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Sex Money Kiss
Let's face it, just because I stick out my tongue a lot and spit fire doesn't mean I have any qualifications to advise anyone on relationship, money or career issues. I don't. Yet I've lived with a beautiful woman for twenty years with never a cross word between us, in a relationship based on honesty and full disclosure. I've amassed a fortune -- and expert business people work for me. And for three decades I've been in KISS -- a band that has scaled the heights and broken every possible record, from album sales to touring to merchandising and licensing. What I have and have always had (thanks in full to my mother's wisdom) is an abiding faith in me. Call it a life philosophy : a philosophy about money (mine!) and happiness (mine again). It works for me. It can work for you!
Paperback
First published May 1, 2003
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About the author
Gene Simmons
58 books68 followersLibrarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
From genesimmons.com
Gene Simmons was born in Haifa, Israel in 1949, and is the only child of his mother, a German Nazi Concentration Camp survivor. He has always attributed his ethics, morals and drive to his mother's notion's about life. "Every day above ground, is a good day," his mother is apt to say.
He came to America at eight and a half years of age. He graduated State University (NYSU) and City University (CUNY) and got a Bachelor of Education degree. He taught sixth grade in Spanish Harlem in New York City.
He then became the Assistant to the Director of the Puerto Rican InterAgency Council, a government funded research and demonstration project. He worked at Glamour and then at Vogue, as the assistant to the editor, Kate Lloyd.
Gene speaks a few languages: English, Hungarian, Hebrew, German and is getting better at Japanese every day.
Gene Simmons has never been married.He has had live in relationships with Cher and Diana Ross. He has been happily unmarried for 25 years to Shannon Tweed, the mother of his two beautiful children.*
*Simmons and Tweed finally wed on October 1, 2011
From genesimmons.com
Gene Simmons was born in Haifa, Israel in 1949, and is the only child of his mother, a German Nazi Concentration Camp survivor. He has always attributed his ethics, morals and drive to his mother's notion's about life. "Every day above ground, is a good day," his mother is apt to say.
He came to America at eight and a half years of age. He graduated State University (NYSU) and City University (CUNY) and got a Bachelor of Education degree. He taught sixth grade in Spanish Harlem in New York City.
He then became the Assistant to the Director of the Puerto Rican InterAgency Council, a government funded research and demonstration project. He worked at Glamour and then at Vogue, as the assistant to the editor, Kate Lloyd.
Gene speaks a few languages: English, Hungarian, Hebrew, German and is getting better at Japanese every day.
Gene Simmons has never been married.He has had live in relationships with Cher and Diana Ross. He has been happily unmarried for 25 years to Shannon Tweed, the mother of his two beautiful children.*
*Simmons and Tweed finally wed on October 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
October 13, 2014
If you're a fan of Gene Simmons or KISS, I suggest you not read this review. It will probably make you mad, so you have been warned.
That said, I want to clarify why I wanted to read this book: I was in a rock band myself in the late 70s, so I am very interested in that world. I have read quite a few bios in that genre. KISS was not a band I liked or admired in any way, shape, or form - to me they were a very highly successful garage band. Even Gene admits most band members out there know nothing about music. (I'm not one of them, by the way.)
I also love biographies of nearly every kind, so I thought this one would fit the bill for a decent book. Boy, was I wrong. Gene Simmons is a vulgar creature. I won't even call him a man, because a real man has thoughts and feelings that extend beyond his wallet and penis. Gene cannot think of anything but his own sexual desires, his money, and bragging to the world how successful he is. He unabashedly admits his first love is money, money, and more money. Women are here to service him.
Gene spends most of the time boasting about how much money he has made and at what age he accumulated it. He thinks himself a good role model for other young men, telling them to save every penny, make other people pay for your things, and use women left and right for your pleasure. He thinks marriage is for suckers and believes that everyone will eventually get a divorce. He does not believe in God, and his lack of morals and values are quite evident throughout the book.
