KISS - Gene Simmons interview on The Dr. Ruth Show - 1986

[@nostalgiajim]

The whole 80s KISS experience seems like a million years ago.....and i was there...buying the records and getting the magazines....such a good time to be a teen.

[@garyljames8330]

Same

[@SteveSteeleSoundSymphony]

The first half of the ‘80s was good, but the second half was awful. Music hit an all time low, the AIDS epidemic, politics, etc.

[@javtimestwo]

The 80's era for Kiss was very unkind. Low album sales, very low ticket sales. From 84-88 in N. America, Kiss was not an arena level band. They booked arenas but they were mostly ½ full and that was generous. They tended to play civic centers and hockey arenas, while their peers were legit selling out 16,000 seat arenas for an entire tour

[@praisegod3768]

YES! I remember cringing when my father saw the album cover for "Love Gun" ... I think I was in 8th grade, maybe 9th or 10? Yeeeeeesh...

[@subg8858]

Somewhere around ‘87 the vast majority of billboard hits began to be made with drum machines

[@deepalkessa8938]

This is the best interview of Gene. Also this lady is so charismatic and sweet.

[@lifemax3954]

Gene was unusually respectful here.......I get the feeling this woman reminded him of his mother.

[@TheresaBuckingham-jr1np]

He’s always respectful. It’s who he really is in real life ❤

[@MushroomVortex]

I see the “unusually respectful” comment on every Gene Simmons video. People just expect him to be a dick but the more I see of him, the more I think he’s really a nice guy

[@davidnovatka3346]

She was a Holocaust survivor like his mom.

[@coldacre]

oy vey you're right!!

[@Prof_Tickles92]

He’s always respectful towards older women.

[@GinaSigillito]

I loved Dr. Ruth as a teenager lol. This is such an interesting idea. Both Gene and Dr. Ruth come from a family of Holocaust survivors. They have a great dynamic. His Dr. Ruth impression was so good!

[@victorblock3421]

I bet they spoke a lot about that off camera.

[@METAMYSTICPODCAST]

Gene more real here in many ways because Dr Ruth is from his moms culture and generation and she knows his upbringing well

[@20yearsofblueskies]

Excellent point

[@williamtaylor5193]

Precisely

[@shewolfsiren]

Her voice and accent sound somewhat like hers as well. No doubt that would have a major effect on Big-Time Mama’s Boy Gene. He hears his mom’s voice, he’s instantly on his best behavior

[@johnmichalski3402]

This woman is utterly charming. Absolutely professional before the cameras, and utterly unflappable, and it brought out the very best in Simmons--when we all know we've seen him do a lot worse.

[@michelelaraia7358]

With a german accent

[@michelelaraia7358]

Ozzy was also there

[@Sean-me4fv]

I agree, I would like to see more of THIS particular Gene Simmons.

[@TheJeffShadowShow]

Wow! I waited thirty-seven years to view this. Thank you!!

[@michellerene951]

Omg I loved this! When he said marriage and kids are not for me, I was like, Now hold on there's always a possibility. Look at him now, married with 2 grown kids. Proof that you can crack even the toughest egg.

[@erockscott1184]

Yeah he cracked a couple eggs

[@sharonjacobs5351]

Yep, When Shannon told him to move it or lose it...🤷

[@TheMatrixgod]

lol

[@iamtheiceman]

Yeah, and how do his kids feel, seeing this, and hearing what he had to say about (not) wanting kids....

[@GorillaCrewWarGaming]

@@erockscott1184 LLLOLLL!!!!!!

[@wendyfarnsworth6333]

Both Dr. Ruth and Gene Simmons are intelligent people. Cool interview.

[@BASSVIOLATOR]

The Dr. Ruth is still alive she is almost 100 years old

[@michellerene951]

I know! Not to be mean but I thought she had died. 😳🥺

[@RKMa64]

No she's not dead yet...94 in (-22)

[@8981USMC]

Looks like good sex is the key to longevity. 🥰

[@homer5802]

As of May 4th 2023 she is still going strong.

