Gene Simmons can’t wait for "the death of rap music".
The KISS singer-and-bassist is not happy with the current state of pop music, in particular hip hop stars.
As far as rock legend Gene is concerned, artists who simply speak over instrumentals and samples aren’t proper musicians and have no merit.
He fumed: "I am looking forward to the death of rap. I’m looking forward to music coming back to lyrics and melody, instead of just talking. A song, as far as I’m concerned, is by definition lyric and melody … or just melody. music is about melody and lyric, whether it’s rap or doo-wop, or yeah, even rock."
And while the 66-year-old rocker is waiting for the popularity of rap to die, he believes his own genre is already dead.
Gene – who is married to actress Shannon Tweed – told Rolling Stone magazine: "As far as I’m concerned, rock is dead. There ain’t no new bands. Foo Fighters, I love them, but they’re a 20-year-old band. These are long-in-the-tooth bands: Nirvana, Pearl Jam. They’re old bands."
However, the ‘Crazy Crazy Nights’ hitmaker thinks there is hope of a revival and suggested Lady Gaga fronting a rock group could revitalise the American rock scene.
He said: "As far as I’m concerned, if Lady Gaga dropped the disco and the pole dancing and all that stuff and put together a rock band, that would be legitimate, because she’s got the musical goods. She can write songs, play instruments and can actually sing. And she understands the fearless quality of spectacle. I’d love to see her do Queen-style music. She can do it. Madonna cannot."
KISS – which also includes Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer – have just announced for one night only on May 25, fans will be able to experience ‘KISS Rocks Vegas’ in cinemas across the globe.
From their blistering live show, fans can expect sky high flames, ear-bursting volume and a few drops of blood and those watching at cinemas can see exclusive interviews with the band and footage.
Visit www.KissOnline.com for more information.
Gene Simmons: I’m waiting for the death of rap
