2008-11-01

Gene Simmons "Loveless" in Tennessee

BACK in early October, Gene Simmons was in Nashville, TN for filming of the next season of the Gene Simmons Family Jewels reality series.

Sources such as the Tennessean and Blabbermouth.net revealed prior to the tapings that Gene could be seen with cameras following him as he took a midday cruise on the General Jackson Showboat.

It turns out that wasn't the only public spot in Tennessee the crew filmed Gene at for the fourth season episode.

At the historical 'Loveless' cafe and restaurant, the night after the cruise, Gene enjoyed a meal and the crew filmed a portion of the episode with him outside which included country jamming around a fire pit with several Tennesseans.

The Loveless Cafe has been featured in a number of widely viewed TV programs and print publications such as People Magazine, FOX News, Martha Stewart; USA Today, and Late Night with Conan O'Brien.

2008-10-31

Sophie Simmons' Sweet 16 Set for Season IV?

Last week, the Gene Simmons Family Jewels crew filmed the so-called birthday party of Gene's daughter Sophie, in Los Angeles, CA, which is apparently to be broadcast next March as the series' season première.

My assumption is that this would be Sophie's Sweet 16 party. According to several online sources, Sophie's birth date is July 7th, 1992, which would mean she's been 16 for nearly four months now.

With reality shows such as MTV's My Super Sweet 16, it seems to be the likely premise for the Simmons family's own reality show. Perhaps Sophie and her mother Shannon Tweed play a role in getting Gene to go overboard. Regardless of that speculation, Sophie will no doubt come off much classier than the brats on MTV, I'm sure.

Professional makeup artist Nicolle Landre was hired for the event, and will appear on the episode. In a recent interview with the Modesto Bee, Landre said "I'm not really comfortable with it. I wore black, if that says anything. I really like being behind the scenes."
Her most noteable work to date includes doing body paint on the famous "painted ladies" of the Playboy Mansion for events by companies that rent the mansion for use.

2008-10-30

Simmons Records: Third Time's A Charm?

SIMMONS RECORDS, a music label venture Gene Simmons took on most prominently in the 1980's through RCA/BMG is apparently pending a rebirth.

"I am closing in on two, separate offers to relaunch my Simmons Records label," Gene says, "This time, we have two majors who want to do this the right way."

Simmons Records was home to bands HOUSE OF LORDS, a name Gene originally trademarked himself and let Greg Giuffria use; SILENT RAGE, a California rock band; and GYPSY ROSE, a Canadian rock band discovered by then RCA Records A&R Tom Treumuth (current owner of Hypnotic Records in Hamilton, ON.)

Simmons Records closed its doors during the Grunge revolution in Seattle. But in the new millennium, through Sanctuary, he released two more albums under the Simmons Records label: His solo-album entitled ASSHOLE, and the self-titled album by the artist BAG.

Gene says he'll make an announcement on his website, GeneSimmons.com, when he's decided which offer he will accept.

He also plugged his upcoming appearance dates, including his Nov. 12th role as Keynote Speaker for Mediaweek's 23rd Annual Media All-Stars at the Waldorf=Astoria, as well as his appearance at the NY Stock Exchange November 19th, and a November 20th Keynote Speaker role at the Billboard Convention in New York City.

Each of these appearances will be filmed for Season IV of Gene Simmons Family Jewels.

2008-10-29

Hosting 23rd Annual Media All-Stars

Gene Simmons is slated to host for Mediaweek's 23rd Annual Media All-Stars November 12th at the Waldorf=Astoria in New York City.

The 2008 Media All-Star Awards is a ceremony to honor the top professionals in television, cable, radio and print media, as well as digital and non-traditional media.

This year's Media All-Stars event is sponsored by A&E Television Network, which airs Gene Simmons Family Jewels, the original reality series produced for A&E by The Greif Company, that showcases the life of Gene and his family.

You may register to attend the 23rd Annual Mediaweek's Media All-Stars at this link.

2008-10-27

Gene Simmons Axe Guitar Releases Halloween

OK guys, this is your chance to rock out in style. Gene Simmons has apparently partnered up with the people over at Kobian USA to bring a trademark instrument to the Nintendo Wii, the Sony PlayStation 2, and PlayStation 3 gaming consoles.


(PlayStation)
The Gene Simmons Axe Guitar is compatible with both Rock Band and Guitar Hero. It features the bi-directional strum bar, analog whammy bar, and ultra responsive fret buttons that are sure to make you Hear and Obey.

So what more can you ask for?

The PS2 and PS3 compatible guitar releases Halloween day. The Wii version releases November 6th, just one week later.


(Wii)
It appears to be marked with Gene's signature, and no doubt has the mark of the Demon, from his forehead all the way down to the end of his tongue.

I've personally "missed out" on two chances to receive Guitar Hero as a gift, but I think this Christmas I need to rethink that and up the ante. Gene Simmons knows how to convert his buyers into heroes.

Gene's Candidate Jewels

Last Wednesday, Gene had a few things to say about the 2008 Presidential Candidates while at the World Premiere of the film Role Models.

Hollyscoop reports that when they asked Gene what his take was on the candidates, he had this to say: "I'd rather vote for me. I have as much qualification as some of the candidates."

But, he said, "the job doesn't pay enough."

"I don't think, by the way, celebrities should be opening their traps about anything except promoting their new stuff."

Gene said that being in front of people "doesn't mean you're qualified to do crap."

He attended the Role Models movie premiere with Shannon Tweed.

Gene Simmons Halloween Costumes

One of the things that made KISS bassist Gene Simmons (as well as the rest of the band) so popular to begin with was the outfit. The Demon, Starchild, Space Ace and Catman were each incredibly designed characters with their own unique wardrobes and makeup.

Many fans of Gene have worn some form of "Demon" costume to concerts, and a whole lot more have surely given tribute to "The Demon" by wearing one for Halloween.

Around this time of year, Mr. Simmons is sure to make a killing off his unbelievably marketable persona.

Below is a number of items for those of you looking for Gene Simmons Halloween Costumes.

Gene Simmons Makeup


As you already know, the makeup is the most important and distinguishing feature of the Gene Simmons "Demon" look, unless of course you are adamant about the distinctness of The Demon's extemely long tongue!

Cinema Secrets' KISS EZ Makeup FX includes cream makeup, applicator brush, sponge, puff, setting powder, detailed instructions, and is an officially licensed KISS™ product.

Masks

A more pricey option is the KISS Demon Collector's Mask. This shares a more exceptional likeness to the facial features of the real Gene Simmons. It was sculpted, hand painted, and even comes with the hair and tongue. This is also an officially licensed KISS™ product. Being a collector's mask, it may not be suitable for Halloween costumes, so buy at your own risk.

A mask more suitable for Halloween would be the Official KISS Demon Half Mask, made of durable latex with a 1" elastic band and a foam nose piece.

Hair


The Adult's Kiss Halloween Costume Wig captures the style of The Demon's hair quite well.

Gene Simmons Costumes

The Deluxe Adult Kiss Costume. Sizes Adult Standard or Adult XLarge.

Costume Accessories

Officially licensed KISS Rock the Nation Demon Boots. Men's platforum boots, Size 9, Size 11, Size 13.

Have a happy Halloween!

Buy Gene's Family Jewels