I listen to many of my books as I work on renovating my house. I took as much as I could until the fourth CD. When we got into "the perfect day for a man", which included a full day of sex acts with multiple women and lots of drinking, I had to turn it off. I couldn't take another minute of it.
I borrowed this book from the library and didn't give him a dime to line his pockets. I've never thought he was attractive in any way, and this book clinched the ugliness that is Gene Simmons inside and out.
I warned you.
That said, I want to clarify why I wanted to read this book: I was in a rock band myself in the late 70s, so I am very interested in that world. I have read quite a few bios in that genre. KISS was not a band I liked or admired in any way, shape, or form - to me they were a very highly successful garage band. Even Gene admits most band members out there know nothing about music. (I'm not one of them, by the way.)
I also love biographies of nearly every kind, so I thought this one would fit the bill for a decent book. Boy, was I wrong. Gene Simmons is a vulgar creature. I won't even call him a man, because a real man has thoughts and feelings that extend beyond his wallet and penis. Gene cannot think of anything but his own sexual desires, his money, and bragging to the world how successful he is. He unabashedly admits his first love is money, money, and more money. Women are here to service him.
Gene spends most of the time boasting about how much money he has made and at what age he accumulated it. He thinks himself a good role model for other young men, telling them to save every penny, make other people pay for your things, and use women left and right for your pleasure. He thinks marriage is for suckers and believes that everyone will eventually get a divorce. He does not believe in God, and his lack of morals and values are quite evident throughout the book.
I listen to many of my books as I work on renovating my house. I took as much as I could until the fourth CD. When we got into "the perfect day for a man", which included a full day of sex acts with multiple women and lots of drinking, I had to turn it off. I couldn't take another minute of it.
I borrowed this book from the library and didn't give him a dime to line his pockets. I've never thought he was attractive in any way, and this book clinched the ugliness that is Gene Simmons inside and out.
I warned you.
May 10, 2011
I really like Gene Simmons, and I really liked his other book - KISS and Make up. However, I couldn't stand reading this book. Halfway through, I got sick of reading all of the women-bashing, etc, that I needed to stop reading. Waste of time.
December 2, 2020
A sort of “how-to” book, written in the larger-than-life, laughably shamelessly self-aggrandizing Gene Simmons way familiar to anyone who’s seen him on TV. I suppose you’d call Gene a stark realist: his advice is to look out for yourself at all times, work hard, make lots of money, and never put yourself in a position where money will be forcibly taken from you. Thus, don’t get married if you’re a man (but do if you’re a woman, because alimony is your ticket to riches). Gene’s views on the sexes can fairly be described as primitive: men aren’t meant to hold or nurture babies, men are meant to go out and hunt and kill, men’s sperms “shoot in a billion directions” so they aren’t wired for monogamy, etc etc — all the typical “nature not nurture” arguments, if overly simplified. Gene’s views on this subject are doubtlessly skewed by his father having abandoned his family when he was young. On the other hand, a pre-nup is probably a good idea.
In any case, his advice on money is at times on target (live at about half your earning potential, work hard and always save up for emergencies, pay cash when you can and don’t get strung out on credit and financing needlessly, work at the hobby you love in addition to a paying job). Some of it is a bit disconnected from the real world: how can the average person pay cash for their first house or car? Some people need credit, as crippling as interest rates may be. He also seems to think that most working people can simply opt to work weekends “at double or triple rates” — sorry, Gene; most companies are as cheap as you and deny workers overtime at all costs. I suppose this is book will serve as self-help for very young people, the kind who max out on seven credit cards before they realize they actually have to pay for all that stuff... but for semi-intelligent people, this book isn’t a “how-to,” just mildly interesting for its self-aggrandizing American-dream, rags to riches story, as well as its light, humorous style (some humor unintentional). And I guess KISS’s fans will forgive Gene for bragging about how he charges them needlessly inflated prices (that he makes up on a whim) for KISS memorabilia.
