Gene Simmons on Musical Proficiency: “i dont Like the Sound of a Bass Being Slapped’ and ‘Can’t Remember Anything Flea Plays and he…”

 

In a candid interview with *Guitar World*, Gene Simmons, the iconic bassist of KISS, shared his thoughts on the significance of musical proficiency versus the impact of memorable songwriting. He asserted that technical ability does not necessarily translate to meaningful music, a sentiment that has sparked discussion among musicians and fans alike.

The Essence of Memorable Music

Simmons explained that his focus has never been on achieving bass virtuosity. “I’m much more attracted to things that are memorable,” he stated, emphasizing that the joy of music lies in its ability to resonate with listeners. He pointed out the disparity between the admiration for technical prowess within niche circles, such as jazz, and the broader public’s indifference to it.

A Challenge to the Jazz Elite

During the interview, Simmons posed a provocative question: “Can you name a jazz player that means something?” He cited John McLaughlin, a revered jazz fusion guitarist, as an example but challenged listeners to recall

any memorable melody from his solos. “All due respect, but that music is intended to show off how well you play – but I don’t care about that,” he remarked. For Simmons, the most challenging aspect of music is crafting simple, catchy songs or riffs that listeners can easily remember.

The “Less is More” Philosophy

Simmons articulated his belief in the “less is more” philosophy of songwriting. He quoted Eric Clapton, highlighting the difficulty of knowing which notes to include or exclude in a solo. “Sometimes, if it’s shockingly simple, and barely moving at all, but I can hum it, that’s what matters because it’s memorable,” he concluded, reinforcing his stance on the importance of catchy melodies over complex technicality.

A Response from Bruce Kulick

Former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick responded to Simmons’ comments, suggesting that Simmons downplays his own musical abilities. Kulick remarked that Simmons “never wants to brag about how good he is on bass” and implied that his humility may be part of his public persona. “I don’t buy it for a second,” Kulick added, hinting that Simmons possesses considerable talent that he chooses not to emphasize.