Editing Gene Simmons (section)

==Artistry==
[[File:Gene Simmons - Azkena Rock Festival 2010 7.jpg|thumb|right|Gene Simmons [[Fire breathing (circus act)|fire breathing]]]]

=== Technique ===
Simmons plays bass, and lead vocals are split between Simmons and rhythm guitarist [[Paul Stanley]] in most Kiss songs. Some notable songs featuring Simmons singing lead include "[[God of Thunder]]", "[[Rock and Roll All Nite]]", "[[Deuce (song)|Deuce]]", "[[A World Without Heroes]]", "[[I Love It Loud]]", "[[Calling Dr. Love]]", "[[Unholy (Kiss song)|Unholy]]", "[[You Wanted the Best]]" (first lead vocals), and "[[Christine Sixteen]]", among others. Simmons possesses a baritone voice.

Simmons has expressed his preference for "[[Hook (music)|memorable simplicity]]" in music as opposed to technical complexity. "I don't consider myself—and was never really interested in being—a bass virtuoso [...] I don't like show-offs in music. I'm much more attracted to things that are memorable. It's part of the joy of music for me." He has also said that while he appreciates the technical skill of [[jazz]] musicians, he believes they do not have appeal over a wide audience, saying "You can be a jazz player and be respected by musicians, but the rest of the world doesn't care."<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Owen |first1=Matt |last2=Daly |first2=Andrew |date=17 October 2024 |title="Name a jazz player that means something. You can be respected by musicians, but the rest of the world doesn't care. That music is intended to show off how well you play": Gene Simmons on why technical skill doesn't really matter |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/bassists/gene-simmons-technical-skill-doesnt-matter |access-date=November 11, 2024 |website=Guitar World}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Barrios |first=Joel |date=2024-11-09 |title=GENE SIMMONS On Why He Values Memorable Riffs Over Virtuosity: "The Hardest Thing To Do Is Write A Good Simple Song Or Riff" |url=https://metalinjection.net/news/gene-simmons-on-why-he-values-memorable-riffs-over-virtuosity-the-hardest-thing-to-do-is-write-a-good-simple-song-or-riff |access-date=2024-11-12 |website=Metal Injection |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Stage makeup and persona===
In addition to playing bass, Simmons is known for his long tongue, which he frequently sticks out while performing, and on stage is known for his demonic figure by spitting fire and vomiting stage blood. Some publications reported that his tongue measured up to 7 inches long and he had it insured for $1 million, although Simmons himself has not commented on this.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Corday |first1=Karen |last2=Smith |first2=Kimberly |title=Why People Once Thought Gene Simmons Had A Cow's Tongue |url=https://www.grunge.com/278148/why-people-once-thought-gene-simmons-had-a-cows-tongue/ |website=Grunge |date=November 12, 2020 |access-date=December 8, 2022}}</ref> His trademark stalking stage-moves were inspired by the creature ''Ymir'' of the movie ''[[20 Million Miles to Earth]]''.<ref>https://nypost.com/2013/08/31/first-kiss/</ref>