Gene Simmons Killed Rock Music | Mike The Music Snob Reacts

**Reposted because the first post wasn't loading correctly**
Gene Simmons of KISS said in his interview with Henry Rollins that the record industry (and by extension rock music) died and the fans killed it. I argue that it is actually Gene who killed it. Copyright means a lot less to the artist than you realize.
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[@jimmyneal3625]

This made me think back to an article I read about Iron Maiden using piracy numbers to see where the most downloads of their songs was coming from. They planned their touring around it and found well major success selling out multiple shows. My point is instead of crying about how the business is dying and hating the fans Iron Maiden used the information to not go oh no look at all these "illegal" downloads. they was like oh look we have tons of fans in such and such place lets go there and there and there. They sold out shows and you know sold a fuck ton of merch.

[@donicsm7684]

Jimmy Neal holy shit that’s awesome!

[@tommywho924]

Didn't know it was possible for me to love them even more

[@tominatorxx]

What Maiden does, is called being smart What Gene does, is called being a doucheb*g Seriously Gene could have said "money" and "Who cares about the art of music" as an answer to every question that was asked. It would have saved a lot of time to come to the same meaning behind the answers...

[@jayparks6266]

maybe its why they made that interviewer a few yrs back take his Iron Maiden shirt off and replaced it with their KISS shirt lol

[@javila6341]

Iron Maiden were always incredibly talented musicians true artists, Harrison is an excellent composer that alone kicks KISS out on the water....Gene you are a Greedy bastard lol

[@TheMegaGamingKid]

title should've been entitled 'Reaction to Gene Simmons being Gene Simmons'

[@mookelman]

I just wish guitar solos were a thing in mainstream music again.

[@paleontologi485]

Creeping Death Or just disorted guitar in general

[@Shortened2Max]

As a big fan of hip hop (as well as rock, obviously), I've been advocating for the insertion of tasteful guitar solos into rap and RnB. Listen to Kanye's work, frank oceans Channel Orange, etc. I think a huge opportunity for guitar in hip hop is being neglected.

[@danielnodland4072]

Being completely honest, even short solos clocking in at 30-60 seconds would be fine.

[@YoniIsrael]

excpt for 'beat it' (which also have a pretty killer riff) can you find one good guitar solo in pop music?

[@paleontologi485]

Yoni The K Beat It isn't really "todays mainstream"

[@gabriellarrubia1006]

Gene Simmons can't speak a single sentence that doesn't make him look extremely shallow

[@jennifertaylor2893]

Well said.

[@stevendurham9996]

Yes. He talks like a commodities trader.

[@Panic42000]

Haha! He just says what other people won’t. What’s wrong with wanting to make money? Does this guy actually write music? Does this guy actually go out and play live? I bet the asshole doesn’t even play music.

[@hardluck8732]

@@deadinsidemcgee411 What are you talking about? I'm no KISS fan but rock music could use something more along the lines of a band like KISS than all the extreme metal bands we have now. We have enough of those kinds of bands. Rock music needs more variety, not just whatever kind of metal you in particular like. Too many bands look and sound the same now....oh and rap is not dying. Believe me, blacks are still into it and not about to replace it anytime soon.

[@yaotzinxochitiotzi5613]

@@hardluck8732 Being Jew has no relevance in this discussion wtf!

[@Angemix93]

As a visual artist and music lover, I think musicians teaming up with visual artists to create a well rounded brand and image is one of the smartest things they can do in this day and age. That is very appealing to me at least, and very creative things can be accomplished.

[@toshitvaidya9901]

Angélica Ramos this is America has been a really good example for it

[@Iheartdgd]

Image is huge and will sell just about anything

[@TheMountainHowl]

The film maker/photographer/graphic designer/coder/painter/whatever will charge much more than the musician. The musician still loses.

[@Carbon2861996]

Preach!

[@ACEDIAMOND666]

Angelica, you make a good argument. I'd love to team up and try it.

[@Ado1271]

Record labels are one of the biggest problems in todays music.

[@soulphoenix13]

Always been. Since the 50's artists have been getting screwed, especially artists of color. Look what happened to Motown and Doo Wop performers. They literally performed for almost no profit, not being compensated for their material. Records companies also provide loans to a band/artist but require them to pay for recording in the studio, promotion, shooting videos, etc. Even if a band is new, all the latter works against their cut. It's disgusting.

[@chrissantos5580]

BTW labels are making more money now then they have in years

[@magicsteve5523]

Except the smaller DIY labels that actually help the bands they sign

[@lartensgrill6106]

Musicians need to be able to record their own music and cut out the middle men

[@Jonathan-A.C.]

@@lartensgrill6106 That’s what Tom Macdonald has started doing, and it’s incredible. Pioneer stuff

[@SGRev1]

The fact that Gene listed women alongside houses, jewelry, and cars, as if women were a commodity (which they're not, don't kid yourself), tells me everything I need to know about this guy's way of thinking.

[@detinator5]

Great point.

[@Iceman99992]

I think he means the women that flock to the famous rich guys for the clout or money.

