Gene Simmons Says He Doesn't 'Like the Sound of a Bass Being Slapped' and 'Can't Remember Anything Flea Plays'

Mar. 15, 2025

Gene Simmons in September 2024; Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers in July 2024.Photo:Jesse Grant/Getty; Jeremychanphotography/Getty

Jesse Grant/Getty; Jeremychanphotography/Getty

Gene Simmonsisn’t holding back about his opinion ofFlea— or the sound of the bass.

In an interview withGuitar World, theKISSbassist and co-lead singer, 75, revealed he doesn’t think theRed Hot Chili Peppersbassist, 62, has a “memorable” style.

“There are an awful lot of amazing bass players, like Jaco Pastorius and the jazz guys. Or guys like Flea, who is really good on his instrument, but I can’t remember anything he plays – and I also do not like the sound of a bass being slapped," Simmons told the publication.

Gene Simmons in June 2023.Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty

Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty

The “Detroit Rock City” musician also revealed he was “never really interested in being a bass virtuoso.”

“I don’t like show-offs in music," Simmons explained. “I’m much more attracted to things that are memorable. It’s part of the joy of music for me.”

Added Simmons: “All due respect, but that music is intended to show off how well you play – but I don’t care about that. The hardest thing to do is write a good simple song or riff. That’s really hard.”

Earlier this month, the “Lick It Up” performer came under fire forhis controversial feedbackas a guest judge onDancing with the Stars.

After former NFL playerDanny Amendolaand his partnerWitney Carsonfinished their Paso Doble toBon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer,” the rocker said, “This is a brand new experience for me and it’s difficult to look at you and to figure out which one is more hot, hot, hot.”

“Danny, I’m telling you, you’re right next to somebody, one of the more beautiful women on the planet,” he added as cameras panned to Carson, who looked confused.

After Chandler Kinney and her partnerBrandon Armstrong’s Jive to Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” Simmons told Kinney that she “fogged up my glasses.”

“You move me, not just with your gyrations and so on, but your beautiful face and how you were into the emotion of it,” he added.

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Gene Simmons in April 2024.Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty

Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty

In an interview withDaily Mailon Oct. 10, Simmons addressed the backlash anddoubled down on his remarks.

Added Simmons: “Everybody’s got something to say. Watch the show. It was a lot of fun. Everybody had a great time.”

Simmons has not publicly addressed the backlash, and PEOPLE has reached out to his rep for comment.

source: people.com