“The way that Radiohead have done what they’ve just done – “

” – you don’t have a clue what they’ve done or how they’ve done it or how many pieces they’ve sold.”

“The band are saying they’ve made more money online out of that model than from the previous sales of all their records combined.”

“Not true, not true. You know why?”

“Tell me why.”

“Because everybody else would have done it right away.”

“I think we’re going to have to wait and see.”

“Are you making a conjecture based on nothing, or are you stating fact? Are you saying it’s going to happen, or that it’s happening?”

“I’m saying it’s happing, and it will continue to happen.”

“You can’t say it’s going to happen because you aren’t qualified to make that statement. You can’t say it’s going to happen. This first thing I would say to that is, based on what?”

“OK, if I could finish what I was saying.”

“Yep. Good luck with this, by the way.”

“If you’re thinking about the music business, and it’s in so much trouble, blah blah – “

” – I don’t have to think about it. But a new band does.”

“That’s what I’m trying to say.”

“- that’s the saddest part.”

Frustrated and risking the end of the interview, I try a little school teacher admonition of my own:

“Stop interrupting me, Gene Simmons!”

After a very brief pause he says, “Yes Ma’am.”

One of life’s stranger exchanges.

Before you know it, Tom Hanks won’t be making $10 million per picture. And the world will continue.

I WILL make the point that some people buy more music. They’re also stealing more. Does it balance out? Probably not, but we don’t need a bunch of FUD from has-beens like Simmons. We need smart folks who can make a reasonable profit selling music in whatever form people want to buy it.

And the dislike is a product of Simmons’ whining and his crappy music. It’s not really hatred, but this IS a Gawker blog, so you have to be obnoxious.

@R. Morast-You may be right, but I still can’t stand them.

@Captain Wrong-That would explode the internet.