was nothing more than a freak show. They all had limited talent.

[@thebigbowler]

I spotted Gene in Las Vegas Airport in 2011, I was on the fence about approaching him, when he clicked his fingers and summoned me over. Asked me where I was from (and where I had bought my shorts from 😂) and let me have a picture with him. Seemed a genuinely nice bloke from my experience. 👍

[@joemartucci4786]

I was in a band that opened for Kiss in 2010..great guys great crew. Gene had a killer live sound & songs like Think I'm going Blind Detroit Rock City etc have killer bass lines.

[@ferox965]

I met him in 02. Was very cool and down to earth with me.

[@thedisheveledplayboys]

​@@joemartucci4786 His bass line on 'Watchin' You' is also very good.

[@friedrudibega6384]

This makes me dislike him less.

[@supernothing77]

What kind of shorts were you wearing?

[@StewartDuncanJr]

Dumb question. He and Paul stood on street corners singing Beatles songs before they started a band. He plays guitar to if you've ever watched his show.

[@gameboycat05]

"I'll Be Back" to be specific. In many ways, I can consider KISS to be the Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Beatles. Just my opinion, they have a lot of similarities when you dig deep

[@gregcoldwell1531]

Of course he can play. The lines he plays on Strutter are quite good.

[@NunYabiznass-hd6dj]

I have no respect for bass players who use a pick, ruins the whole thing

[@gregcoldwell1531]

@@NunYabiznass-hd6dj Chris Squire used a pick.

[@NunYabiznass-hd6dj]

@@gregcoldwell1531 lol yeah and he's a lame bassist from a mediocre band

[@gregcoldwell1531]

@@NunYabiznass-hd6dj ok if you say so.

[@randywissler9923]

​@@NunYabiznass-hd6dj ok gatekeeper. By what your saying, every drummer that uses match grip doesn't deserve respect because they don't use traditional grip. 🤦‍♂️

[@RodFleming-World]

He's certainly a competent player. I think for Gene, playing bass was part of a much bigger act. I was never a Kiss fan but that act was really damn successful. He might not be Jaco Pastorius but he gave the fans what they wanted. Can't knock it.

[@flucazade]

I feel like Gene from time to time, I struggle playing with songs but with my own stuff I am far more comfortable.

[@gameboycat05]

Same, especially being someone who can't read music and plays by ear, it takes me a bit to learn a song I've never tried playing before

[@jefffree6990]

He's the perfect bass player for Kiss. Everything they did was straightforward and super tight, thats where the power comes from

[@luisalonsoecheverria]

The bass fills on the verses of “Detroit Rock City” are iconic!

[@kryptonian5539]

no shit right? That song i an awesome bass tune.

[@Chrisfallen]

My answer to this question is always "listen to Detroit Rock City"

[@daves_not_here_mannn]

So does love gun

[@tedwojtasik8781]

Gene did not play on Detroit Rock City or Love Gun, both were recorded by session musicians. Listen to both songs live and you will see a huge difference as Gene cannot play either bass line, so instead plays simplified versions with 70% of the original note removed so live he only plays a skeletal version of the OG bassline. Joe Perry used to do the same thing live in the early days of Aerosmith as he really did not play well at the beginning. Difference is Joe learned how to play his instrument, Gene never did. Hell, Gene did not even play bass on his own solo album.

[@VmShpman82]

I never doubted his playing ability. Thanks for the clip.

[@ChrisPutt]

His bass line here and in Hard Luck Woman is worthy of respect

[@RAIDERS77FYT]

I also like the " Sure Know Something " bass line

[@ThePhobos100]

His girl Friend was a very good looking playboy model.

[@simeonziff9370]

As a drummer, I do believe Gene is a very good bassist based on his tasteful choice of notes and runs and most importantly to me, his feel. I'd love to have him by my side in a rhythm section

[@BostonBuzz]

Good bassist???? lol! No, He's about 1 step above Nikki sixx.......

[@BostonBuzz]

Good bassist???? lol! No, He's about 1 step above Nikki sixx.......

[@oldtimerf7602]

​@@BostonBuzz His playing on the MTV unplugged show where they play Hard Luck Woman is pretty sweet. Far as I am concerned, good means the song works. And it does.