[@harveyboy7019]

Women are definitely not a commodity, but pussy is. Especially in Hollywood.

[@sirbaronvoncount4147]

Never liked Kiss especially Gene

[@hardluck8732]

When they say sex sells......they weren't talking about dick.

[@andrewdow6623]

Henry keeps looking at him like "you are so full of crap"

[@agargoyle12345]

I'm not a huge Henry Rollins fan, but I have tons more respect for him than Gene Simmons, fds. He must have been going nuts on the inside!

[@Gatchamon]

@@agargoyle12345 OH yeah he must've!

[@18FrozenAngels]

Gene Simmons makes me rethink my passion about becoming a musician. Not because I fear that what he says is true, but only because I don’t want to be associated with him in any way, shape, or form.

[@Elderscrollsgamer9625]

To be honest I use to look up to gene but with all the shit he's done has changed my mind on him. Fun fact I tried to go to a couple company's to have a replica of one of his basses made for me and all have said they can't because gene has a license over them saying if they replicate his basses he will sue them so now if you want a bass from him you choose it he plays it on stage autographs it gives it to you After the show for $10,000 and to me that ain't fucking worth it

[@GeeVanderplas]

@@Elderscrollsgamer9625 Guitar shapes have always been subject to copyright. Back in the 70s when companies like Ibanez started to make copies of Fender and Gibson guitars, many were sued. Gibson was sued by Fender for their Firebird model, PRS was sued by Gibson for their single cutaway model etc. So it's hardly surprising that a company refuses to replicate a copyrighted model.

[@lancesvensson1703]

@@GeeVanderplas how the fuck does Fender sue the firebird it looks so different from the strat

[@GeeVanderplas]

@@lancesvensson1703 I know right? but they did and Gibson produced a reversed version of the firebird, which actually looked more like a strat.

[@HalfHealthGaming]

Then don't, ignore him

[@chrisarias4055]

I want my “rockstars” to be talented at their instrument and to be good writers

[@MuttFarm]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmbHc2eCZr2be7M

[@jaimelannister1797]

They have a few catchy songs so...

[@conniethesconnie]

Unlike some other rockstars, Gene does play an instrument and write songs.

[@fyourgoat9143]

Yes. And I want them to be consistent. And I want them to save their world raping leftist politics for their private friends and keep it the fuck out of the media because I don't need their nazi propaganda. And they are nazis.

[@altonex9856]

Dont forget humbleness

[@VultureClone]

The fact that Gene sees rock as merely being all about the money and sex, says a lot about him..

[@dianevanderlinden3480]

when you're that icky all you can do is act like a douche and wear a costume to cover it up

[@nancygrimm2897]

It says he is not an artist

[@ryanlittleton5615]

I mean KISS was always just a bubblegum band anyway. Why do you think they relied on make-up and theatrics?

[@crucifixmegabuster95]

Imo gene is literally digging his own grave. He built basically the sellout mentality of money, sex, and drugs. This dude wanted to copyright a damn handsign. Wtf? And when companies pump out subpar acts a lot of times piracy saves money.

[@virtuitousvampire9371]

megaman exe actually he doesn’t do drugs...and he wanted to copyright the moneybag.

[@TheBrianp1]

If it wasn't for free music I wouldn't even know about pretty much all the music I listen to.

[@joeyhammer6702]

That’s how I got into metallica my friend had a zip file version of ajfa. Since then I have bought most of the music I own.

[@leostevanovic5205]

Gene Simmons talks about music like my grandpa Btw he was an economist

[@RobertStiles]

He was an elementary school teacher, but good guess.

[@ricimercury9490]

same thing

[@ragnarokxg2113]

Great video I would like to add three points against what Gene said. 1. Rock is not dead, the old version of rock is dead. Artists have begun to evolve and it is thanks to artists like Trent Reznor and Fat Mike of NoFX who are big on giving away their music. Like you stated fans will always support the bands they enjoy but in this age will first see if a album is worth investing in. 2. Gene wanting to sue the fan base is laughable and he should go talk to Metallica and see how that worked out for them. Their is no quicker way to lose your audience than to continuously put out sub par content and then get pissed at your fans for not wanting to pay for said content. 3. Gene and Paul have always been suits. It is for that reason that KISS self destructed the way that it did. It is that same reason that Ace and Peter had their own managers during the reunion years. Because Paul and Gene were all about keeping control over their shit.

[@RationalObserver1]

ROCK IS NOT DEAD? DEFINE DEAD? Nofx and Trent Reznor are not exactly evidence of a new crop of fresh talents springing up.

[@nashidmamoon9151]

For the last time, rock music isn't dead. Just because it isn't as popular as before and isn't mainstream music doesn't mean it's dead. There may be specific individuals who harmed rock (I agree that people like glam metal and gene HARMED rock and metal), but doesn't mean that rock is dead.

[@Carbon2861996]

No genre is ever really dead.

[@AllenFreemanMediaGuru]

I liked some Glam Rock: Bowie, T-Rex, Slade, ok, that might be it.