In any case, his advice on money is at times on target (live at about half your earning potential, work hard and always save up for emergencies, pay cash when you can and don’t get strung out on credit and financing needlessly, work at the hobby you love in addition to a paying job). Some of it is a bit disconnected from the real world: how can the average person pay cash for their first house or car? Some people need credit, as crippling as interest rates may be. He also seems to think that most working people can simply opt to work weekends “at double or triple rates” — sorry, Gene; most companies are as cheap as you and deny workers overtime at all costs. I suppose this is book will serve as self-help for very young people, the kind who max out on seven credit cards before they realize they actually have to pay for all that stuff... but for semi-intelligent people, this book isn’t a “how-to,” just mildly interesting for its self-aggrandizing American-dream, rags to riches story, as well as its light, humorous style (some humor unintentional). And I guess KISS’s fans will forgive Gene for bragging about how he charges them needlessly inflated prices (that he makes up on a whim) for KISS memorabilia.
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October 23, 2008This book was pointless and stupid. Gene Simmons obviously made did this book just to make a buck as it as it is presented as an autobiographical/advice/success book but has no teeth or substance. The sell-out, greedy d-bag he comes across as on TV is evidently him as this book is exactly the same. But I am the dumb-ass that bought it.
August 3, 2011
hmmm. got this for a fun read, but it really is a good bench-mark setting book. who would think of gene simmons as a motivational teacher. but then he did teach kids before he was in kiss. maybe not a book for alll girls, but definatley all guys
October 27, 2018
Shittest book I have ever attempted. Returned the audiobook when he compared a women spending a man's money to rape. Only satisfaction is knowing that, being from the library, this money obsessed misogynist never received a penny from me for it. Did not complete
September 5, 2011
Enjoyed the business and money-related sections. I think Gene Simmons is a great businessman.
July 16, 2016
Checked this out as an audiobook from the library. Nothing like listening to Gene Simmons giving advice on life. Don't know if it was its intent but it was like listening to a comedy show.
November 26, 2019
I read this after reading KISS and Make-up because I wanted to learn more about Gene Simmons' life.
Some of it is just repetition, but some of it is good.
In a nutshell:
- Gene Simmons' loves himself and thinks he is the smartest man in the world.
- He has unconventional notions about marriage (to say the least).
- He loves his mom, and would never break her heart.
- He doesn't drink and doesn't do drugs.
- He loves business.
And that last part was the most interesting to me. Although by the end of the book, some of the stories of his deals were a bit of showing off, I liked the ones he told in greater detail.
Of course, this book is not perfect.
But what I like the most about books is this: you can choose what you will take as the main message.
And some good messages from this book are "work hard, and don't become a drug addict".
And that's a good reminder for all of us.
Some of it is just repetition, but some of it is good.
In a nutshell:
- Gene Simmons' loves himself and thinks he is the smartest man in the world.
- He has unconventional notions about marriage (to say the least).
- He loves his mom, and would never break her heart.
- He doesn't drink and doesn't do drugs.
- He loves business.
And that last part was the most interesting to me. Although by the end of the book, some of the stories of his deals were a bit of showing off, I liked the ones he told in greater detail.
Of course, this book is not perfect.
But what I like the most about books is this: you can choose what you will take as the main message.
And some good messages from this book are "work hard, and don't become a drug addict".
And that's a good reminder for all of us.
January 14, 2026
I am glad I borrowed this from the library, and all my kiss albums are downloaded in a less than legal manner, because after reading this it’s clear he doesn’t deserve a woman’s hard earned money, especially if god forbid it came from a joint bank account with a man!
This book was odd mainly because quite early on he explains that you can be in a relationship and avoid being financially crippled by your other half, he advises he has done so on multiple occasions. Yet then goes on to berate women for divorces he’s had no part in for the rest of the book. Repeatedly. Over and over again.
