KISS co-founder Gene Simmons has been one of the most successful businessmen in modern music history. Simmons helped turned KISS into a brand as much as they are a band through merchandise and business ventures of all kinds.
In a recent interview with Michael Franzese, Simmons talked about ethics and business that he learned in the music industry. He offered a stark warning for both aspiring musicians and entrepreneurs.
“Believe but verify,” Simmons said. “Business is shark-infested waters. Some of the most successful people are some of the most devious and talented in ways you wouldn’t notice. It bears noting The Beatles and The Stones and Jimi Hendrix, everybody, Billy Joel, Sting, you name it, their managers-business managers all cheated them out of everything.”
Simmons continued: “Allen Klein, who managed three-quarters of the Beatles, McCartney didn’t buy it and he left, managed the Rolling Stones also, was a crook. Stole from everybody. And when you get to Wall Street, not everybody’s a stand-up guy. If you want to steal from me or you don’t think you’re making enough money, tell me. Maybe we can negotiate something, and let’s be lifetime friends and business associates.”
“Everybody thinks I’m going to get away with this forever, nobody will ever find out,” Simmons added. “It doesn’t exist. So, I would highly recommend everybody to … no matter what anybody else says, you’ve got to confirm it. Put it in writing.”
Simmons’ full interview can be viewed below.
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