[@lancesvensson1703]

No genre killed rock. The people in there kill it

[@olivertoclassicrock4429]

It isnt dead as long the old bands are still around

[@billzakill1257]

It’ll come back round like it always has. 50s rock n roll, 60s early rock, 70s rock/ early metal, 80s metal,90s grunge,00s alternative, 10s pop rock(early on in the decade anyway), 20s who knows?

[@theneonchimpchannel9095]

I couldn't agree more. If I found out that a million people had listened to one of my songs for free, the thing that I'd pick up on was "a million people listened to one of my songs". While it'd be nice to have a dollar for every one of those plays, I'd be happy in the knowledge that a million people had heard the song and that out of that many, at least some of them must have liked it. It's always an honour when someone buys one of my albums, but just the fact that there are people out there who enjoy what I do, that's enough for me. That said, nowhere near that many people have heard my music, but even the small numbers of people that are enjoying it, I have fans on the other side of the world, now that's an awesome feeling.

[@P3rm4frost]

you nailed it dude.

[@sephikong8323]

And remember, with this million people who listened for free comes more monetary benefits than if they all bought, may it be in concert sales, merchandise ...... He already made this point in the video but it is really something to emphasise. By being a cheapskate who wants every nickel you see, you don't realise that for each nickel you make that way, there is a purse that you won't get

[@mistersunshine1330]

Yeah, but you have a million fans, but your dirt cheap and none of them are probably big enough fans of music to know the struggle of being a musician so its not like they'll let you stay at your house. So then I ask the question, When will Support equal Survivability? The answer: when monetization is added to the equation.

[@TocoaPuffs]

@@mistersunshine1330 90% of your money comes from the top 10% of your fans. They'll pay you in other ways, and playing live shows is one of those ways.

[@mistersunshine1330]

@@TocoaPuffs But they are not obligated to do so is the issue. No other media creator is fucked over like the musician. They produce media and earning any revenue is just an option, not a requirement, you. You wanna watch a movie, you gotta pay, tv show? You gotta pay, and there's always big money deals behind even the smallest of productions. Only in music is paying the creator an option.

[@aussieeffinpete]

Dead Kelly, a band I listen to, am willing to"donate" my money, buy merch, buy a physical copy of their songs or even spare a few bucks because they put themselves into their work and it's awesome music, just my opinion. The band always show appreciation for everyone who buys or donates anything because what they do moves people and not be greedy and shit on people because they think they are gods , just normal people making music.

[@BecomeTheKnight]

And they're actually a good band lol

[@aussieeffinpete]

Now, you've never told me or anyone on your podcasts that but thank you 😊

[@ferox965]

Normal people making music is still a business. I met Gene in 02. We had a very intense discussion about music and life. Was very cool and down to earth with me.

[@NESMaster80]

I have not heard of Dead Kelly before. I checked out a couple of songs on YT after this comment. Fucking eh!

[@lunavioleta001]

To be fair, there are people who hates when their favorite band or artist becomes big while also complaining that they aren't big enough. Some people are just extremist in their believes and are difficult to satisfy.

[@papabillydeth4723]

It's Not Gay If It's Jesus I love ghost but I think Tobias Forge is greedy like Gene. Especially with the playing at the huge venue that bands bigger than Ghost can’t even sellout and the whole lawsuit against all the band members.

[@lunavioleta001]

Papa Billydeth Ummmm I'm not sure where you're going with this.

[@MikeFoerster]

Gene has always been a suit. Read some old interviews with Ace Frehley. He talks about in the 80's him being in meetings in suits.

[@BecomeTheKnight]

That's something I was unfamiliar with. I know he's always been fiscally conscious, but I don't consider those the same thing.

[@YoniIsrael]

now i imagine him in a suit in a meeting but with the kiss's make-up fucking hilarious

[@bassproscott]

Yoni The K Underrated comment

[@ToruKun1]

Wearing a suit with KISS makeup is basically the album cover for Dressed to Kill

[@YoniIsrael]

i'm not that awer to their discography

[@bigkuntry2153]

“there are two types of people that wear sunglasses indoors, blind people and assholes” -Larry david

[@TheWetToaster]

The “rock star vs musician” comment made me audibly yell “FUCK yes, THANK YOU!” So happy I found this channel.

[@Nachtopus]

The only problem with a band like Kiss is when things sway so far into the direction that the music (the art) merely becomes a vehicle for merch sales (the brand), when it should always work the other way around.

[@jimlynch5776]

Your comment about fans finding a way to support a band is so true. My favorite band is a small Finnish Band. Last year on tour in the US I drove 400mi just to go see them at a small venue. I have also ordered merch from them from overseas.

[@toshitvaidya9901]

wow henry rollins is really quite, not saying against the bullshit gene is talking about i wonder what the 80s henry rollins during the black flag days would've done if gene have said the same thing in front of him

[@malavparmar7694]

Toshit Vaidya ikr lol he would've yelled at him

[@ugsdit5296]

well i feel like being rude to a person you are interviewing is socially retarded no matter how much you disagree

[@toshitvaidya9901]

well i think its really ironic and quite funny because henry was a huge asshole towards the interviewers in the 80s.

