Songwriting powerhouse Desmond Child didn’t hold back when Gene Simmons publicly dragged him in the media years ago — and the legendary KISS bassist ended up leaving one of the most hilariously weak apologies in rock history.
The beef stems from Child’s massive contribution to KISS’s 1979 disco-rock smash “I Was Made for Lovin’ You,” a track he co-wrote with Paul Stanley that became one of the band’s biggest hits. Simmons, known for his outspoken nature and ego, reportedly trashed Child in interviews, downplaying his role and referring to him dismissively as a “song doctor.”
Child, who has penned monster hits for Bon Jovi (“Livin’ on a Prayer”), Aerosmith (“Dude (Looks Like a Lady)”), Cher (“Just Like Jesse James”), and many more, wasn’t about to take the shade quietly. In a recent interview, he revealed his blunt response: he straight-up told Simmons to “go f**k himself.”
The Infamous Voicemail Apology
The drama eventually led to one of the shortest apologies ever recorded. Simmons left a voicemail that Child still laughs about today: “Hi, it’s Gene. Sorry.” Click.
“That’s probably the only time he ever apologized for anything in his life,” Child quipped. Despite the icy exchange, the two eventually reconciled. Child has noted that whenever he runs into Simmons now, the KISS co-founder gives him an extremely firm handshake and compliments him as “a very handsome and talented young man.”
The Making of a KISS Classic
Child’s collaboration with Paul Stanley on “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” came at a pivotal time when KISS was experimenting with new sounds. The song blended their signature rock energy with disco beats, creating a massive crossover hit that divided some die-hard fans but dominated charts and dance floors worldwide.
Child has shared that his working relationship was primarily with Stanley, and tensions with Simmons arose later when the bassist seemed reluctant to fully credit outside songwriters. The story resurfaced recently as Child continues promoting his own legacy and hit-making career.
This classic rock feud-turned-reconciliation perfectly captures the larger-than-life personalities that defined the 70s and 80s music scene. Gene Simmons’ larger-than-life persona often clashes with collaborators, but even the Demon occasionally has to pick up the phone and make amends — even if it’s with the world’s shortest sorry.