[@simeonziff9370]

@@BostonBuzzbased on what? It's important that his parts fit the song and it's vital that he has a good feel. I don't necessarily consider someone a good drummer because they have insanely fast or complicated chops. Sometimes those same drummers don't mesh well in group situations

[@ruraladventurer1884]

Thanks for telling us what we already knew, Daniel.

[@BrennanBarrier]

Listen to “Ladies Room” live where he nails every note of a very complicated bass line as well as singing. Gene is an underrated bass player, but that’s the way he prefers it

[@rickwelch8464]

Good God. Ladies Room? Just no.

[@BrennanBarrier]

@@rickwelch8464 100,000 years? Strutter? I never said ladies room was my favorite but it’s a great example of genes skills

[@alphagt62]

When I was learning to play bass, playing in a band of similarly talented musicians, I enjoyed some Kiss songs! They aren’t Rush, but they’re catchy, fun to play and the crowd loves them.

[@buzzedalldrink9131]

Gene prefers to be under rated??? when is this?? Perhap the biggest pampas ass on earth!!

[@manzainus5181]

He fkn sucks and so does his shtty band

[@matthewwest3405]

His main influence is Paul McCartney. He's actually pretty good, but it's the one thing in this world he seems to be humble about!

[@frankabramidrums]

I’ve never been a Kiss fan, but I can tell you that sample of his bass playing on this clip was middle school level all the way.

[@zombieparrot2606]

I’ve only really started to appreciate just how melodic and well written Gene’s behs lines really are in the last few months. KISS is a band I come around to every so often, but not my favorite by any means (tho I’ve seen them twice). But it is really apparent when you listen to something like “Rock and Roll All Nite” just how influenced he was by Paul McCartney. In a great way, actually.

[@michaelmichaels138]

He plays it better than Nikki Sixx who has all his bass parts recorded.

[@CaomhanOMurchadha]

I had a professor who recorded Gene, but it wasn't Gene. Allegedly, Gene listened in and said "damn I wound good." Is that true? I don't know. Don't care.

[@PainBreadzky]

Pretty low bar

[@jase_c-k-y]

Nikki Sixx doesn't deserve John 5

[@razztastic]

It's ironic you bring that up considering KISS has been faking their live shows for years. Neither of them set a very high bar. Doesn't help that Gene is one of the least likeable people to ever emerge from the rock scene.

[@michaelmichaels138]

@@razztastic - I like Gene but yeh, both they and MC sold out for money and they have a lot but it won’t matter.

[@8thouseson]

His lines are perfectly crafted, they fit seamlessly in the songs he performs. Not to mention he sings and plays effortlessly in platform heels. The guy is really good

[@graysonmichael8335]

oh ffs

[@HarryTrickle]

Very underrated- he has is own style. Lots of musicians picked up a bass because of him

[@Rotorhead1651]

....and play far better than him

[@blueeyeddevil1]

Yeah, makes sense. Gene is pretty good at picking up his bass. Actually playing it is where he struggles.

[@ShuKatashSam]

Never met a single bassist who listed him as an inspiration for picking up the bass. Carol's theme to Barney Miller was far more inspirational for Bassist during KISS's hayday.

[@TasselhoffBurfoot-s2i]

According to gene he also likes 16 yo girls he even wrote a song about it and let's not forget his charges and settlements

[@johnpauljones9310]

@@Rotorhead1651 You can say the same thing about 10 year old Asian kids who make EVH's solos sound like dogshit by comparison.

[@don-music]

Gene has always been a qualified and skilled and talented musician. Anyone saying otherwise hasn’t bothered to listen to their first three albums or to wicked Lester, the previous band he had with Paul Stanley

[@TheDemonDeuce]

Gene is an underrated bass player and can play it for sure. Heck he wrote the song Deuce from KISS's debut album entirely from the bass and one of his biggest influences is Carol Kaye as mentioned and of course Paul McCartney.

[@BeaverVision]

Gene is a highly underrated bassist. Is he the best in the world, no, but he came up with some really great bass lines over the years.

[@Jazzmaster-pb2yt]

Of course he can Play Bass.

[@Chris_Stanley007]

I think the real question is, "how well can Gene Simmons play the bass"

[@Trey-jl9ru]

I mean rock and roll all night is genuinely one of the most catchy and lyrical basslines ive ever heard, its simple but damn it is wonderful

[@PrinceAppalling]

But can Hulk Hogan actually play behs?