There are the odd bits of good advice. However it’s hidden under a huge blanket of woman bashing, a creepy relationship with mummy, and excuses for why he personally can’t keep his dick in his pants and likes big tits, that he tries to make out to be all men. Literally all men, he speaks for you. If that’s the case. What a sad state of affairs!
This book gave teeny tiny dick energy!
This book was odd mainly because quite early on he explains that you can be in a relationship and avoid being financially crippled by your other half, he advises he has done so on multiple occasions. Yet then goes on to berate women for divorces he’s had no part in for the rest of the book. Repeatedly. Over and over again.
There are the odd bits of good advice. However it’s hidden under a huge blanket of woman bashing, a creepy relationship with mummy, and excuses for why he personally can’t keep his dick in his pants and likes big tits, that he tries to make out to be all men. Literally all men, he speaks for you. If that’s the case. What a sad state of affairs!
This book gave teeny tiny dick energy!
January 10, 2026
Pretty lame. Simmons is unabashedly greedy and hypersexualized, and can’t seem to comprehend why others aren’t the same. Worships himself, the almighty dollar, and – almost creepily- his mother. I get the whole male “biological imperative” argument but it’s quite cliched by now, especially when trotted out to excuse caveman-like behavior.
There’s no new insight offered here, and Simmons’ life philosophy is pretty much to work as much as possible, monetize everything with everyone, and respect women’s equality by not paying for anything for them and guarding your riches from their predations. Oh yeah, he’s in a band, too- too bad any mention of music or KISS is dry and transactional.
There’s no new insight offered here, and Simmons’ life philosophy is pretty much to work as much as possible, monetize everything with everyone, and respect women’s equality by not paying for anything for them and guarding your riches from their predations. Oh yeah, he’s in a band, too- too bad any mention of music or KISS is dry and transactional.
September 3, 2021
A quick junk food type of read although i should of read Gene Simmons New York City best seller 'Kiss and Make Up' this book is shallow at best covering " Can do" philosophy but tarnished with male chauvinist spectrum. As a Kiss fan of the 70's "Kiss Army" during my childhood the band image and sound still in my heart in the world of Rock and Roll fantasy. I would definitely recommend Paul Stanley eloquent read of his memoir " Face the Music" however until i cover the other band members memoirs " I want to Rock and Roll all night and Party everyday".
September 13, 2021
Book should be titled ME. Gene Simmons is successful and gives some hints at how he has done business differently than other successful bands. Book is so against marriage..but after 20 years we know he marries Shannon Tweed...hmmm. What changed?
If could sit down in an interview with Gene Simmons would ask him how he feels about "All you need is Love" by the Beatles. Can love conquer all? Tones in this book say otherwise.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge KISS fan and will continue to Rock and Roll All Night.
If could sit down in an interview with Gene Simmons would ask him how he feels about "All you need is Love" by the Beatles. Can love conquer all? Tones in this book say otherwise.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge KISS fan and will continue to Rock and Roll All Night.
February 6, 2024
I liked listening to Gene Simmons read the book. Some of the advice he gave made me laugh a little. And I liked that the book took a little over 4 hours to listen to.
I liked that he told some stories about himself and I also liked how much he talked about making money in the book. And he seemed to talk about making money a lot. Maybe most of the book.
I liked that he told some stories about himself and I also liked how much he talked about making money in the book. And he seemed to talk about making money a lot. Maybe most of the book.
January 7, 2025
1.5 rounded up. In between the blatant misogyny and misguided financial advice is a sometimes entertaining story of how Gene Simmons single-handedly (according to him) built the KISS Empire. I wish it was more of that and less a commentary on why women are moneyhungry sex objects and men are philandering gods.
April 30, 2020
Gene Simmons has always been a curiosity to me. Yes I am a fan. I don’t know if I can recommend this book to my lady friends. He is very opinionated on women in their place. I was offended a few times but I kept on reading.