[@MrNostalgi89]

She was born June 4, 1928

[@electrician-bn7gr]

Gene talks so pleasantly would never of thought

[@WindOfTheWisp_Janine]

Wow...does this take me back to my youth! What a cool interview! I never saw this interview back then. Glad to see he was on his best behavior! lol All through the '70's & '80's my friends & I would see several shows in different cities in our area every tour...great times & memories! Back then you weren't allowed to bring pro cameras into the show...I always snuck mine in anyway! lol At one show I was over by the side of the stage where Gene would go between songs...he saw my camera & came over to me & asked if I would like to take a picture! Very cool of him since he knew cameras weren't allowed! At another show where we were again at the side of the stage, my young cousin was with me & she got into a tugging war with some guy over a towel Gene threw to us...he was afraid someone was going to get hurt & came over with a flashlight & shined it on them telling them to not fight! At a KISS Convention in 1995 where you actually got to meet the guys & get autographs for $100 per ticket (!!!),Gene pulled one of the kids I brought with me up on stage & danced with her! Just a couple of stories showing that Gene really is a cool guy!

[@shewolfsiren]

That accent kind of reminds me of the accent of dearly departed Mama Demon, Florence Klein. That probably had something to do with it

[@KissarmyczMC]

I agree - Gene really is a cool guy!@@shewolfsiren

[@mikecurtis11]

The Dr Ruth Show was so good. She was so charming and sincere, an absolute icon of the 1980s.

[@marymagerr6488]

Loved this interview, fast forward and gene’s son looks so much like him

[@ollelinderholm8996]

I just love the Betamax quality you got going here, something unique to it, possibly better and more truthful to the original broadcast than the old VHS-system recordings we´ve seen before... I think. anyway, love seeing these old 80's Kiss things! cheers!

[@realSamAndrew]

Less than 3 years after this show, he was a father.

[@rockthesix1679]

Nick and Sophie will love this vid.. 😆😆😆😆

[@JaciaraCarneiro]

It’d be shocking to watch this interview in 1986. Gene seems so friendly here.

[@CatStanleySpaceDemon]

This is Gene in game mode.

[@DrTomMD]

Met him multiple times. Including in Detroit for this time period, the Asylum tour. Always a gent.

[@Prof_Tickles92]

Because this was an older Jewish woman who reminded him of his mother. And he’s going to be nothing but respectful.

[@tonemarieantonsen1597]

And low and behold 3 years later Nick arrived and then Sophie and 25 year the knot was tied 😁

[@irafutterman5557]

My band was playing for a fraternity party at Sullivan County Community College, New York State in 1968 a fellow student told me he was a bass player and could he play a song with the band, we handed him the instrument and proceeded to perform, I believe it was a twelve bar blues to keep it simple, I didn't know him at the time or his muscianship,it worked out well. One of the members of my band was Wayne Degraw, the future father of Gavin, who made a name for himself the music biz.From that moment Gene and myself became friends, I have ran into him a couple of times since his massive success, he is always pleasant. I am still performing with my own act, I call myself a neo traditionalist playing blues, folk, and rockabilly on guitar, harmonica, and keys, I have the freedom of chosing my material, when ,and where to play, quite a luxury when you're older. I'm billed as Duke Champagne. If Gene would like to perform with me of course I would welcome him, I believe he would thoroughly enjoy it.We came up similar influences, besides he could put something a little different on his resume!

[@RKMa64]

This is great to watch. I didn't know she was still alive 🤘

[@SteveSteeleSoundSymphony]

7:50 This question would have been perfect for Peter Criss or Paul Stanley, the two guys that struggled with being along at 2am after performing in front of a sold out arena. It’s a good question though.

[@caughtinamashup7208]

Great Gene interview. He was funny, intelligent and not flirting with the interviewer.

[@mikemasiello5965]

Gene is very respectful

[@jackiefialkowski2892]

Hysterical!! Two unconventional icons!! Love you Dr Ruth! Gene, I'm in love with your mind!! God has beautifully orchestrated this man's spirit!! You are a daddy!!❤❤❤

[@lc-bb6bd]

And he’s got two beautiful kids and he’s a good dad. And he finally arrived Shannon

[@uomodonore245]

If Gene only knew his future at that moment. LOL!

[@OsbornsConcise]

She asked so intelligent questions. That’s why interview is so good

[@sidnac6545]

Wow, looking at this video and seeing Gene when he was much younger, you can sure see the resemblance between him and his son, Nick!

[@bbfrancis23]

Haha even the mighty Gene Simmons became whipped in the end. "I'll never marry, I'll never have children."

[@billjannusch]

Awesome interview. KISS rules forever. Little did Gene realize, he would emd up getting married and having children and that KISS would still be back in make up and still going bigger than ever in the yeae 2023! If you've never seen the movie that Gene was doing back then outside of KISS, Never Too Young To Die, it is another classic in 80's weirdness. I of course, have an original mint VHS copy still. It starred Gene Simmons as the truly weird villain, John Stamos in the lead role as the good guy detective, and Vanity as his partner.

