In a recent interview with 101 WRIF, Mötley Crüe guitarist John 5 opened up about an unexpected encounter with Kiss legend Gene Simmons.
The story he shared sheds light on a moment that left a lasting impression on him — a time when Simmons, known for his larger-than-life persona, refused to sign an autograph for the young musician.
“I was so little. I was probably, I don’t know, 14 or 13. KISS were playing at Cobo [Hall, aka Huntington Place, in Detroit, Michigan] or Joe Louis [Arena], one of the two. And I wanted to meet my heroes and I was waiting at the Pontchartrain Hotel,” John 5 said (as transcribed by Ultimate Guitar). “I’m this little kid [who] skips school, and kind of preppy, and all that stuff. And I’m the only one in the lobby.”
Using his own analytical skills, John 5 identified the Detroit hotel, noting: “I’m no detective, but you see the tour busses and whatnot. I was waiting there all day — all day. Hopefully, he’ll come down and have something to eat or go get coffee, or… Who knows — one of the guys.
“So, here comes Gene Simmons. He was walking out of the bus into the hotel,” he continued. “And I had my Originals booklet. I’ll never forget this, my Originals booklet. And I said, ‘Mr. Simmons, Mr. Simmons.’ And he walked right by me. I’m this little kid — a little kid. And he gets in the elevator. And I was like, ‘Screw this.’ So, I get in the elevator, too. And he’s standing there [with his arms crossed]. And I have my booklet and my little marker.
Though a devoted fan and having waited all day, John 5 decided the autograph’s value didn’t justify the effort. He added: “Now, this is a true story. I can’t believe I’m going to tell this. The elevator opens to his floor, and he goes, ‘You want me to sign that?’ And I go, ‘No, it’s okay.’ Isn’t that great?
“True story. I don’t know what it was. I was just so, like, upset that he wouldn’t… I was no threat. I was just a little kid. And I was just upset that he didn’t just stop and sign. I was waiting there for, like, five hours, and he goes, ‘You want me to sign that?’ And I was like, ‘No, it’s okay.’ Then the elevator shut. [Laughs]”
In May 2025, John 5 will debut his personal collection to KISS fans worldwide with the launch of the Knights In Satan Service Museum of Kiss Memorabilia in Los Angeles, California. For one month only (with a potential extension), the public will have the rare opportunity to take guided tours, available on the following dates: May 5-9, May 12-16, May 19-23, and May 27-30. Each tour will be led by John 5 himself, who will share fascinating insights and answer any questions along the way.