[@thezombiequeen1908]

I love how he actually can. There’s not much validity to a lot of the hulksters stories, but nah he’s actually a damn good bass player.

[@JamesG-k5f]

When I seen hulk play I was amazed

[@ferox965]

Hogan was a sound player.

[@Robert-nu4vc]

Yes, Hulk Hogan can play bass. He's actually decent.

[@smileysatanson3404]

Now I need to see the brother play lol

[@jody8526937]

I realized Gene was a good bassist back in 75-76. In my mind Detroit Rock City was the final proof of his bass playing prowess. I saw Gene playing with KISS multiple times in the 70’s and 80’s and was very impressed with his abilities to sing, lead and harmony, while doing acrobatics maneuvers in platform heels and playing booming bass lines. Back in the day (1975-77) it was common to accuse KISS of not being proficient with anything except wearing makeup but there was a reason I went to see them more times than any touring band of that era. I remember schoolmates saying Gene sucks and Geddy Lee, John Paul Jones, Chuck Rainey, Brad Hamilton , Bootsy Collins, Verdine White, Greg Lake, Stanley Clarke, Larry Graham, Jaco Pastorius, etc.,etc. Gene wasn’t those guys but he brought an entirely different flavor to the dinner. At one time he was a very exciting and innovative talent.

[@rabidninja7158]

That was Genes strength, not being like anyone else. Not sounding like anyone else. He and Paul both have voices you cant mistake for anyone else. Genes is unique enough that he didnt need to sound like someone else.

[@dwayneglover914]

U LEFT OUT LOUIS JOHNSON & BILLY SHEEHAN

[@jody8526937]

@@dwayneglover914 I left out a lot of bassist.

[@dwayneglover914]

@jody8526937 true u did my friend Roger Glover & JOHN ENTWISLE THANKS 4 THE POST ROCK ON

[@cannedheat2264]

Goin’ blind (unplugged) is by far the best example of genes playing. Gene wasn’t show-boating just sitting there playing the bass.

[@mrhyde2250]

He’s a very solid and melodic bass player.

[@jugglerj0e]

Totally...lol 😆😆😆😆

[@bassomatic64]

melodic? uhhh…no

[@HankFinkle11]

I met Gene once. He couldn’t have been more cordial and pleasant. Now that doesn’t mean he couldn’t be a tough businessman. I’m certain he is.

[@ScottDaddyMac]

He was at a site I was working at. He peeked into the OR we were in and he gave us a thumbs up. I realized who it was, so I went out and caught him before he left. I told him I have listened to KISS since 1976. He gave a humble little bow and said "Thank you". Then my colleague came out and he looks at us both and says "So....how long have you two been a couple?" lol He was just a funny low key guy and he fist bumped us when he left. One of the surgical techs says she likes "History Talking Gene" over "Rock Star Gene". She said he is a very smart person.

[@Rotorhead1651]

Yeah, then there's the time he threatened to "end" an elderly man on the street in NYC.

[@tylermuhlenbruch]

My boy was delayed meeting him at a meet and greet, supposedly Gene made sure he met the last few parties and did his proper meet and greet on his time. Everything I’ve ever heard about the man points to that story probably being spot the fuck on.

[@TasselhoffBurfoot-s2i]

He wrote a song about having relations with a 16 year old. Thoughts?

[@nunyafunyuns]

He's also incredibly, fundamentally sexist. He's been keeping it down low lately, but check out some of his earlier interviews, and you see what he's all about.

[@Foul_Quince]

He's been playing that bass line for 50 years. You'd think he'd have it down by now.

[@TomDowd-re5bi]

Gene is a very underrated bassist. When people bash Gene’s playing I feel like they’re saying they have not listened to much beyond Rock and Roll all night. The first bunch of records have a bunch of great basslines. Dude could play and sing lead or harmony depending on what the song

[@pinkled4429]

People who listen to stuff past rock would be the first one's to dislike his playing. Anybody who's a musician will dislike his playing

[@estebanb7166]

@@pinkled4429😂

[@ferox965]

​​@@pinkled4429I went to university for music. I've played just about ever genre of music at least once, on several instruments. Been playing for almost forty years. I like his playing. It's full of attitude, aggressive and killer rock bass. That's all he needed to do. I've probably gigged more than you.