[@kirilichushanka1357]

Toshit Vaidya "You either die a young punk or become the person you despise the most"

[@stevendurham9996]

@@malavparmar7694 At least.🐯

[@Jakethysnake93]

I have been saying rap is dying for a couple years now you can only recycle the same bullshit over and over so many times. It's vapid and soulless music a shadow of its former self.

[@BecomeTheKnight]

To put it simply, it's forgetting where it came from.

[@rainpersona9406]

Completely disagree, hip hop is really interesting right now. Examples: Kendrick, Kanye, Brockhampton, Death Grips, Vince Staples, RTJ, Pusha T. Albums like To Pimp A Butterfly would not have been as successful in the 2000s which is a testament to the genre evolving. Also, Hip Hop wouldn't have been able to become as big as it is right now without the trap wave. Is Trap the symbol of demise for hip hop? Absolutely not. Just like 70s new wave, punk, grunge, nu-metal; it's a trend that will eventually pass. On another note: many trap artists are reminiscent of rock stars in their hey day. Glorifying drug use, sexual, hedonistic - these qualities have been amplified up to 10. What's considered "edgy" and perhaps even "amoral" (Though I'm not arguing it's not) by the previous generation is what the next generation gravitate towards to. I still believe that hip hop's authentic and rebel is certainly reinforced by the artists I mentioned above. There have always been shitty rock bands and shitty rappers in the mainstream but their emergence has never necessarily been the demise of the genres.

[@heroinasytumbas3346]

Jacob Abbott I have to agree to some extent, and take my opinion with a grain of salt bc I'm not an expert on the genre by any means, but I think there's people who is still innovating and keeping hip hop authentic. Kendrick and Brockhampton would be my favorite examples.

[@user-pi9qv1cp8b]

Candela Luna I don't like how some people dimiss rap as a bad genra .There is good rap today you just have to be open to it and look for it

[@ryukishin187]

You can say that about any genre though. I think the argument is that mainstream hip hop is horrible right now. A lot of rappers use the same flow, rap about the same shit, have horrible, minimalistic production that all sounds the same. Sure, there are some exceptions, but right now it's pretty bad. Now, the indie scene on the other hand has some amazing rappers now more than ever imo.

[@laluhuizi29]

This channel and you are so underrated. More people need to watch this.

[@EGeorgev]

Geez, this guy! I never got into KISS, but listening to him, now, can only make me glad I didn't.

[@Sevvolf]

I honestly kept nodding my head in agreement everytime you made a point. 😂

[@sandromnator]

cringe.

[@jansvitak8099]

Wow, this may be the best video I've seen from you.. Or the one that just "hit me" the most.... It's like you put my own thoughts to words.. Can't agree more!

[@jansvitak8099]

I actually wonder what Henry Rollins thought of this...

[@TheBrunarr]

I'm wearing that same shirt right now lol

[@pedrouribe6033]

Bru Master I love mountain dew

[@7easton7]

Target thanks you....

[@mudpuddles]

Y'all cute

[@Indiegirl007]

I feel like Gene is just bemoaning the lifestyle. He misses it, he misses seeing it amongst his buddies.

[@ol4037]

According to Gene, Nickleback, Buckcherry, Crazy Town > Death, Exhorder, Overkill

[@shred5]

Steve Vai always said the best advice for a new musician is the same advice that Frank Zappa gave him: always own the rights to your own music.

[@nafikos6450]

This has been the best rant of the century

[@Module79L]

I don't know if you're aware of this, Mike, but here in Europe, or at least in several countries including mine, every memory device (hard disks, SSD's, memory sticks, memory cards, any electronic device that contains any type of internal memory (MP3's, MP4's, iPod's, smartphones, tablets) and even recordable optical discs) started to pay a tax *per GB of capacity* to cover the eventuality that said devices are used to store downloaded video or audio files or even files copied from the CD's or DVD's the person OWNS and PAID FOR. : /

[@BecomeTheKnight]

This is exactly the shit I'm talking about.

[@Module79L]

They claim it's to protect the video and music industries from piracy. Of course, all that tax money goes to them, not to the artists. : / I play in a band, we have 3 albums and a few remixes' CD's released. We're not signed to any label, none of OUR music is registered and yet we're constantly being harrassed by the SPA (the authors' proclaimed "protective" society) each time we play in a bar or a small venue. The local SPA snitch reports the gig to the local Police and they go to the place to identify the band members and colect the list of the songs we're gonna play, to see if the owner of the venue has any royalties due.

[@phantomtearsca]

Module79L that's a fucking shame.

[@Babs42]

Europe is lost man, especially the UK. Liberty makes its last stand in the states and it's up to use to keep the brush fires going. (well the tireless minority anyway).

[@legendofthestrings1]

This is a good reason to legalize murder. Snitch should die lol

[@larshansson1953]

"Are you going to charge someone every time they play your CD in their house?". Gene would be all in with that.

