Kiss legend Gene Simmons has built a 50-year career on defying rock and roll stereotypes, most notably his lifelong sobriety. But in a candid new interview for the Men’s Health video series “Gym & Fridge,” the 76-year-old rock icon pulled back the curtain on his diet, health philosophy, and the “one vice” he indulges in.
While opening his home fridge for the camera, Simmons was quick to point out that the healthy items inside, like salads, are not his preference.
“Nothing that you see in here… describes my taste buds,” Simmons admitted. “The wifey [Shannon Tweed] puts all that stuff in, ’cause my druthers: hot fudge sundae, a good backrub, and shut the f**k up. I don’t really care if it’s pasta or shmasta… I really don’t care*.”
Simmons then confessed what his real culinary passion is: “I love cake. Cookies, chocolates, cake. It’s about as much fun as I can have with my pants on.”
The rocker explained that during his touring days, this diet was never an issue. The sheer physicality of the Kiss show acted as an extreme workout.
“When in the middle of a tour, it doesn’t matter. I’d eat cheesecake every day,” he said. “I’m wearing 40 pounds of armor, seven-inch platform heels… each one of the dragon boots probably weighed… eight to 10 pounds… The amount of calories burned on stage… you know, it’s like a heavy workout.”
His tour diet consisted of a light breakfast, pasta for carbs in the afternoon, and then the reward. “And then coming off the stage, cake. I woudln’t even have to eat it, I’d just rub it all over myself,” he joked.
Now, at 76, he admits he has to be more careful. “I have to watch it. You know, my girlish figure and everything,” he said. “The problem is your metabolism; it slows down like a tick tock of an old clock. So, at 76 I can’t have as much as I like.”
The conversation then turned to his famous lifelong sobriety. Simmons was blunt about his decision to never use alcohol or drugs.
“I don’t drink. I never have… The rock world is filled with losers, idiots,” he stated.
He explained the powerful, personal reason behind that choice: his mother, Flora Klein, a survivor of the N*zi concentration camps.
“I think it goes back to my mother,” Simmons reflected. “She was a survivor of N*zi Germany’s concentration camps at 14 years of age, and I never wanted to break her heart. I’m her only child, so this idea that you could be a loser… and destroy yourself. I mean, she’d give her life to prevent anybody from hurting me, but it’s okay for me to hurt myself? It’s like crazy. No.”
When it comes to his workout philosophy at 76, Simmons keeps it simple. “Just walk… Just try to stand more than you sit the whole day. That’s all you’ll need.” He also credits “unfair” genetics for his lack of physical issues, despite decades of performing. “I’ve never had surgery, any back problems, I’ve never had a massage in my life. I don’t get aches and pains.”
As for his iconic tongue, he recounted its origin in the seventh grade. “I remember it was Stella, and it might have been Irene…” he said. “They turned around in the middle, ‘Do the crazy thing they could do.’ And I thought it was, sort of, making a funny face. So I’d stick my tongue out… They would both make sounds like turkeys that are about to go to the chopping block… And then, of course, I’d get in trouble.”
Ultimately, Simmons (aka Dr. Love) said the real secret to longevity isn’t his own doing, but rather the wisdom of his wife, Shannon.
“I’m an idiot compared to her,” he confessed. “The entire family is healthy, like nothing you’ve ever seen, because she insists on getting yearly head-to-toe MRIs… The biggest problem with your dental care, your health care, your anything, is waiting too long. You’ve got to check yourself. Go to the doctors. Too much is better than not… pick up a phone, make an appointment, and keep doing it every year.”
You can watch the full video here.
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