Gene Simmons responds to Trent Reznor: “Once you’re a self confessed heroin addict… you don’t look at life the way the rest of us do”

Gene Simmons responds to Trent Reznor: “Once you’re a self confessed heroin addict… you don’t look at life the way the rest of us do”

Speaking of his decision to end Nine Inch Nails in a recent interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Trent Reznor noted his desire to avoid becoming a gimmick, or as he explained, Kiss’ Gene Simmons.

“Now when I’m offstage, I’m not same guy onstage but it’s driven by the same place,” Reznor said. “I’d never want to be Gene Simmons, an old man who puts on makeup to entertain kids, like a clown going to work… In my paranoia, I fear that if I don’t stop this, it could become that. Because it’s nice to get a paycheck, and now the only way to get a paycheck is to play live, so it’s all those things swirling around in my head.”

When asked about Reznor’s comments in a Q&A section on his official website (via TwentyFourBit), Mean Gene responded in the only way a television reality star by day, makeup wearing frontman of an over-the-hill rock band could.

No worries. Trent grew up on KISS and cut his teeth on our toons. When he was recording Downward Spiral, he had two action figures on his mix console - Jesus and Gene Simmons.

Once you’re a self confessed heroin addict, who used the stuff for years, you don’t look at life the way the rest of us do…I’m told.

We all wish him well.

If only Celebrity Deathmatch were still alive and kickin’…

I guess it’s safe to say Gene won’t be in attendance for any of Nine Inch Nail’s upcoming farewell shows.

Nine Inch Nails 2009 N. American Tour Dates:
08/07 - Tokyo, JP @ Summer Sonic
08/08 - Osaka, JP @ Summer Sonic
08/10 - Singapore @ Fort Canning Park
08/12 - Taipei, TW @ Nan-Kang 101
08/15 - Seoul, KR @ ETP Festival
08/22 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom *
08/23 - New York, NY @ Webster Hall *
08/25 - New York, NY @ Terminal 5 *
08/26 - New York, NY @ Terminal 5 ^
08/28 - Chicago, IL @ Aragon Ballroom ^
08/29 - Chicago, IL @ Aragon Ballroom ^
08/30 - Toronto, ON @ Virgin Festival Ontario
09/02 - Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium ^
09/03 - Los Angeles, CA @ Henry Fonda Theater ^
09/05 - Los Angeles, CA @ Wiltern Theatre #
09/06 - Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex #

* = w/ The Horrors
^ = w/ Mew
# = w/ HEALTH


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22 Responses to “Gene Simmons responds to Trent Reznor: “Once you’re a self confessed heroin addict… you don’t look at life the way the rest of us do””

  1. NIN fans are fools. KISS came from the ashes of Wicked Lester started by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. The two musicians in KISS who could play were Ace Frehley (a more accomplished guitarist than Paul and Gene were) and Peter Criss (who was jazz trained on the drums). Anyone can use drum machines, synthesizers and sing hate filled lyrics. KISS was escapism from all the crap in the world. NIN is all “I hate life”, “I hate everyone” and “I hate myself”. Why Trent spare us all and commit suicide will be a mystery. Gene Simmons is right, Trent is a HYPOCRITE. How can Trent be Agnostic/Atheist and have a doll of Jesus Christ? Also blast KISS yet claim as influence. The hypocrites Like baby Trent should all burn in HELL!

  2. The only mistake Reznor made here was speaking the undeniable truth. Gene Simmons is pathetic. Kiss is a novelty act of old men who throw on make up and try to play instruments. Simmons whores himself out for money as much as he can. I believe he even has a reality show on VH1 for Chrst’s sake! He is a pathetic old dinosaur, who refuses to accept his own extinction.

    Reznor, on the other hand is an accomplished musician and songwriter. Even in his wildest dreams, Simmons could never approach anything near the musical genius of Trent Reznor.

  3. And by the way,
    the herion and drug thing;
    we all make mistakes, whoi hasn’t?
    It wouldn’t be fair to bring that up
    along with this in mind:
    Has KISS EVER tried anything?
    So everyone talking crap against NIN
    is a fucking hypocrite.

  4. F eveything you guys have said.
    Trent has always been inudstrial.
    Always have been and always will be!
    He doesn’t need other people to make music, unlike KISS.
    Most people do not appreciate the fact that NIN has
    been the number 1 Industrial band for years running;
    he has produced 34 albums, and his shows are badass!
    I’m glad Gene Simmons took what Trent has said to an
    adult manner; unlike you feeble-minded people, just
    dump all over Trent.
    When you find out what how awesome and meaningful his
    music is to the world, then come and say crap about Trent.
    I’m just an average fan of NIN.
    No one special really, but when I heard about this,
    I had to check it out.
    If you wanna talk crap or send thank you notes or e-mails to
    me here is my e-mail:
    Chingon29@hotmail.com

    Later,
    Iownedyou

  5. The only coolest thing about Kiss is how they are like an extravaganza… watching them as a live act, the visual impact is certainly there. Thats their influence and appeal. But musically, nah man… there are so many other bands of their time who were way away ahead of them…

    NIN on the other hand is a blast of musical energy… Recognition, Record sales and publicity are all things that may not be sought by everyone… I respect Trent for his musical honesty and genuine talent… that for me beats everything else made and prepared for success……\w/…….