[@lunavioleta001]

Did Gene actually make the case that being egotistical, boastful, and basically like most artist these days is a good thing and what's rock is all about?

[@AllenFreemanMediaGuru]

I loved Kiss when I first discovered them and saw them in 1974, and 1975. Quickly I realized their music was crude and simple. As time went on other bands blew them away. Then Gene started talking and pretty much destroyed what good memories I had of Kiss. He definitely is a user. Only in music to make a buck and sleep with groupies (until he got married I assume). How did Paul Stanly put up with him all these years? Curious how much of his posturing is only for the cameras, otherwise no one could even be in the same room with him for more than 3 minutes.

[@nickwebb9131]

Really great video. It speaks for your integrity as an artist

[@draylexdoom9243]

I was so confused when I first got the notification and then it wouldnt load so i reloaded youtube and it was gone

[@hubrispark5090]

Chaos is a ladder.

[@markriffalo27]

I understood that reference

[@rosscarroll6735]

Fucking Littlefinger

[@thomaslevy7249]

*LADDAH

[@danielcastillo4537]

Love The Game of Throne reference! Sadly it's true...

[@uoabigaillevey]

I made my mind up about this stuff back when Metallica, fronting for labels under the pretension of representing all artists, went after Napster, specifically, and the fans who were sharing their music. I may be wrong.. but waaaay back in the very early 80's.. was it not the fans who shared their music with their buddies that gave Metallica enough of a following to get them the smaller gigs that eventually led to their 1st album recording? Was it not the fans who got a copy of that and who shared it with their friends what led to them selling larger venues and another album? I am sorry, but especially in today's market/technological atmosphere there are literally 10's of thousands of bands/artists screaming for your (my/our) ears and eyes to be focused on them.. even if just to listen/watch once... in the hopes of generating fans (who would then buy merch/tickets). I am sorry, but if I were one of them artist/bands, I would be dropping free copies of all my work *everywhere* that I could.. just to get an initial listen/watch from anyone who was even interested enough to pick up a free copy. Just my thoughts Peace

[@MuttFarm]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmbHc2eCZr2be7M

[@donniewade7630]

Quit listening to them right then, threw every cd in the trash. The only band banned in my house, I even change the radio station if they come on it.

[@mistersunshine1330]

@@donniewade7630 what a stupid thing to do. Imagine someone stealing your work and selling it for free. Yes Metallica got big like that in the 80s. But they weren't the biggest band in the world. And to be the biggest band, have the best live shows, have great production value, that all costs money. And A lot of it. That's why. Record sales would decline, touring sales would most likely decline. And then next thing ya know, Metallica, the money printer, is broke or on the verge of it.

[@Jonathan-A.C.]

Don’t be sorry, it’s the truth

[@RocknRollAddicts]

The thumbnail made me laugh out loud for real. Great video! A lot of great points too, man.

[@johncampbell4162]

Did you see the multi-part metal doc that VH1 ran? Everytime Dio is on screen, he rips into how "And Gene will monetize that."

[@shanewalton8888]

This was the video that made me subscribe. I've been so pissed at bands taking down instructional videos about how to play their songs. SO bloody greedy.

[@shikatsu]

I mean I find half my music these days by accident on youtube, much more than walking around walmart or a record store these days.

[@MuttFarm]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmbHc2eCZr2be7M

[@deniecedenephew7515]

Ahh same here that’s how I got into obscure 80s punk bands

[@YoniIsrael]

totally agree with you more then 50% of what make an artist good is whether he sees his music as art or as business

[@skeene_6824]

18:38 Henry's face is perfect

[@gunkanjima3408]

Anyone remember those KISS coffins they came out with years ago? Legitimately Kiss branded coffins for people who died

[@Nachtopus]

“Anything you give away for free will come back and fuck you up.” Tell that to Chance The Rapper and King Gizzard.

[@brianmcdonald42]

It's really weird to see Gene Simmons say that rock isn't dominant because the musicians don't act like rock stars to HENRY ROLLINS, a guy who made his name and his fame based on being real and honest. I know Henry had to keep that smile on his face because he's doing a show, but man, that had to be one of the hardest thing he's ever had to do.

[@glueeater9753]

Hey Mike, loved this new video. I just disagree that labels are going anywhere anytime soon. Labels are making more than ever right now by licensing music out music to streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music. Your point of view on musicians making music is really interesting and has changed my view. Thanks.

[@BecomeTheKnight]

Just give it time.......it won't be soon as in the next 5 to 10 years, but in the next few decades.

[@glueeater9753]

Become The Knight I'd Love to see em go, man. Keep making great vids.

[@jasonsimmons7479]

Record company's now have what they call 360 contracts. Meaning they get a cut of sales,merch,and touring. Bands have a very difficult time making ends meat. This,i think,will eventually kill the music industry. Technology has progressed so far that bands will either do it themselves or stop making music period.

[@felixhamel2398]

Thank you so much for this video, Mike. Everyone needs to hear and comprehend this

[@severium8057]

Gene is pissed because of rockers being genuine and humble?