[@Jeremiahx79]

​@@ferox965I sure don't listen to Gene Simmons for good bass playing. I dont give a damn how many gigs you played either, Gene just isnt that great.

[@Borntu]

​@@Jeremiahx79who cares who you like and don't like? You're a clown.

[@heheshabutie33]

“Detroit Rock City” is a jam on bass. I’d put it in the same breath as “Carry on my wayward son”.

[@timorthelame1]

Bob Exrin wrote the song and came up with a lot of the guitar parts on the Destroyer album.

[@dougbarnowski5224]

Before you give advice you should learn what your talking about! Starting with the very basic something called titles! Wont make ya look so dumb.

[@ATK10155]

It's funny how the OC completely ignored Detroit Rock City, 100,000 Years, and Sure know something like Gene has never played bass before in his life.

[@castorkat4868]

WHAT ????????

[@mooch514]

​@@timorthelame1no. He co wrote 1 part. Stanley wrote the song

[@JoshBruin77]

Gene is pretty decent His bass line in "Love em, Leave em" Rocks steady, man!

[@cestlavie5713]

Well I know who could play extraordinary, Prince. He was so underrated by Main Stream Media.

[@wolfumz]

Princes estate posted an album for streaming, the Loring Park Sessions, and it's amazing, my favorite prince album. He just crushes it. it's an instrumental funk album he recorded in 1977 when he was 19. The sessions weren't released, ended up in the vault, but emerged again in 2011.

[@Timetofly8888]

You need to cover Paulo Jnr from Sepultura. Max talks a lot in his book "Roots" that it wasn't until halfway through their career that Paulo finally could play !!

[@Sarvlosify]

Gene didn’t fail to play that Carol King line though, he gets it in the same video

[@MattS-p8h]

Right? Love how people take stuff out of context to get attention and get people to believe their argument.

[@Invictus13666]

Exactly. I always had the impression he was being deferential to her since she’s sort of royalty.

[@acuriouscniht]

THE BAND: YES! Need some Chris Squire behs tone!!

[@FishHeadSalad]

Loved the David Essex short lick in there. Rock On!

[@stuartminister9755]

I've seen KISS many times, starting with the Dynasty tour. Gene can definitely play bass! The one note solo is when he's about to spit blood. I've seen the God of Thunder play some of the drum solo from Moby Dick, live version from the Song Remains the Same during his solo. A mind blowing live concert moment that I'll never forget!

[@bobsebring2819]

He sounds great on his records. Granted he's no Jaco, but he doesn't need to be. Kiss is about basic rock and roll music. He does a fine job for what is needed to keep the song rocking.

[@KhurtKhave669]

Carol Kaye was very patient with the young man just learning bass (she's a fkn legend!) LOL

[@kentrothrock9159]

I'm an amateur bass player and one of my favorite songs to play bass on is 'She'. I think you got to give Gene some credit...

[@metalhead8934]

Green Day?

[@johnjay9404]

NO

[@XWNLOX]

Pão de queijo.

[@ninjasonmylawn25]

Check out their unplugged performance. He may not be one of the greats but he really can play.

[@schectermeister]

I could play bass like him before I knew what a bass was. 😂

[@LindenAtchison]

I guess he can. Day 94 of asking for Stu Cook of Creedence Clearwater Revivals behs tone

[@ludwik7326]

Ah yes ! love him, his tone when Creedence was a trio near the end was fantastic, raw but somehow very pleasing

[@LindenAtchison]

@@ludwik7326 yes, I don’t know how him and Doug made it sound so full for John with only behs and drums

[@ludwik7326]

@@LindenAtchison Yeah it's quite remarkable, although Tom's absence was really felt on some songs (personally) , others really sounded amazing and had a different but equally good feel to them Travelin Band or Fortunate Son I felt were really carried by Stu around that time

[@LindenAtchison]

@@ludwik7326 agreed

[@RobHealy1]

Not to brownnose but he is more accomplished than what's in that example. I actually liked his disco playing. Sure Know Something is pretty decent

[@MrKept1]

Thats a great song!

[@JohnnyDollar720]

Doesn’t matter if he can play bass, dude figured out how to get paid.