[@gavegas7043]

Goes to show... Expect the unexpected

[@MrSpaceace1999]

Hey ya I’m watching in 2023 December um 14? Tough week last week last kiss show , my dad died and my birthday all in same week lol

[@amsalespush]

Two very intelligent, charming people with style and class.

[@papersleeves]

Rest in Power Dr Ruth 🙏🏼

[@Donthetoolman]

I always wondered what slash looked Like without his hat and sunglasses the more you know😅

[@tracezachdaniels4264]

GREAT JOB ALL...THANX 4 MAKING Tee with LIONS NAMED LEO the music worldwide. LOVE YOU ALL...!!!....MUCH LOVE.!!

[@Supreme_Pain]

He respects the woman like she is his own mother.

[@shewolfsiren]

Sounds like her, too

[@joelsandler1119]

Gene's mother was a holocaust survivor and was born in Israel. Ruth's parents were killed in the holocaust and fought in Israel's independence war. They are cut from the same cloth.

[@simonjohnson6581]

I was very impressed with genes impression of Ruth!!

[@whitecloud_94]

Gene carried his 1985 Asylum look into his Velvet Von Ragnar character.

[@onecuet]

Gene not only gets married he has 2 kids. The 80's were such a good time! Far better than 2023.

[@praisegod3768]

He met the right woman!

[@onecuet]

@@praisegod3768 he almost lost Shannon Tweed due to his cheating. He finally came to his senses. I agree she's a keeper to put up with him.

[@sabrinatiffany45]

His kid is now 27 years old

[@MysticGargoyle]

@@sabrinatiffany45 His oldest son Nick, turns 35 in january. Sophie Gene's daughter is 31

[@levinolan636]

Gene is a class act man. He is also Israeli and I'm part Israeli. He and Paul are very intelligent. Much respect.

[@mdmalabel]

Dr Ruth was just adorable in this

[@delljackson8846]

Gene is a very intelligent smart man. He speaks with great clarity and wisdom. He is not some average rock star that didn’t get an education.

[@nixxkids]

what you have to understand is this: Dr. Ruth discussed openly various topics of human nature that were simply not a part of the natural discussion at the dinner table in the 80's. Remember the 80's was the height of the AIDS homophobic paranoia. Her sweet and un-alarming personality allowed for these topics to have a place in casual conversation. It was always educational and not meant to be titillating. She was the OG when it came to bringing sexuality and sexual behavior into the homes of ordinary American households; and NOTHING was off topic to her. It was just a part of the human experience. Gene handled this very well. Really good segment.

[@sharajackson2129]

Dr Ruth is so sincere,cute and curious 💕

[@ChristiandeMesones]

I really enjoyed this

[@cygnals524]

Thanks for sharing this piece of 1980's Pop Culture History. I remember watching this episode & I usually tried to watch her show if I was around when it was on. We use to laugh because she was the only person who got away with saying the word penis on almost every episode and it was never censored while regular sitcom and drama shows could not use the word.

[@williampowell3378]

Coolness. I remember this show.

[@traceyneeb9290]

Never say Never. He is a husband and engaged father now.

[@hallson2917]

REST IN PEACE DR RUTH

[@nicob89]

Cucumber part 😂 LMFAO

[@roosternm6830]

I remember seeing this on TV in 86. My jaw hit the floor. Lmao!!! This was when Gene was trying to come up as an actor. His Hollywood phase. I cant think of anyone better to be a guest on Dr Ruth

[@valeriesolano4878]

Oh my goodness you know whats so crazy one of my best friend he reminds me so much of gene Simmons it's trip but wow he such funny fella ❤my God gene Simmons handsome still he looks great 😊

[@steveday2022]

Both highly intelligent people here and Gene is so open and love the respect he shows towards her.

[@lanatrzczka]

Wow, I had forgotten what Gene looked like before the facelifts.

[@JWF99]

Maybe Gene's mother knew and/or liked Dr. Ruth? Perhaps mom warned him to be on his very best behavior on her show? Lol😂 Love watching these old interviews etc! Thanks, you have a great ch 👍

[@shewolfsiren]

Dr. Ruth definitely sounds a lot like Mama Demon

[@stephenmcgraw8871]

Gene defifnitely looked like he was intimidated,big time by Dr. Ruth,all 2 feet of her.....Hilarious stuff....never knew any of the guys went on her show and I`m surprised he didn`t bring up his photography hobby to her....anyway,I`ve never seen him so nervous and the children issue cracked me up..........great find.