[@pluto545]

And, that's who they are. They aren't cartoon characters, granted you do have some, but that's usually their personality or marketing.

[@explosiongames3]

Copyright issues is the whole reason that NCS was brought around in the EDM world. It made it so that artists who willingly submitted songs could allow you to use their work for whatever you wanted, often even with free downloads. And then if you wanted to support them, NCS had whatever way of supporting them in their descriptions.

[@noahgraham2100]

It could even be argued that in their attempt to hold onto the remains of the old record industry the labels are making it actively more difficult for new acts to find new way of getting their music out their gaining an audience and yes perhaps profiting off of their art, by closing new distribution methods and trying to control any that manage to remain all to scrape another penny for themselves off the backlog of artists that see little to none of this

[@zackargyle7967]

I don't like videos often but I am liking this because it made me feel like people support the artist not the industry and it made me feel inspired to go write songs with meaning and emotion love u man 🤘🤘

[@Wisconsin222]

You never mentioned is this is the many reasons that KISS is already becoming forgotten and Black Flag (Henry Rollin’s band) is forever remembered in the punk world

[@orlock20]

Beth Hart for women and Elvis for men broke the genre role. Most acts focus on one genre, but if one went to an Elvis concert, they heard rock, country, blues and gospel music. Beth Hart expands her music with even more genres thanks to Jeff Beck and Joe Bonamassa. Beth is winning that fight where major acts are playing more than one genre. People in the future won't go to a rock concert or rap concert. They will go to an artist's concert.

[@jetsetdotone]

I agree with you 💯 % For me, copyright infringement means how the copyright rules infringe on our culture and, thereby, our lives.

[@theotsek1640]

Hey mike, I wouldn't take Gene Simmons seriously. Search "Gene Simmons copyright" and you'll find out why. He even tried to copyright the \m/

[@GrayWoIf]

Theo Tsek no he didn't the fact that you keep saying that years after the fact shows you where too lazy to even look up the application he submitted which included an actual drawing of what he wanted to copyright which was in no way the horns it was the I love you hand sign gene just happens to call that the horns and no one has corrected him in 50 years

[@RPGManoWar]

@@GrayWoIf He still tried to copyright a fucking hand gesture that is, indeed, very similar to the horns. It may not be the exact same thing, but you don't think Gene's the kind of person who's gonna have his lawyers get into the nitty gritty of that stuff?

[@asukaainun7473]

gosh Mike, you absolutely going ham on this one wish Gene Simmons would have an interview with you one day, that would be awesome lol

[@alecdevine2458]

A true musician uses money to make music. Many "musicians" now use music to make money. Gene Simmons doesent have a fucking clue what music is about. Very arrogant perspective he has on art. Art is a passion, not a product. Btw loved the video Mike! \m/

[@sptony2718]

Gene Simmons: "Rock is dead!" - Ok Boomer

[@seosamh.forbes]

In my personal opinion, I don't think rock died. It evolved into metal. Now metal is starting to evolve into hardcore, basically metal with a hipster and punk aesthetic.

[@SalAvenueNJ]

The thing I don't get about Gene Simmons "The Record Industry Is Dying" talk is that he's the artist. And the whole point of music labels is to rip off the artist. I mean, how much did Casablanca take them for. He should be dancing on the grave of the record industry like the rest of us.

[@hyperbiscuit2284]

I had an idea. If I make an album, it'll be free on the internet, but the actual physical record/ cd, it would cost money, but to compensate for that, there would be no deluxe version of the album. The physical record would be the "deluxe version", and would come with demos, lyric sheets, actual sheet music transcriptions of the songs, and a bunch of extra shit as a little gift for deciding to donate to the band basically.

[@dreamtheaterfanboy4421]

hyper biscuit, nice idea.

[@shelyqua2747]

Loved the part how you said right now is just an opportunity. very inspiring video and i love to see your view on things. great content and love your videos keep up the good work.

[@Beckonor]

Gene is right though. We, the fans who illegally download shit has ruined music scenes and profit for bands. Its easy to blame the record labels but this is why you have to read the contracts. Artists aren't forced to sign the contracts, its a choice. Illegal downloading, which was created by fans fucked everything up. This is why we haven't had another big arena band/guitar god in the past decade.

[@dominicwynne7222]

Right on man, you really addressed some elephants in the room and redefined and reminded us what music needs to be. Music is a fluid concept and it's critical to continue to morph and evolve. These so called "rock stars" appear to adopt some level of of cynicism and bite the hand that feeds whilst protecting the money hungry label industry who don't actually care about the art they are so called "producing"

[@luisfloresapril]

This is exactly what musicians like Kurt cobain thought. Why do people give him shit? He was authentic as hell.

[@sharjesm]

Damn... How did Rollins get through that interview without resorting to violence of some sort?

[@agargoyle12345]

Because Henry is smart. You don't interrupt a douchebag demonstrating their doucheness!