[@Evs78101]

100,000 Years is a pretty groovy bassline

[@MichaelWH]

People need to listen to the studio version and not the live

[@RtaniDean]

It really is!! I think the whole band was just killer. The studio recordings are masterful. Even Peter has noble grooves. His Tom fills get a bit weird, but it all works. They are talented for sure, or at least were- they aren’t spring chickens. We all slow down here and there sometimes. 😊💎🎵

[@machinesdeguerre]

He is actually an excellent rock bass player. Check out The old live footage. He plays very cool bass lines and often sings at the same time. Kinda reminds me of McCartney in style or player.

[@Johnnyutah-tn5oe]

Sometimes, it's the easiest things to play that add the best harmony. It's not a tough riff, but it's smooth

[@haraldwestman6137]

I think he has some pretty good bass lines in many of their songs.

[@RichardHoogstad]

Don’t care much for his ego but yes! He’s plays pretty damn well

[@dennisneo1608]

You cannot play thousands of live shows and not be able to play.

[@somethingfatal]

oh yes you can, Pete Wentz has been doing it for years

[@Bulsky]

Yes you can, you just have to be a bassist. No one hear you anyway😂

[@stevendeaton291]

It's Called Backing Tracks bro

[@stevendeaton291]

He Sucks at Bass

[@mooch514]

​@@stevendeaton291 gene simmons doesnt use backing tracks. Nikki sixx does

[@gregoryrobertson6866]

Like most bands you should listen to the first album. Love his playing on Unplugged too. Esp Goin Blind

[@gavinjones7619]

Solid Bassist 🎸💯

[@joedog3977]

correct. not insanely talented like les claypool but he gets the job done.

[@LeoJGym]

My dude spent far more time asking if Gene can play rather than just playing the clip.

[@davidbakerscuba]

Watch the Kiss unplugged concert, where he plays acoustic bass. His playing is fantastic in that live recording.

[@kurkumopo]

day 53 of asking for frank bellos bass tone

[@groundhogday1]

It is hard to dispute his talent as a song writer. And KISS had some incredible bass lines, like with Love Gun.

[@cleftturnip7774]

You mean those one note bass solos that made whole stadiums go nuts?

[@rudywilliams6538]

some people will eat up anything

[@cleftturnip7774]

@@rudywilliams6538 it worked for the mood. Virtuosity wouldn't of imo

[@burtreynolds2969]

Im pretty sure it was the show he was putting on, not the "solo" that made people go nuts.

[@cleftturnip7774]

@@burtreynolds2969 I think its both. The droning one notes add to the dark mood he was trying to create. Not everything needs 100 notes. It was doomy

[@TheTacoman999]

that’s some medical grade copium you’re huffing there bud

[@jabronijoeoutdoors]

He has an old school groove like a jazz bassist would have. Listen to his early stuff. I personally LOVE his bass line in Love Gun.

[@MrDelta144]

Not sure you gave me 30 seconds of yakking and five seconds of bass

[@nolanpalumbo6526]

Do Cliff Williams of AC/DC Hoping for that tour in 2024!

[@WilDBeestMF]

Cliff could *definitely* play, rock solid bass player. Right bang in the pocket, dependable, good tone on every record.

[@iandickeson3510]

Listen to some of the KISS bass lines. Gene is wildly underrated.

[@roncaruso931]

LOL. KISS is a joke. They all sucked.

[@iandickeson3510]

@roncaruso931 That's like your opinion, man.

[@roncaruso931]

@iandickeson1184 It's true, man. Ask anyone who knows music.

[@psyberiusblack]

I wanna see a band with Gene Simmons on bass, Lars Ulrich on drums and Kanye on guitar.

[@seedofabrahamcny]

As a bass guitarist, a fellow like Chaim (Gene) can rock it on bass...another bassist I look up to, along with Benjamin Orr and Peter Cetera. Rabbi Derrick Whitt Kehillat HaDerech YHVH Syracuse NY

[@TheMusicianTom]

Benjamin Orr for sure

[@Duck_Dodgers]

Cliff Burton

[@ryanm8373]

I met gene in indy. Very nice guy

[@AaronTharpe]

Dude is basically living out a real world version of guitar hero. He know's his bands songs that someone wrote.

[@villetilus]

You only have to be able to play your own songs

[@CourtneyLee62]

Til someone in the back of the audience yells out “free bird!”

[@Str1ng5]

Not everyone needs to show off in order to impress anyone... his legacy speaks for itself. His music speaks for itself. Why do we want everyone to be a wooten