John Lydon isn’t a fan of KISS’ sound.
The singer initially said in his appearance on Classic Album Review that Simmons is more of a businessman than anything else. Still, Lydon has no issue with it.
Then, he recalled hearing KISS rehearse for a show, saying, “There was a funny moment with Demon, because PIL – just about five, six years ago, maybe – we were rehearsing in America, in Los Angeles, on Highland, I think it was.”
“They were in the studio, opposite and the noise was really, really bad coming out. It was hopelessly just…ugh,” Lydon revealed.
Lydon also talked about KISS in a 2023 interview with SPIN. Lydon was criticizing Hollywood for having ‘no personality’ when the host asked if the same was true for some rock bands. He responded, “A lot the heavy metal acts that go out dressed up in makeup and tights [don’t have personalities]. It’s an image to them, and that’s very important.”
“Alice Cooper’s one of my all-time favorites. The sheer way he turned it into theater was great. I loved it as a young person and I still do. Every time I see him playing live, I’m there,” the rocker added.
Lydon then referred to KISS, explaining, “But there’s a lot that are selling you an image that’s false, deliberately fake, and deliberately commercial. I’ve met the KISS lads. They’re all right. You know, [but] without the makeup, there ain’t much going on.”
Last year, Simmons joined a chat with the Zak Kuhn Show and reflected on his bass skills, saying, “I’m comfortable in my own skin. I know how good I am. And I know my shortcomings. And what other people have to say about it is, well, they’re unqualified to have an opinion.”
The bassist shared, “They haven’t been there, and they haven’t done that. I listen and I appreciate people’s point of view, but it doesn’t pierce my thick skin. Doesn’t mean anything.”
Lydon’s PiL will start their 23-date ‘This Is Not The Last Tour’ in May, with shows in cities like Bristol, Newcastle, Dublin, Cardiff, and more.
