KISS frontman Gene Simmons has responded to critics of the billionaire class. He argues that the concentration of wealth is a catalyst for employment and that social ills, including violent crime, stem from poverty rather than the possession of money.
When asked about those who believe there shouldn’t be any billionaires in the world, Simmons offered a robust defense of the wealthy elite. “Then you wouldn’t have industry and you probably wouldn’t have a job, because a poor person never gave me a job,” he stated. “And even if you’re an asshole hundred billionaire who never gave a penny to charity, you want another yacht and you want another mansion and you wanna buy Vermont and all that, and you’re totally selfish.”
Simmons continued by arguing that selfish billionaires inadvertently benefit society through their spending habits. “Well, that selfish billionaire asshole is providing money so you can feed your family and put a roof over your family’s heads because the people have to work to get him whatever he wants. He creates jobs simply because he’s spending money. And if you don’t have enough money to spend, you’re not affecting the economy. You’re not creating jobs.”
The KISS bassist also invoked former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to support his position on capitalism versus socialism. “Margaret Thatcher, who was the former Prime Minister of England and was called the Iron Lady, socialists were not crazy about her. But it also bears noting, there’s not a single successful socialist country that didn’t go bankrupt and have revolutions and everything because it doesn’t work. Capitalism is messy and there’s a lot of corruption, but it actually works without the government getting too much involved.”
Simmons further emphasized the importance of wealth in preventing crime. He stated: “If I have $100 million in my pocket, why would I grab a gun and go to a 7-Eleven and say, you know, give me a dollar? Why would I do that? That doesn’t mean there isn’t high-stakes shenanigans and stuff, but violent crime comes from people who don’t have money.”
Simmons’ comments reflect a consistent worldview he has championed throughout his career. Ultimate Classic Rock noted that the rock icon has made a career out of embracing wealth. Economic inequality has never been one of his primary concerns. His perspective stems from his own rags-to-riches narrative, having built KISS into a global merchandise empire worth over $1 billion. He transformed himself from an immigrant’s son into a multimillionaire entrepreneur.
This philosophy extends to his views on labor markets and unions. Blabbermouth reported that Simmons has stated: “I don’t believe the unions should have a hold on jobs, I believe in work states, I believe in supply and demand.” His opposition to unions reflects his broader belief that free markets, rather than organized labor or government intervention, create the most opportunities for employment and economic growth.
Beyond defending billionaires, Simmons has proposed specific economic solutions to address inequality while maintaining capitalist principles. A Wall Street Journal interview outlined his vision for a flat tax system. He argues that a uniform tax rate across all income levels would expand the tax base and reduce the deficit. He contends that such a system would be more equitable than the current progressive tax structure, which he views as part of a “semi-capitalist, semi-socialist” system that stifles economic growth.
