Gene Simmons appeared nearly unidentifiable earlier this week when he went alone for groceries in Malibu.
The KISS bassist, who is 74 years old and famous for his extravagant stage shows and makeup-clad appearance, chose a very laid-back style when he loaded up his shopping cart with paper bags and a cluster of vibrant pink gerbera daisies.
Dressed in a black Puma zipper jacket, worn-out denim pants, and white tennis shoes, Gene appeared far removed from his “Love Gun” era. He maintained his iconic hairstyle, letting it fall freely around him, and had a pair of shades resting on his shirt collar as he exited the shop and headed toward his vehicle.
It was an uncommon appearance for the legendary rocker, who has largely stayed out of the limelight recently, save for occasional buzz-generating incidents. Notably, Gene once again grabbed attention 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 mascara.”
Gene swiftly responded, addressing Las Vegas’ Fox5 station, “I am fed up with these so-called rock concerts where bands like Carlos Santana perform while staring at their shoes. It’s time they step away from the stage.”
Looking back at the many years they’ve dedicated to their careers, Gene commented, “The time has come for us to step up and demonstrate to the young guys how it’s done in our field.”
Although the two musicians exhibit distinct artistic approaches—Carlos being recognized for blending Latin influences with rock and blues, whereas Gene constructed his legacy around flamboyant theatricality—Gene has consistently been unafraid to stand up for his creations or address criticisms he perceives as unjust.
Gene has mentioned before, “In our early days with KISS, things weren’t exactly luxurious. We traveled long distances daily in a station wagon, sharing duties between driving and catching some sleep in the rear. Our diet mostly consisted of beans and hot dogs since we didn’t have extra funds 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, this exclusive offer allows participants to act as Gene’s personal assistant and roadie for one full touring day with his band.
“I often pondered about life backstage — in the hotels, during preparations, and on stage. Since nobody had attempted this previously, I figured, why not allow someone into these moments?” Gene shared with the New York Post.
This special offer features backstage entry, sharing a meal with Gene, receiving an autographed setlist, obtaining a personalized VIP laminated pass, and getting a bass guitar used during rehearsals. Additionally, this fan will go up onstage alongside him during the performance, plus they receive both a crew t-shirt and hat to mark their status officially.
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 genuinely humble, humorous, and well-versed in nearly every topic.”
The recently released images of Gene from California arrived 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 previously planned May shows in Texas have been rescheduled.