February 4, 2025
Some good common sense advice here, but some of it should be taken with a truckload-size grain of salt. We now know that Gene isnt quite the genius businessman he claims to be, with a lot of the real work done by other people. And boy did he do a flip-flop on marriage!
January 10, 2018
Clever, full of confidence and somewhat bloated ego but love it! This guy sure knows what he's doing and talking about.
March 29, 2019
Some good advice, but to much crumuddgeon.
I did like the Kiss stories.
I did like the Kiss stories.
September 27, 2020
"never get married!"
February 28, 2021
Don’t agree with a lot of his opinions on women- very sexist. But has business ideas.
January 31, 2023
I'm honestly not a huge Kiss fan and this book made me roll my eyes many times (it is written more for a male audience) it was very well written and a page turner for me.
February 9, 2024
This is not a good book.
March 25, 2025
I listened to the audio book and some parts were unbearable but could make for a good laugh. His take on ALL men and ALL women is pretty funny. The parts about Kiss were interesting.
July 8, 2008
I picked up this book for a quick candy read after finishing several heavier works. I figured I'd get a laugh out of some outrageous backstage KISS stories.
Instead, the book is actually a call to young people on how to position themselves for professional success. Simmons prefaces the book with the admission that he never went to business school, but is simply presenting what he has accomplished through hard work and thriftiness.
Some people will be turned off by his mantra that money is everything. Simmons illustrates how love really can't get you the things you want in life. Even with his millions, Simmons stresses how too many people use their resources on foolish things they don't really need and illustrates many of his ideals with examples from his own life -- e.g. He has been thrifty, alcohol and drug free, and works more than most people while Ace Frehley and Peter Criss never kept an eye on the big prize and lost everything to life's excesses.
I actually recommend this to any teen-ager, especially boys. Mothers may be put off by Simmons's reputation and arrogance, but the message of the book should not be overlooked because of them.
Simmons is a caring son who takes care of his mother and is a shrewd businessman who uses these pages to draw a map to success for today's deluded youth. I was surprised how much I enjoyed reading this book.
Instead, the book is actually a call to young people on how to position themselves for professional success. Simmons prefaces the book with the admission that he never went to business school, but is simply presenting what he has accomplished through hard work and thriftiness.
Some people will be turned off by his mantra that money is everything. Simmons illustrates how love really can't get you the things you want in life. Even with his millions, Simmons stresses how too many people use their resources on foolish things they don't really need and illustrates many of his ideals with examples from his own life -- e.g. He has been thrifty, alcohol and drug free, and works more than most people while Ace Frehley and Peter Criss never kept an eye on the big prize and lost everything to life's excesses.
I actually recommend this to any teen-ager, especially boys. Mothers may be put off by Simmons's reputation and arrogance, but the message of the book should not be overlooked because of them.
Simmons is a caring son who takes care of his mother and is a shrewd businessman who uses these pages to draw a map to success for today's deluded youth. I was surprised how much I enjoyed reading this book.
August 18, 2014
The first 1/3 of this books seems like a lost gem of "self help" type books. Great motivation, etc. I actually took several pages of notes. part 2 is a rant on marriage. I just skipped this part. ( I love my wife.) Part 3 is a recap of how successful he is, but concludes with a comment revealing this book is not a "how to". Basically, he wants you to know, he shouldn't be rich, but he is because he worked so hard.
I give part 1 - 5 stars
Part 2 - square root of negative 1
Part 3 - 3 stars if you are interested in KISS rock history.
His love of money is disturbing. ( He makes his case ) But Ayn Rand did a superior job. So, I translate money for success, whatever it may be.
The book focuses on his successes, but he does mention that he failed equal times.
My thoughts are that he might succeed more if he was better at hiring qualified people. He claims to do as much work himself as he can. I get the cost savings, but hire good managers and then step out! Give yourself more time to dream up ways to be rich. Pay someone to execute.
