Gene Simmons Biography

Fast Facts

• Worked as an editorial assistant for Vogue and Glamour magazines in the early 1970s
• Released self-titled debut album with KISS, featuring hits like "Strutter" and "Deuce," in 1974
• Helped discover Van Halen and produced the band's 15-song demo; also briefly managed Liza Minnelli's recording career
• He and entertainment-industry veteran Richard G
• Abramson started a marketing firm; their most prominent client was the Indy Racing League
• His on-stage KISS character is known as "The Demon
• " Has been instrumental in securing licensing for more than 2,800 KISS-related products
• Appeared on Celebrity Apprentice in 2008, but was fired in the third episode
• Claims to have never used cigarettes, drugs or alcohol
• In 2010, joined with KISS member Paul Stanley to plot out a children's TV program with E1 Television