Gene Simmons appeared nearly unidentifiable earlier this week when he went alone for groceries in Malibu.
The KISS bass player, who is 74 years old and famous for his extravagant performances and colorful mask, chose a very laid-back outfit while stocking up his shopping cart with paper bags and a bundle of vibrant pink gerbera daisies.
Dressed in a black Puma zipper jacket, worn-out denim pants, and white shoes, Gene appeared far removed from his “Love Gun” era. His iconic head of hair was left free and cascading down, with a pair of shades resting on his chest as he exited the shop and headed toward his vehicle.
It was an uncommon appearance for the legendary rocker, who has mostly stayed out of the limelight recently, apart from grabbing attention occasionally. Notably, Gene once again attracted public scrutiny due to his ongoing dispute with Carlos Santana flaring up anew.
The disagreement between the two artists started in 2009 when Carlos criticized Gene and his fellow band members, stating, “He isn’t a musician; he’s just an entertainer. KISS is all about Las Vegas-style entertainment. True musicians don’t require masks and makeup.”
Gene swiftly responded, addressing Las Vegas’ Fox5 station, saying, “I am fed up with these so-called rock concerts where performers like Carlos Santana stare at their shoes instead of engaging with the audience. They should get off the stage.”
Looking back at the years they have spent in the business, Gene commented, “We should head out and demonstrate to the young guys how the pros handle things.”
Although the two musicians exhibit distinct approaches—Carlos is recognized for blending Latin influences with rock and blues, whereas Gene established his legacy through flamboyant theatricality—Gene has consistently been unafraid to defend his creations and critique what he perceives as unjust condemnation.
Gene has mentioned before, “The early days with KISS weren’t exactly luxurious. We traveled long distances in a station wagon almost daily, sharing duties between driving and catching some sleep at the back. Our diet mostly consisted of beans and hot dogs since we didn’t have extra money for much else.”
In recent times, Gene has been providing fans with an intimate glimpse into the rock-star lifestyle through his latest VIP package, “The Ultimate Gene Simmons Experience.” Priced at $12,000, participants get the chance to act as both Gene’s aide and stagehand for one day during the band’s tour with Gene Simmons.
Gene shared with the New York Post, “I often pondered about life backstage — inside the hotels, during preparations, on stage itself. Since nobody had attempted it previously, I figured, why not allow someone into these moments?”
This special offer features backstage entry, dining with Gene, a signed setlist, a personalized VIP laminated pass, and a bass guitar used during rehearsals. Additionally, the fan will accompany him onstage during the performance, and indeed, they receive both a crew shirt and hat to formalize their status as a VIP.
The package can be accessed through the band’s official website and offers an unparalleled glimpse into Gene’s universe. As stated in the details, “Gene Simmons comes across as quite grounded, humorous, and well-versed in nearly every topic.”
The recently released images of Gene from California arrive shortly after he rescheduled more than a dozen planned shows for his solo band, moving them to 2026.
In late March, Christina Vitagliano, who oversees Gene’s VIP events, posted on Facebook that the April dates and the planned May shows in Texas have been rescheduled.