His desire to put others ( and their money ) at risk as to fund his projects - got down right disturbing. No way he would do the reverse.
No regrets. Love to learn from people who succeed. The guy has an amazing work ethic and I'm going to apply some of this to my life as well.
I give part 1 - 5 stars
Part 2 - square root of negative 1
Part 3 - 3 stars if you are interested in KISS rock history.
His love of money is disturbing. ( He makes his case ) But Ayn Rand did a superior job. So, I translate money for success, whatever it may be.
The book focuses on his successes, but he does mention that he failed equal times.
My thoughts are that he might succeed more if he was better at hiring qualified people. He claims to do as much work himself as he can. I get the cost savings, but hire good managers and then step out! Give yourself more time to dream up ways to be rich. Pay someone to execute.
His desire to put others ( and their money ) at risk as to fund his projects - got down right disturbing. No way he would do the reverse.
No regrets. Love to learn from people who succeed. The guy has an amazing work ethic and I'm going to apply some of this to my life as well.
August 20, 2010
Full of down-to-earth business advice. Gene is obviously a workaholic, but he doesn't apologize for that. In his mind, if he isn't working, then he is losing money. It is a little sad that he is so driven by making as much money as possible, but we all have to have something that motivates us.
I docked the book a star because he tended to drone on and on about his feelings on marriage. It was simply, but well explained in several sections of the book. Even with that, he felt the need to include a chapter dedicated to pounding his ideas into our heads. It was just too much.
Wrapping up - it is an interesting looking into a person who has made millions by being thrifty and motivated.
I docked the book a star because he tended to drone on and on about his feelings on marriage. It was simply, but well explained in several sections of the book. Even with that, he felt the need to include a chapter dedicated to pounding his ideas into our heads. It was just too much.
Wrapping up - it is an interesting looking into a person who has made millions by being thrifty and motivated.
February 20, 2014
A more apt title for this book would be "The Rambling of a Rock Star." This book basically details Simmons' philosophy on all things money, love, marriage, and employment, with a just a taste of Kiss' history. Honestly, Simmons has unique opinions and business practices that fit his lifestyle, but not necessarily everyone else's. You can get the basic of Simmons' philosophy in the first disc. The only reason to continue listening is for the segments on Kiss history. That part was fascinating and eye opening. For example, did you know that there are Kiss Condoms? Or that Kiss has the phrase "Kiss-Con" trademarked?
December 9, 2014
Everyone in their teen years should read this book and avoid some headaches, I think this book is more for professional / business success from Gene personal achievements than funny stories about KISS, I needed a book to make me forget from a current bad time I am having in my life, I can relate on the being a stranger in a Strange Land and trying to make it against the odds / stereotypes.
In another context it talks about relationships and Gene later contradicted him self, I still would recommend people to read it and avoid those relationships that suck your time, including the money too.
In another context it talks about relationships and Gene later contradicted him self, I still would recommend people to read it and avoid those relationships that suck your time, including the money too.
March 13, 2012
See people, even the Demon can change!
Married now; something he says in this book would never happen and for over 26 years, he immediately corrected anyone who asked how his "wife" Shannon was...
I'm glad he listened to his heart and overcame his own demons, irony?...
Visiting his father's grave during his 2010 reality show absolutely changed him so this book is now a great solemn tribute to his father and to his "new" wife Shannon and their great kids, Nick and Sophie!
Great job and again, congratulations for being exactly who you are Gene; an American music icon and good man!
Married now; something he says in this book would never happen and for over 26 years, he immediately corrected anyone who asked how his "wife" Shannon was...
I'm glad he listened to his heart and overcame his own demons, irony?...
Visiting his father's grave during his 2010 reality show absolutely changed him so this book is now a great solemn tribute to his father and to his "new" wife Shannon and their great kids, Nick and Sophie!
Great job and again, congratulations for being exactly who you are Gene; an American music icon and good man!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews