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Gene Simmons Vault

Gene Simmons Vault

Gene Simmons Rock Icon, Merchandising Mogul, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist

Biography

Gene Simmons, international rock legend and co-founder of , America’s #1 gold record award- winning group of all time in all categories (RIAA), is celebrating his 50th anniversary in rock & roll. Simmons, a renowned entrepreneur extraordinaire, has achieved successes that reach far beyond his music career, extending into television, film, merchandising, and numerous other business ventures.

Celebrating 50 Years as a Rock Icon To celebrate his five notorious decades in rock, Simmons has launched his most ardent project to date - Gene Simmons: The Vault Experience.

The Vault Experience takes fans on an unforgettable journey through Simmons’ 50-year métier. It begins with the personal delivery of a numbered, limited-edition, 17” x 25” 38-pound VAULT, during Simmons’ VAULT World Tour, set to take place January 2018 through December 2018. The “Vault” includes:

• 150 never-before-released songs written and performed by Simmons, and featuring notable artists, including members of KISS past and present, packaged in a massive 12” x 12” x 6” leather-bound commemorative book containing dozens of never-before-seen images of Simmons throughout his 50-year career. These unreleased songs are exclusive to THE VAULT and will not be available in other physical or digital configurations • Limited-edition collectibles including a Gene Simmons non- makeup action figure and an “In Gene We Trust” oversized medallion • A one-of-a-kind, hand-selected original piece of memorabilia from Gene’s personal collection

This project is more than a traditional anniversary music compilation or boxed set; it is the ultimate fan experience, with Simmons having the opportunity to meet one-on-one with fans around the world in appreciation of their years of support.

Early Life On August 25, 1949 in , Israel, Chaim Witz (a.k.a. Gene Simmons) was born to Flora and Yeichel Witz. Flora, a Hungarian Jew, was incarcerated in a Nazi concentration camp when she was 14 years old

along with her family. Though many of her family members did not survive internment, Flora was rescued by the American Military and fled to Israel. It was there that she met Gene’s father, Yeichel Witz. When Flora and Yeichel’s marriage dissolved, Flora immigrated to in 1958 in search of a more prosperous life with eight-year-old Gene by her side. Simmons quickly absorbed Western culture and learned English by watching American television and reading comic books, which inspired his iconic on-stage persona.

Early Musical Career Simmons’ musical interest started at a young age, but the passion to pursue the dream of becoming a legendary rock and roll artist was aroused by a televised performance by . Inspired by the thought of fame, and the flock of girls it attracted, Gene and a few of his classmates at Joseph Pulitzer Middle School, put together their first band, The Missing Links.

After middle school and throughout high school, Simmons would go on to form many bands including The Long Island Sounds, Rising Sun and Bullfrog Bheer. Simmons’ mother, and his greatest supporter, hoped he would also pursue his education, so after high school Simmons attended Sullivan County Community College where he received his associate's degree in education, and transferred to Richmond College in where he received his bachelor's degree.

KISS Was Born Simmons met fellow KISS co-founder in 1970 through a mutual friend and invited him to join his current band at the time, . Though the band developed a prominent following in the New York rock scene, the monetary compensation was low, so to bring in additional income Gene would take on numerous odd jobs, including a position as a 6th grade teacher in Spanish Harlem and serving as an assistant to an editor at Vogue magazine.

In the winter of 1972, with a desire to create the “ultimate” rock band, not just “another” rock band, Simmons and Stanley formed KISS with original band and Paul "Ace" Frehley. Inspired by Gene’s love of Western comic books and classic Americana, Gene conceived the concept of face painting, the band’s iconic look. The addition of elaborate costumes, frenetic stage performance and ostentatious concert effects catapulted KISS to international stardom and a coveted position as one of the most recognized rock and roll personas in the world.

Since their inception, KISS has developed millions of fans around the world, also known as the . With over 100 million CDs and DVDs sold worldwide, KISS continues to sell out stadiums and arenas around the world, breaking box-office records set by Elvis and The Beatles.

KISS was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 and in 1999 received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Success Beyond KISS

Merchandising Giant Throughout his career in rock and roll, Gene’s keen business acumen has expanded the KISS brand beyond the stage. With more than 5,000 licensed/merchandised items, KISS has generated more money from merchandising and trademark deals than any other band in music history.

Literary Works A published author, Simmons has seven books, including his New York Times best sellers, Sex Money Kiss and Kiss and Make Up; the Los Angeles Times best seller Ladies of The Night; Gene Simmons’ Art of War; Kiss: The Early Years; Kiss: Behind the Mask; and his newest book On Power set for release this fall.

Gene Simmons Family Jewels His reality show, Gene Simmons Family Jewels was the longest running reality show of all time 167 episodes over nine seasons.

Rock & Brews Restaurants His family-friendly, rock-inspired restaurant brand, Rock & Brews, co-founded with Paul Stanley, has experienced rapid growth with locations throughout the United States and in Mexico, including airport, arena, casino and neighborhood locations and recently announced plans to develop its first Rock & Brews Casino Resort.

Television & Film

In addition to his own show, Gene is also a notable and often opinionated commentator on politics and business, and has amassed numerous television credits and launched numerous film companies, including:

• Frequent guest commentator on news stations including CNN; MSNBC; CNBC and Fox Business. • Appearances on popular television shows including Miami Vice; Mad TV; ; with Jon Stewart; ; CSI: Crime Scene Investigation; Third Watch; ; and The Celebrity Apprentice. • Gene Simmons (VH1) for two seasons. • Creating Mr. Romance (Oxygen) and the cartoon (Nickelodeon). • Gene Simmons Rock School (VH1) for two seasons. • Co-producing the film (New Line). • Co-starring in Tristar’s Runaway ( Writer/Director), New World’s Wanted Dead Or Alive, and Extract (Writer/Director Mike Judge), among other films. • Gene Simmons and WWE launched Erebus Pictures. Erebus will fully fund, and produce elevated horror films, starting with the high concept action/thrillers.

• Launching two new ventures – Motion ™ Pictures, a fully-funded motion picture company that will produce and finance its own films; and Siren ™, which likewise is fully-funded and will engage in a variety of ventures, including real estate and other acquisitions.

Music Industry His work in the music industry goes far beyond KISS and include the following ventures: • Managing Liza Minnelli’s recording career • Discovering rock band • Manufacturing and selling his own line of AXE™ and Punisher™ basses and • Gene Simmons Master Class events, teaching students how to play an instrument and write songs • Titans of Rock, a touring musical festival set to launch shortly with a 20-city tour

Public Speaking With millions of fans around the globe and speaking four languages, Simmons is the personification of today’s globally connected citizen. He is a highly sought-after Keynote Speaker for private and corporate events and tours internationally on the lecture circuit.

Philanthropy A dedicated philanthropist and great supporter of the American Military, Simmons has devoted his career and influence to raising funds for and supporting causes that benefit children, veterans, active military and first responders. To date Simmons has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of numerous causes and charities. In November 2013, Simmons and his family were awarded the END Humanitarian Award for their support and efforts of Mending Kids International, a non-profit that provides surgical procedures for children around the world.

Personal Life Well known for his illustrious love life, namely his fervor for the opposite sex, Simmons married his longtime partner of over thirty years, Canadian actress and former Playmate, , in 2011. They have two children together, and Sophie Simmons.

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