Rockstars and controversy go hand in hand, but when it comes to Gene Simmons, the bassist of KISS, his legendary reputation for wild stories and outrageous claims is on another level. In a recent interview on Howie Mandel Does Stuff, the KISS legend shocked fans by revealing an unexpected moment of reflection—and one that involved burning years of scandalous evidence with his wife, Shannon Tweed.
His claim of having been with 5,000 women has been a running joke in rock history—a number so wild that it became part of his persona.
When asked about claims that he had been with 5,000 women, Simmons revealed that the number might not be accurate, adding, “I didn’t sleep with them.” However, he admitted to keeping detailed records of his encounters, including names and photographs.”There was lists, books, and all that stuff, but I shamefully—or not—took photos of all of them,” he recalled. “There were books and books and books of it. And then I decided to come clean, because you know, men are a—holes.”
He revealed that he documented everything. For years, Gene Simmons kept lists, books, and—get this—photographs of all the women he had been with.
The legendary KISS bassist had what can only be described as a massive portfolio of his romantic past.
Simmons revealed that at one point in his relationship, he and Shannon Tweed made a decision together, they were getting rid of all the evidence.
“Shannon and I took all those big portfolios. There were lots, oh yeah. And we burned them together. Yep.”
According to Simmons, the process was emotional, especially for their children. “Nick and Sophie. I think it must have been hardest for them. We got married on the 30th year, we’ve been together 41 years. But the first 29 years of us being together, if there would have been a king a—hole with a crown, it would have been yours truly.”
