Gene Simmons

Gene Simmons is the bassist and co-founder of the rock band KISS. In the 2000's, Simmons gained a new audience by starring in reality shows such as Gene Simmons Family Jewels and Celebrity Apprentice.

Simmons was a major force behind taking KISS from a hugely successful rock band to an enormously successful brand that transcended the music industry. Simmons detractors often point out that his real talent has more to do with marketing and promotion than with music.The Daily Swarm: Gene Simmons vs Bob Lefsetz: Smackdown... (March 12, 2009)

In 2009, Simmons launched Simmons Records. He said the goal of the label is to sign and develop Canadian bands. Simmons formed the label in partnership with Universal Music Canada.Rolling Stone: Gene Simmons Starts Canadian Record Label... (January 29, 2009)

When a sex tape with a model who was not his longtime companion Shannon Tweed made the rounds in early 2008, some speculated that Simmons himself released it to capitalize on the approaching season premiere of Family Jewels.