Gene Simmons urged Americans to stop worrying about their neighbors’ political beliefs during an interview with CNN. "It's nobody’s business who you support," Simmons told Manu Raju on "Inside Politics." He questioned why people are so focused on others' choices.
The KISS frontman dismissed the constant questioning of political leanings. "Nowadays, people engage in, 'So are you pro or,' and my first question is, ‘Who the f--- are you? Who are you?’" he said. He believes political support is only the business of one's conscience.
Raju asked the rock legend about the MAGA wing of the Republican Party. "Some of it makes sense and some not," Simmons replied. He again questioned why anyone cared about his specific political views.
Simmons offered blunt advice for the current political climate. "But literally, have a sense of humor. Take a pill, shut up and stop worrying what your next-door neighbor believes or doesn't believe," he said. He reminded viewers, "It’s their America too."
The musician also discussed his time with President Donald Trump after the Kennedy Center Honors. "Had some face time with Senator Tillis and Blackburn and met Mr. Schiff and so on," he noted. He appreciated the diverse group of leaders present.
Simmons shared a personal moment he had after receiving his award. "But the telling moment was after we all got our Kennedy Center awards, as I had some face time alone with the president," he said. The two have known each other for many years.
He described the nature of their private conversation. "And I actually met the president and on and off for years and years, decades before he entered politics," Simmons explained. They did not focus on policy during their talk.
The exchange was focused on personal matters rather than the news of the day. "And the conversation was what human beings do. How‘s the family? How are the kids?" he said. He concluded, "It‘s not always about politics."
Simmons visited Capitol Hill this month to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee. He spoke in favor of the American Music Fairness Act. This legislation would require AM and FM radio stations to pay recording artists and performers.
The bill would end a decades-old exemption in U.S. copyright law for traditional radio. It aims to align radio with digital and streaming platforms that already pay royalties. Small local stations would be protected with low, flat fees.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Darrell Issa in the House and Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Alex Padilla in the Senate. More than a dozen conservative groups have urged House and Senate leadership to support the measure. It could mark a major shake-up for the entire music industry.