A battle of the bands might sound like something straight out of a high school talent show, but imagine it on a massive scale—rock legends going head-to-head, proving who truly deserves their spot in history. While such an event remains a fantasy, Gene Simmons of KISS would undoubtedly be front and center, eager to set the record straight on what separates his band from the rest.
Simmons has never shied away from controversial statements, and his recent comparison of KISS to bands like AC/DC, Metallica, and Iron Maiden is no exception. Throughout the 1970s and ‘80s, these bands dominated rock music, each carving out their unique identity. But in a conversation with Ultimate Guitar, Simmons reflected on the key difference between KISS and a band like AC/DC.
“I could argue the AC/DC or Metallica idea, which is, you stay true to your DNA,” Simmons admitted. “Well, it’s an argument that works well for them. And Iron Maiden.”
Unlike those bands, which maintained a consistent sound throughout their careers, KISS took a different path. The band was never afraid to experiment, shifting their style and image over the years. While this approach led to mixed results, Simmons acknowledges that staying the course wasn’t an option for KISS.
“We didn’t have a choice because we gave in,” Simmons explained. “There were those first records that had, you know, sort of Chuck Berry crossed with this and that: a little Beatles, a little Motown, a little this, a little that. Whatever that thing was, the identity, the fingerprint, was diluted as members within the band started to veer from the band.”
It’s a rare moment of reflection from Simmons, admitting that KISS’s willingness to evolve might have come at a cost. However, true to form, he quickly pivoted back to what he considers the band’s true priority:
“I prefer to make dollars. The only thing I care about is a brand new five-year-old who experiences KISS or the imagery, even if it’s not the music, just somehow gets seduced and beguiled by that.”
Simmons has always been unapologetic about KISS’s commercial ambitions. While AC/DC and Metallica may have built their legacy on sonic consistency, KISS perfected the art of visual branding and spectacle. Between their signature face paint, elaborate stage shows, and an avalanche of merchandise, KISS has always been as much a business as a band.
Though his comments might suggest that AC/DC and the others retained a purer musical vision, Simmons remains unbothered by the comparisons. “That’s their journey. This is ours.”
A hypothetical battle of the bands between KISS and AC/DC would undoubtedly be a spectacle, but one thing’s for sure—Simmons would make sure every ticket came with a hefty price tag.
