KISS frontman Gene Simmons shares bold opinion on Taylor Swift

Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributorsIconic KISS rocker Gene Simmons has officially joined the ranks of Taylor Swift's biggest fans.Speaking with Page Six at his Rock & Brews restaurant in El Segundo, California, Simmons praised Swift's influence on the current music scene. "There's no question, Taylor Swift has taken over and she's great," he told the outlet, adding, "I'm a fan. I know her, and she's a really solid person."The "Black Diamond" singer reminisced about the vibrant music scene of the '60s, '70s, and '80s, highlighting legends like Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and Madonna. He expressed some skepticism about today's musical landscape, noting that Swift, 34, stands out among most contemporary artists.Swifties may remember when KISS frontman Paul Stanley attended one of her Eras Tour shows in Los Angeles last August. Stanley praised the show, posting on X (formerly known as Twitter), "6 shows at SoFi Stadium for a total of A HALF MILLION PEOPLE and I know why... PHENOMENAL SHOW BY A PHENOMENAL ARTIST." Taylor Swift performs on stage during "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on May 29, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. The singer was recently praised by KISS rocker, Gene Simmons. Taylor Swift performs on stage during "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on May 29, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. The singer was recently praised by KISS rocker, Gene Simmons. Xavi Torrent/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management Many other celebs have praised the 14-time Grammy winner as of late. Actor Steve Carell recently shared his admiration for Swift on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon, recounting their first meeting on Total Request Live (TRL) and noting her early potential. "She was very sweet and very nice, just had a really nice first impression," Carell said.Similarly, Bella Hadid, in her appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, mentioned her growing admiration for the pop star, influenced by her sister Gigi's long standing fandom. "Now I can say I'm a hardcore Swiftie," Bella stated, despite saying she initially had different musical preferences.Of course, Swift's bestie Blake Lively and husband Ryan Reynolds are also notable supporters, attending her Eras Tour show in Madrid at the end of May with the whole family. Reynolds previously revealed on Today that, "They love it, they're obsessed," referring to his family and their enjoyment of the singer's concerts. Swift even gave Lively and Reynolds' daughters, James, 9, Inez, 7, and Betty, 4, a special shout out during the show. Before performing her Folklore song "betty," Swift addressed the audience, saying, "I have to say that on Folklore, some of my favorite characters are named James, Inez, and Betty." Uncommon KnowledgeNewsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek’s network of contributors

Iconic KISS rocker Gene Simmons has officially joined the ranks of Taylor Swift’s biggest fans.

Speaking with Page Six at his Rock & Brews restaurant in El Segundo, California, Simmons praised Swift’s influence on the current music scene. “There’s no question, Taylor Swift has taken over and she’s great,” he told the outlet, adding, “I’m a fan. I know her, and she’s a really solid person.”

The “Black Diamond” singer reminisced about the vibrant music scene of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, highlighting legends like Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and Madonna. He expressed some skepticism about today’s musical landscape, noting that Swift, 34, stands out among most contemporary artists.

Swifties may remember when KISS frontman Paul Stanley attended one of her Eras Tour shows in Los Angeles last August. Stanley praised the show, posting on X (formerly known as Twitter), “6 shows at SoFi Stadium for a total of A HALF MILLION PEOPLE and I know why… PHENOMENAL SHOW BY A PHENOMENAL ARTIST.”

Taylor Swift performs on stage during “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour” at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on May 29, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. The singer was recently praised by KISS rocker, Gene Simmons.
Taylor Swift performs on stage during “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour” at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on May 29, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. The singer was recently praised by KISS rocker, Gene Simmons.
Xavi Torrent/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

Many other celebs have praised the 14-time Grammy winner as of late. Actor Steve Carell recently shared his admiration for Swift on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon, recounting their first meeting on Total Request Live (TRL) and noting her early potential. “She was very sweet and very nice, just had a really nice first impression,” Carell said.

Similarly, Bella Hadid, in her appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, mentioned her growing admiration for the pop star, influenced by her sister Gigi’s long standing fandom. “Now I can say I’m a hardcore Swiftie,” Bella stated, despite saying she initially had different musical preferences.

Of course, Swift’s bestie Blake Lively and husband Ryan Reynolds are also notable supporters, attending her Eras Tour show in Madrid at the end of May with the whole family. Reynolds previously revealed on Today that, “They love it, they’re obsessed,” referring to his family and their enjoyment of the singer’s concerts. Swift even gave Lively and Reynolds’ daughters, James, 9, Inez, 7, and Betty, 4, a special shout out during the show. Before performing her Folklore song “betty,” Swift addressed the audience, saying, “I have to say that on Folklore, some of my favorite characters are named James, Inez, and Betty.”