  6. Was at NIN gig in Singapore and Gene was there.

  7. HA! Gene Simmons was in the singapore show when NIN was here.

  8. Trent wishes he could be as talented and cool as KISS. NIN SUCKS!!! When you reach the level of Gene Simmons then you can talk shit, if it wasn’t for KISS there may have never been NIN. The mighty dollar comes easy to Gene, this is called marketing and you should give it a try Reznor. KISS has paid there dues. There are more KISS fans in the world than NIN fans. NIN won’t be around as long as KISS has been and won’t even come close. Get a clue. Shut your mouth Trent… rock on Gene!

  9. fuck kiss they suck go sell more shit u fucking jew Gene Simmons

  10. Comparing KISS to NIN… Are you serious? And I’m not talking about number of albums sold here, either! ‘American Idol’ has proven that the sheep will buy what they’re told- modern music is all marketing, zero talent.

    Anyone who knows anything about KISS knows that:
    1. they couldn’t even play their instruments when they started out
    2. they still sound like they can’t (every kid learning to play guitar can play KISS songs ’cause it’s amateur level songwriting)
    3. their so-called LIVE album had to be ‘touched-up’ in the studio because the quality of their performances was so poor

    Trent Reznor, on the other hand, writes, composes, and performs every track himself on every one of NIN’s albums unless where otherwise indicated. He only has a band for his live performances, which sound f*&#ing amazing! IMO Trent Reznor is a musical genius who should be recognized for his gift- I don’t care about his personal life, his tweets, his views, etc. Just as he couldn’t possibly care about any of ours… We’re all just f*@%ing people, who say things we shouldn’t sometimes, who make mistakes sometimes, and in these times- the Godless media machines suck it all up and vomit it out for the sheep to pick thru-

    We’re all just trying to live our lives here- I’d prefer to do it without makeup on my face like Gene though…

  11. “Gene Simmons has and will forever be a man capable of acheieving true success and happiness…without being drug-induced!”

    “what they do is not and never was industrial.”

    lols

  12. I totally agree that TR’s outburst came from a man of little talent or sense. It has been a lesson taught many times over to be careful what you say and with whom you speak about because it will all come back around to you to bite you on the butt.

    Gene Simmons has and will forever be a man capable of acheieving true success and happiness…without being drug-induced!

  13. “Michael Roffman on Aug 6th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
    NIN released some of their best efforts in the past four years, pal. Say what you want about “With Teeth”, but it is some of the best industrial pop I’ve ever had the chance to hear, and “Year Zero” is just one hell of a political record.

    Clark, I’m disappointed.”

    industrial pop? you’ve got to be kidding. i am a huge nin fan and have been since the late 80’s but what they do is not and never was industrial.

  14. Trent Reznor hasn’t accomplished 1/1000th of the success of Kiss and for him to criticize Simmons makes him look jealous and petty.

    Simmons was right to put Reznor’s behaviour in the context of drug addiction.

  15. as a whole, when you factor in the album flow, the story/themes it discusses, and especially the way it was marketed (with the reality game) and how that tied into the album, Year Zero is Reznor’s best project since Downward Spiral. Fact.

    There was so much more to it than just the music that was on it.

  16. as for gene simmons, meh. reznor said some harsh (but true) words about him and this was a pretty “…whatever” response. He didnt even deny what trent said. the heroine thing was pretty random, maybe it makes you grumpy? i wouldnt have a clue so geney boy just looks a bit desperate for a comeback.

  17. clark youre the only “deutche bag” whatever the hell that is. you have no clue what youre talking about, the past 5 nin albums have been 5 of the best albums released in years and all of their live shows kick ass. reznor is just having a hard time quitting (which is a good thing cause we get more kickass shows).
    yeah hes just some nobody who desperately wants attention, thats probably why everybody wants to interview him
    [PS what drove you to read this article you pathetic loser???]

  18. clark griswald is a fag , heard of spell check?

  19. NIN released some of their best efforts in the past four years, pal. Say what you want about “With Teeth”, but it is some of the best industrial pop I’ve ever had the chance to hear, and “Year Zero” is just one hell of a political record.

    Clark, I’m disappointed.

  20. the last two NIN records are great. year zero and with teeth were crap.

    one thing is….nin shows are always fantastic.

    but he’s been spot on with his comments on cornell and manson and gene is a bit of a clown now too.

  21. Trent Reznor is a self important deutche bag who feels he needs to take shots at any and every person any chance he gets. NIN cd’s have sucked for years and nobody has taken shots at him for no reason. He on the other hand loves any attention he gets and just can’t help himself. per example he announces his “final US” show at bonnaroo so everyone gets teary eyed, gives him more attention, and builds him up to something bigger than he actually is. Once he’s milked that, he goes back on the claim and adds like 10 more US shows! so he can continue to get attention and answer stupid interview questions about how he just doesn’t can’t be “a gimmick for a paycheck.”

    Earth to Trent - between Twitter, non stop celebrity feuds, and a fake final show, YOU ALREADY ARE A GIMMICK.

  22. [...] game will be about, but we’re guessing it will have nothing to do with Twitter, Radiohead, or Gene Simmons. Share this story!: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and [...]

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