Gene Simmons, bassist and vocalist of KISS, has once again reiterated his belief that rock is “dead,” a claim he first made some time ago. While rock ‘n’ roll was once the dominant genre in music, its influence has waned in recent years, overtaken by the rise of hip-hop, pop, and EDM. During a recent appearance on The Zak Kuhn Show, Simmons explained his perspective.
When asked if rock is “still dead,” Simmons responded affirmatively, saying, “It is.” He acknowledged that many people still love their favorite rock bands and songs, but he explained that the genre’s cultural dominance has diminished. He compared the years from 1958 to 1988, a period rich with legendary artists like Elvis Presley, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and Pink Floyd. In contrast, he noted that since 1988, rock hasn’t produced figures comparable to those iconic bands.
Simmons brought up the example of Nirvana when asked about potential successors to The Beatles. He dismissed the idea, pointing out that today’s youth, even though they may know Nirvana’s music, would likely struggle to identify members of the band or recall specific songs. He shared a story about his son, who had a conversation with a girl wearing a Rolling Stones t-shirt. When she couldn’t recognize the band’s music or its members, Simmons took it as a sign of the generational gap in music knowledge.
Simmons then rejected other suggestions, like Pearl Jam and Foo Fighters, as potential “new Beatles,” stating that while he personally enjoys those bands, today’s younger generation wouldn’t be able to name a member or recognize their music either.
For Simmons, this reinforces his belief that, although rock music is cherished by many, it no longer holds the cultural weight it once did. The broader public’s disconnect from rock icons, even while wearing their merchandise, is a testament to the shifting musical landscape.
