KISS’ Paul Stanley Talks Gene Simmons Rivalry, Labels Former Guitarist, Drummer Anti-Semitic

KISS’ Paul Stanley has been discussing his rivalry with band-mate Gene Simmons, and he even explained why he didn’t invite his fellow rocker to his wedding.

Stanley exchanged vows with Erin Sutton at the Ritz-Carlton, in Pasadena, California, on November 19, 2005, and at the ceremony he was joined by his bandmates, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, however KISS bassist Gene Simmons was noticeably absent as he wasn’t invited.

This was because the infamous lothario had publicly dissed marriage. The New York Post has reported that Stanley told Simmons at the time, “Your views on marriage are your own. But when you insult and demean people who get married and ridicule or dismiss the idea of marriage, you have no place at a wedding.”

This entire incident, as well as numerous trials and tribulations from their time together, are depicted in Stanley’s book, Face the Music: A Life Exposed, which is released on Tuesday 8 April.

Stanley has some particularly harsh words to say about Simmons, especially in regards to the perceived notion that he is a marketing genius and business deity. Stanley insists that Simmons actually had nothing to do with the various different products that were released with their logo and brand, which included caskets and condoms.

Stanley writes, “I saw the term ‘marketing genius’ used in reference to Gene quite frequently… [and] it turned my stomach. Neither Gene nor I has had an active hand in any significant deals. He was no marketing genius. He just took credit for things.”

“We’ve always been very honest with each other,” Stanley added, before he confirmed that Simmons had read the book and “had no arguments with it.”

However, Stanley has more scathing words for Ace Frehley though, as he accused the former lead guitarist of being anti-Semitic and possessing a collection of Nazi memorabilia, while he also was jealous of the input that Stanley and Simmons had on the band.

“Ace and particularly Peter [Criss, who he alleges racially abused waiters at a Chinese restaurant] felt powerless and impotent when faced with the tireless focus, drive and ambition of me and Gene,” Stanley documents. “As a result, the two of them tried to sabotage the band – which, as they saw it, was unfairly manipulated by [us] money-grubbing Jews.”

Stanley confirmed these thoughts to the Post too, stating, “Yes, I do,” when asked if he thought that Frehley and Criss were anti-Semitic. “It’s based on years and years of interactions,” he added. “It’s not pulled out of thin air.”

[Image via Featureflash/Shutterstock]