KISS rocker Gene Simmons praises Taylor Swift for ‘taking over’ the music industry: ‘I’m a fan’

The legendary KISS rocker praised Taylor Swift while talking about the new generation of bands and artists who are making their mark in the music industry today.

“There’s no question, Taylor Swift has taken over and she’s great,” Simmons exclusively raved to Page Six at his Rock & Brews restaurant in El Segundo, Calif.

“I’m a fan. I know her, and she’s a really solid person. Other than that, I’m not sure what’s cool.”

The KISS musician praised Taylor Swift in an exclusive new interview with Page Six. “There’s no question, Taylor Swift has taken over [the music industry] and she’s great,” he raved. “I’m a fan.”Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management
Simmons dropped Swift’s name after reflecting on the musical legends of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. The “God of Thunder” rocker noted that, aside from Swift, today’s talent roster can’t really compare to the true excitement the music world experienced at that time.

“When we were growing up in the ’60s, we had Led Zeppelin, The [Rolling] Stones, The Beatles, Elvis, Pink Floyd, Madonna, Motown and all of that, Prince, David Bowie. All of that was happening at the same time,” Simmons, now 74, recalled. “What’s happening now?”

As Swift fans may recall, this isn’t the first time the KISS Army has had some crossover with the Swifties. Last August, KISS frontman Paul Stanley took his family to see one of the singer’s Eras Tour shows in Los Angeles. The Starchild even shared a pic of himself rocking tour merchandise via social media.

Swift previously dressed up as former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley at a tour show in 2009.Keith Urban/YouTube
“6 shows at SoFi Stadium for a total of A HALF MILLION PEOPLE and I know why… PHENOMENAL SHOW BY A PHENOMENAL ARTIST,” Stanley, 72, tweeted at the time. “Thanks to her staff for rolling out the red carpet for us.”

Swift, 34, also once dressed up as former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley – Spaceman makeup and all! – while serving as the opening act for Keith Urban’s Escape Together World Tour in 2009.

As the country singer was performing his hit “Kiss A Girl” in Kansas City, Mo., Swift and members of her band (also decked out in full KISS gear) stormed the stage for an unforgettable surprise prank.

While Swift has been busy traveling the world on her ongoing Eras Tour, Simmons and Stanley have been focusing on the solo stages of their careers after 50 years together with KISS. The rock group took their final bow together in December 2023, performing their final End of the Road World Tour stop with back-to-back shows at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

“On one level, [I felt] a lot of pride. But on another level, it was very sad,” Simmons recalled of that final moment on stage, while chatting with Page Six at Rock & Brews.

“It’s like when you leave home – you’re happy because you’re excited about the new possibilities, but you’re leaving mom crying at the doorway,” he added. “But all things have to come an end. You have to have the pride and dignity of knowing when to stop before Mother Nature takes over.”

Despite no longer having to put his signature Demon makeup on every day, Simmons told us he’s “busier than ever” post-KISS.

The legendary musician reflected on his final two shows with KISS at Madison Square Garden – and taking over New York City in celebration. Inside the restaurant, he signed special edition copies of the New York Post for fans.Page Six
The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer has still been performing and touring, now alongside his Gene Simmons Band. The group is heading to Finland next month to play a set at the Kuopiorock Festival, followed by shows in Sweden, Germany, Holland, Spain and more.

He’s also been hard at work expanding his Rock & Brews empire, MoneyBag Soda brand, film company Simmons/Hamilton Prods., amongst other business ventures.

“I have nothing to complain about. No woulda, coulda, shoulda. Been there, done that,” Simmons said, telling us that he’s still close with now-former bandmates Stanley, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer. “Obviously we’re in communication, between emails and texts and all that. Every other day we text and talk to each other.”

When he’s not working, Simmons enjoys spending time with his wife, Shannon Tweed, and their two kids, Nick and Sophie. “The best part of this is, I’m the luckiest guy in the world,” he gushed.

Simmons told us he’s still “busier than ever” post-KISS – with his Gene Simmons Band, Rock & Brews empire, film company and more.Evan Agostini/Invision/APWhat do you think? Post a comment.
Simmons surprised local fans by stopping into his Rock & Brews restaurant in El Segundo on June 6. The musician was on site to film an episode of the “Wild Ride! with Steve-O” podcast.

Steve-O raved about what fans can expect from the no-holds-barred conversation with Simmons, telling Page Six, “I got to be more like him!”

“I actually go out on tour doing comedy and I just couldn’t keep up with him,” he said of the rock icon’s consistent jokes. “Our styles of comedy are a little bit different, and that was what was so charming about the episode.”

Simmons’ “Wild Ride! with Steve-O” episode drops June 13 on all podcast platforms.