[@rmartin9426]

I think Gene has met his match here. Both lost family in the holocaust. Dr. Ruth was trained as a sniper in Israel & was injured by mortar fire. Nice to see Gene reign in that colossal ego every now & again & be a gentleman.

[@xojewel1]

You can really see how much his son looks like him.

[@paulaswaim8434]

Gene is the most handsome member of Kiss. He has charm and class, too.

[@thinline8504]

BRO SHE"S STLLLL ALIVE WOW... thats amazing..

[@henryheinzjunker8807]

this lady - a dream

[@citygirlingraham]

I think Gene Simmons is a persona!!! But, he enjoyed the sexual prowess he had and he found out it’s empty and quite lonely. He did what many men could do if they where famous.

[@ambassador8524]

That opening music!

[@4615lisalou]

I would adore listening to him talk to speak in yiddish. I bet she does remind him if his mother Flora.

[@williamgilmore4287]

Famous last words. Now he has a beautiful wife and two great children!

[@sandz4738]

Gene is such a walking wisdom until the present

[@tracezachdaniels4264]

LOVE GENE..met him at a NAMM show..!!!

[@theflyxx]

The intro to the show sounds like the intro of an SNL skit of a show where people discuss sex.

[@aprilyeo5636]

Nick looks just like his dad!!

[@GeicoMedia]

Rip dr Ruth 🫶🙏❤️‍🩹💔

[@kevinwright4452]

He was so sweet with her. GJ Gene.

[@justmythings229]

heh he did change his mind about children and marriage

[@KissarmyczMC]

I agree - Gene really is a cool guy!

[@helder6175]

9:20 + .... Well said, and well played with the twitching gesture. 😀

[@Thomas-rw9nt]

I love Dr. Ruth. Gene was a good guest.

[@kevindohn6776]

Aww that was so cute !

[@silviocesar318]

Gene Simmons é o cara 🤘🤘🤘

[@dianesaienni5466]

Dr Ruth with he'd baby voice! Gene was in his hey day with his good looks here. never liked kiss music but fascinated with gene.

[@troywindle8308]

The image of gene on alive 2 you would never imagine its him

[@felixthelmocevallosmorales41]

GENE SIMMONS 25 DE AGOSTO DE 1949 73 AÑOS

[@Sally-ih6ls]

Never really knew what he really looked like, he’s always wearing his glasses now

[@mumu-ib5vk]

Gene's hair 😁👍

[@browningautomatic2393]

COOL SHOW ! FRIDAY 1/19/24 JANUARY 19, 2024

[@laluna5192]

the name KISS isn't a regular kiss to me. its a statement, a name punched out at you.....a catchy name taken early

[@9um9um9um]

The woman dr Ruth, was a sniper for the IDF - that’s the truth Ruth

[@susanmoorewerner8444]

I can see why women fell at his feet, he is sooooo handsome and articulate and just a nice guy.

[@nickstrapko7549]

And We got gene Married. Well Shannon did, she was almost outta there.

[@roxannemoser]

I used to love watching Dr Ruth and her speaking of the clitorus. She'd get cancelled for that now.

[@Th4n0s369]

He looks like Slash tho

[@mikec7860]

He looks like Andre the Giant

[@SteveSteeleSoundSymphony]

Only in the ‘80s can a 70 year old German woman become the celebrity sex-ed specialist for America.

[@herbertwest9626]

That's the 80s. But of course she was working as a professional psychologist decades before. Just not on TV.

[@NataliaMoon29]

I didnt know his voice were that hot, Im-

[@wilhelmbaum2062]

Thenk you. I love you.👸👑

[@julesgiddings8747]

Wow, he’s so open minded and cool. What happened? Who is the real Gene Simmons?

[@thedadyouneverhadchannel3544]

The dr Ruth????

[@carmenroffa]

What a funny old lady 😂her voice hahaaaaa

[@revelationsoundstudio]

I wish she talked to him about his mother and growing up in Israel as they are both Jewish

[@hanzketchup859]

She is a sweet woman.

[@roberthaizlip4351]

This didn't age well about marriage and kids lol

[@aleksimiikael]

yup😂

[@decimomeredio]

his voice is soft.