Gene Simmons: The Rock and Roll HOF is "a joke"

by Kim Hughes Mar 27, 2012

Confession: In a million years, I never would have believed it possible to agree with Gene Simmons. But on this one, I do.

As the next batch of inductees prepares to enter the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the blowhard KISS bassist has come out swinging against the so-called institution, calling it a “joke” for including acts of dubious rock pedigree such as Madonna while overlooking obvious innovators like KISS ( and Rush and Def Leppard, but I digress).

Earning extra points, Simmons manages to insult arch-nemesis Madonna with a back-handed compliment while correctly pointing out that she probably belongs in another, more pop- or dance-oriented hall of fame... if such a thing existed.

Speaking to Rolling Stone about having been passed over yet again while the Beastie Boys, Guns N’ Roses and the Red Hot Chili Peppers (to name three) sailed to the front of the line this year, Simmons said: "It's become a joke. We've been thinking about it and the answer is simply, 'We'll just buy it and fire everybody.'

“In all seriousness for the fans, for something to be called Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame is such an insult to Madonna, Blondie… Who the f--k knows what other disco act is in there? It's an insult to them because they don't get to be in the Dance Hall Of Fame, because that's what they do. They're legitimate dance, disco artists. They don't belong in rock and roll."

As RS notes, KISS has been eligible for entry since 1999 (it has to be 25 years since your first album was issued) while Guns N’ Roses’ 1987 opus Appetite for Destruction only became eligible this year, and yet it’s sending the band to Cleveland April 14 for the honours.

KISS singer Paul Stanley went on to add: "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame has reached a point where they're really scrounging and scratching to find someone left that they consider viable. With all due respect, when you get to Patti Smith, you're about two steps away from Pete Seeger."

Touché, gentlemen, touché.

: 7:00 AM in Controversy, Guns N' Roses, KISS, Music, News, Rock

10 Comments

This is no revelation; the Sex Pistols boycotted their own inauguration ceremony.

Posted by: Kyleigh | 03/27/2012 at 04:52 PM

There are so many more so called singers that are jokes, why pick on just one.

Posted by: Molly | 03/27/2012 at 06:16 PM

KISS should be in. It should have been automatic during their first year of eligibility. Gene Simmons is a lot of things, in this case, very right and righteous.

Posted by: Randy | 03/27/2012 at 06:55 PM

well there is no more rock and roll bands and everyone are rnb or rap its sucks but its true

Posted by: jean lachapelle | 03/27/2012 at 07:17 PM

Problem is, the Rock N Roll Hall is not a legit organization; it was set up by group of sef-indulging a--holes as a business proposition.

Posted by: Loof Lirpa | 03/27/2012 at 07:57 PM

Why WOULD kiss be inducted? they were/are a 2-bit crap band, same as Def Leppard, i smell sour grapes

Posted by: Pat Zilla | 03/27/2012 at 10:20 PM

The R & R HOF is a joke...I didn't need Gene Simmons to point it out...But I completely agree.

Posted by: ace | 03/27/2012 at 11:57 PM

Def Leppard, for goodness sake!

Posted by: Jon | 03/29/2012 at 12:31 PM

Another jealous man bitching about a successful woman outshining him. Gene Simmons should stop bringing Madonna up all the time if he hates her so much.

Posted by: Adrienne | 03/29/2012 at 12:33 PM

Not having Rush in the R&R HOF has made it a joke most of all. Those 3 guys are so good at what they do, they should be elected on the're playing ability alone.

Posted by: Frank | 03/29/2012 at 07:30 PM

The comments to this entry are closed.