[@bushrich3360]

Kiss is the most overrated band of all-time anyway 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@kiritosenpai1501]

yeah they are ass

[@ferox965]

Your opinion.

[@kiritosenpai1501]

@@ferox965 you misspelled objective fact

[@ferox965]

@@kiritosenpai1501 no...I was correct. Your opinion.

[@randomstarwarsfan6404]

You guys are crazy lol

[@ivangushkov3651]

Damn straight Mike! My favorite band, Vektor, released a 30 second clip from a new album today and THOUSANDS of people reacted/liked it on facebook. The hype is beyond belief, mainly because the situation the band is in. You bet your fucking ass I will preorder the vinyl day 1 no questions asked, and so will hundreds of other fans. This would not have happened had I not heard of Vektor in a random KZbin video about thrash bands. I decided to check it out, mainly because I love math and my life was changed forever. I discovered music that touched me on a deep emotional level, art that reduced me to tears more than 1 time and I will support it to the death, and so will hundreds other fans. There is so much opportunity for good musicians right now, its insane! You are 100% right man!

[@jungleismasiv4426]

"Rap is going to die in the next 20 years. Mark my fucking words." -Mike the Music Snob, 2018

[@sandromnator]

No, he didn't kill Rock. While I don't agree on all the things Gene said, he was right about the state of Rock and why Rap is dominating now. Rock lost it's edge, sexyness, and rebellion, and I myself blame Grunge/alt rock with all it's artsy fartsy "too cool for fame" attitude. The music is also important, but many people underrated image. No kid now wants to look "normal" or a hobo like Grunge, they want to look and pretend like they are rock stars, with fame, women, money, etc. Rock lacks that, and that is why it's falling out of vogue. Rap/hip-hop has those things, which will grab young kids and be inspired by that.

[@virtuitousvampire9371]

sandromnator I agree it was grunge and alt rock. But there are still great rock bands out there. Many are local. Problem is that the record companies are rolling with rap because it is selling now. It’s a trend just like grunge was. Rock really hasn’t changed much, it continues much as it was. Even in the 70s it was dying but rebounded in the 80s. I don’t think rock will ever die, it’s still there until people stop listening.

[@bambam2372]

Virtuitous Vampire rap/hip hop ain't a trend dude it's been here before grunge and outlived grunge and has even become the #1 music genre in the world. Just denying it aint gonna make it disappear on top of that as shitty as some of their artists are they still manage to keep some rappers with conscious music at the top so they're doing something right. But rock sheesh I gotta dig for that and it's hard for me to find a band that I like. So if you got any suggestions let me know.

[@ANT96-x8d]

Rock And Roll is for people who actually love and care about music for music(instrument playing,lyric meanings,etc) Rap is for people who don't care about the examples I just said as long as it's a big cash-grab that "people-can-dance-to."

[@virtuitousvampire9371]

Bam Bam Monster Truck Glorious Sons the Trews Sheep Dogs Rival Sons Halestorm The Lazys Arctic Monkeys Unleash the archers To name a few...obviously if you actually were into rock you wouldn’t have to ask. You would look and listen for yourself. And wether you like any of the above groups that’s a matter of opinion. My taste and yours on what is a good or bad band is obviously different. Rap is not like it once was. It’s not rap anymore. It was rap in the 80s and 90s. Now it’s crap. You got mumble rap and trap rap now.... it’s slowly dying from the inside out. Those that are conscious rappers are being drowned out by the music business. Even some of the “good” rappers have sold out. It’s all sensationalized rap to inspire young impressionable kids to young adults. It’s all money. Crap Rap is just the glam rock of the 80s.

[@bassproscott]

I pretty much agree with this.

[@rosscarroll6735]

I get the impression that Gene started making music to be in a rock band. Not started a rock band to start making music.

[@Nathan-gz8zf]

Two words Mike "spirit animal" . And honestly I don't think i have heard it better said, you touch on so many valid points while remaining objective and you don't hesitate to call someone on some bullshit you sir are "authentic".

[@corkskrewsounds1940]

Really liking this kind of video. Keep putting out quality content. I would really like to hear your opinion on 'trap music' or that kind of things as I don't really consider it music

[@nightraven5760]

To me, rock is about the willingness to be vunerable and let your emotions take a risk, and be out there to try and make a difference

[@balbonin5226]

As long the rock music is being played on the Ipod, stero, Radio, youtube, at the bar or any place in this world. As long as there are people who plays rock music. Rock music is not dead.

[@rorymcclellan3740]

We may possibly have some differences in our beliefs but I still enjoy the way you make my life better! Kudos to you, great video!!

[@HEAVYMETALmovie1981]

Rock n' Roll will *NEVER DIE!!!*

[@TheBearagon]

Thats the problem with museums, they only charge at the door. They ought to charge at every painting and sculpture, and then again to get out, so that you can keep the memory.

