Gene Simmons Explains His Hatred Of Alcohol

(Classic Rock) KISS star Gene Simmons has outlined why he doesn't think anyone should drink - although he's happy to sell alcohol via his Rock & Brews bar-restaurant chain.

The bassist and vocalist says he's never had more than a sip in his life, partly because he decided at a young age to avoid letting his Holocaust-surviving mother down.

Simmons said earlier this year: "She saw her mother walk into the gas chambers. Her whole family was destroyed. My mother was the only one left alive. And she was 14."

Now he tells the LA Times: "I'm my mother's only child. I was concerned that I had no right to harm my mother. Life did that enough." And there's another reason: "I literally never drink, privately or publicly. I don't like the taste or smell of alcohol. I've never been drunk in my life and have never taken more than a sip of anything - and I hated it every time. I'll toast, just to be sociable, but that's it."

On the subject of why no one should drink he says: "Life is a race and we're in constant competition. If you and I are lined up along with 10 other guys, do you think you'll do better than the guy who's a little tipsy? The alcohol is not going to help him." Read more here.

Gene Simmons Music, DVDs, Books and more Gene Simmons T-shirts and Posters More Gene Simmons News Share this article Related Stories Gene Simmons Announces 2025 Solo Tour Dates Ace Frehley Insists KISS Myth Is Not True Gene Simmons To Play First Post KISS Show This Week Gene Simmons' First Post-KISS Performance Announced Ozzy, Slash, Brian May, Gene Simmons Tribute David Bowie on This Day In Rock 2016