Desmond Child recently joined an interview with People and talked about Gene Simmons’ apology for upsetting him while working with KISS.
Child’s first songwriting collaboration with KISS was the hit track ‘I Was Made for Lovin’ You,’ which he co-wrote with Paul Stanley and Vini Poncia. Sharing the story behind the song, he said:
“I never wrote with Gene Simmons. I didn’t know him until much later. My relationship was always with Paul Stanley, and Paul would bring Gene the songs that we co-wrote. The only time I became aware that he didn’t like ‘I Was Made for Lovin’ You’ was when KISS started doing an album called ‘The Elder,’ produced by the legendary Bob Ezrin.”
Desmond then disclosed the thing that hurt his feelings at the time:
“He started doing press and saying stuff like how he didn’t like ‘I Was Made for Lovin’ You’ and also — a famous quote that I saw in a headline — how they hired guards to stand outside the studio to keep Desmond Child out. My feelings got hurt.”
However, he also understands Simmons’ point, as he further explained:
“Gene was just trying to make a point that they decided they weren’t going to use outside co-writers, and they didn’t need any help like Bon Jovi or Aerosmith did. They were going to be the real rock and roll. So I think that was his point to try to get fans to stick with them because they had taken off their makeup at that point.”
Gene later realized his mistake and tried to make it up to Child. He lastly added:
“It was a tough time, but Gene apologized. He left a voicemail, and it was like four words: ‘Hi, it’s Gene. Sorry.’ Click. In the book, I say, ‘Apology accepted.’ Whenever I see Gene now, he shakes my hand — almost breaks my hand — and says, ‘You are a very handsome and talented young man.'”
The songwriter continued contributing songs for KISS albums such as ‘Animalize,’ ‘Asylum,’ ‘Crazy Nights,’ ‘Smashes, Thrashes & Hits,’ and ‘Hot in the Shade.’ Child’s debut memoir, ‘Livin’ on a Prayer: Big Songs Big Life,’ where he shared his life story and experience working with prominent stars, arrived on September 19.