[@pitpride1220]

I'm not going to go into my opinion again, since it seems to cause friction. However, Gene's reaction is not surprising. KISS is not art. It's a product. At one point it was a very good product,which blurred the lines for some people. Even though, it was still very much a product. They've never wavered from that. If you look at their trajectory, it was always about the product. Sales and marketing. Now you can argue that the art had no value and it was just the vehicle for the larger commerce machine. I don't think that's the case, based on Gene's reactions here unfortunately. Great video!

[@citizensnips2348]

You get a like just for the title. Pour yourself another whiskey son, you earned it.

[@scottcartwright9055]

Don't agree with a lot of the shit Gene says but he is a smart guy. Deep down he probably knew Kiss weren't the best band (they were never going to be the Stones/Zeppelin) so they used their stage show more than musicianship to get people to their gigs. Gene more than the rest of the band sold everything he could get his hands on and put Kiss on it to the point of embarrassment! He's a dated dinosaur. HOW CAN HE PUT HIS MERCHANDISE ON THE SAME LEVEL AS HIS MUSIC?! "Who cares?!" Dick!

[@darthstigater6642]

I'm a musician and also a gimp so I get disability. I play for free and get compensated by people telling me they like what I do. When you have had people sing along and/or cry to songs you wrote, the feeling you get from it can't be replicated with money. Sadly, some people like Gene think it was due to the money or make it about the money and end up misers.

[@Ado1271]

I think Rap should die in next 5 or 10 years. At least Trap Rap.

[@EzioMonty117]

Ado 127 Agreed! Im fine with the kind of rap Childish Gambino or Frank Ocean does but stuff like Lil Pump, Kodak Black or Trippie Redd..yeah that needs to stop!

[@ugsdit5296]

trap rap is kinda on the decline already, will be very interesting to see what pop music is in 10 or 20 years

[@bambam2372]

as long as there are night clubs pop and trap crap will be around. People never stop partying.

[@ugsdit5296]

Bam Bam nope, not true at all. clubs existed way before trap rap was a thing, the music in clubs changes as pop changes

[@kalebthornsberry6882]

I think this is the first time i have fully agreed with every word you said. Been a viewer for quite a while and i normally agree with you about 90%. But, this is about 10000000000000000% agree

[@TheJollyMisanthrope]

Gene is the king of overcompensating.

[@dagnabbit6187]

Yeah but so what ?

[@republicsoundtracks]

I couldn't agree more! For example: I usually don't buy albums or singles (both digitally and physically) because there are easier ways to listen to them without having to spend a dime. However, I bought 4 Bon Jovi albums, every Michael Jackson CD, and every 30 Seconds to Mars CD. Why? Because I love them so much and they mean so much to me that I want a special and more personal piece of that, while compensating and rewarding the artist that produced it. It's that simple. If you truly love an artist or an artist's work, you'll find a way to compensate them and reward them for their work

[@rowanmurphy7814]

The reason the KISS merchandise blew up was because in the 80s when all it started was when KISS appealed to kids and what to 9yr olds want is? Toys (action figures,comics,lunchboxes,ect) That's why it blew up it was the outfits I see any one wear black and white face paint (doesnt have to look a smidge like KISS) and I immediately think of KISS that's why it blew up they appealed to kids because of the OUTFITS

[@barettcote4232]

If you want an example of Gene’s humanity read Ace Frehley’s book. When they were doing Gene’s roast they found out he doesn’t have any actual friends

[@dimebag2102]

Thanks for the reupload

[@pwnedeful]

The Chad Gene Simmons vs the virgin modern rock

[@garylaverty6607]

Rock's not dead, but thanks to people like Gene, it does smell funny.

[@TheRichie213]

Rock has been dead since the late 90's.

[@BILLYMORGAN1971]

I always said Heavy Metal with all the perms and makeup is what killed Rock Music. Killed a lot of things and led to the bubble burst thing Gene is talking about. He admits it's all facade. Kiss is like the mime version of the Bay City Rollers. It's a lot scenery. There will never be anything "authentic" about music. It's an act. However the industry(mob and cia love affair)was too heavy handed and shot themselves in the foot. They deserve death by a 1000 cuts for the cd format. At least with the record you could tap the arm, or put a dime on it so it wouldn't skip. Problem without needing a label is you kinda need the payola Kiss enjoyed or at least a free internet. Google/youtube is run by the cia, the same mf'ers who run the music/entertainment industry. One needs a reality check if they're thinking in terms of major success without an entire intelligence apparatus helping them each step of the way. Best to just create music just because, no expectations. Much healthier.

[@phantomtearsca]

For my cinematography class at school, I decided to make a documentary on music for a project. Nothing super huge or significant, what can you expect from a high schooler? Regardless, I interviewed the school's music teacher about if music should be an art or a buisness. Since I'm too lazy to look at the footage and type up everything she said, I'll sum it up like this. She told me that, ideally, there should be a balance between the two. At the same time, she said artists shouldn't be scared away from the fact that people can and will get their music for free, and said they should be selling merch and shows to make what they can, while still maintaining their authenticity. She had also mentioned the past, and how people like her didn't have access to all music on the internet for free. So she realizes that times have changed, but still believes in authenticity. How do you feel about this, Mike?