“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.

Lesson learned (or reminded) from reading these posts: few things raise the ire of “serious” music nerds as does KISS. For that fact alone, KISS is genius.

That’s not really the point I’m trying to make though.

I agree with you that filesharing is a good thing, and I am all for digital downloads. But to imply people are buying more music because of it is horseshit.

Yes it is a good thing that people can buy 2 songs via iTunes instead of getting stuck with a shitty CD with 2 good songs and 6 band songs at a record store.

The record industry bigwigs are getting their comeuppance.

But don’t imply people are buying more music. People are stealing more music. On almost any message board you can find people that buy a CD, rip it to mp3, and upload it to Rapidshare or Megaupload and give it away.

And don’t think that this isn’t related to the increase in ticket prices.

in regards to point #2: feel free to take out one of those “that there was any way”s

2. I like the fact that he thought that a) no one did try to sue the freckly kids (paging Metallica) b) that there was any way that once the ball got rolling that there was any way you could have stopped it much the same way as believing you can put your finger in a crack in the Hoover Dam

3. “I Was Made For Loving You” is a really good song too

4. He is eight shades beyond right about Radiohead. They were decent to see on the OK Computer tour but god they are so sanctimonious and boring on stage. For a band that I believe are comprised of clever individuals, they sure do seem to seriously lack a sense of humor. I’m not asking for mid-gig Jerky Boys calls but jesus christ……

(I’m not going to go back and revise that to clarify that I didn’t originally intend to imply that Radiohead should jazz up their live show by resurrecting the Son of Man)

Nice job showing you have no clue about the workings of the recording industry, or Gene Simmons for that matter.

Why all the hatred? Are you the one woman on the planet he refused to sleep with?