A Rock Icon Once Slammed KISS and Gene Simmons: “A Musician Doesn’t Need the Mask or Mascara”

Kiss is one of the biggest and most recognizable rock bands in the world. Their farewell tour and final shows drew millions of fans to venues around the world. However, not everyone is a fan. Some don’t like the music they create. Others can’t get past the band’s space-age costumes and face paint. Those people see the band’s gimmick and dismiss them before looking into the music. Legendary guitarist and songwriter Carlos Santana is in that camp.

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The co-founder of Santana has been wowing fans with his blend of rock and Latin American jazz since the late ‘60s. His guitar chops have inspired countless players to pick up the instrument and gave them goals for their sound. While he has collaborated with several other musicians over the years, fans likely won’t see him teaming up with Gene Simmons or the other members of Kiss.

[RELATED: The 20 Best Carlos Santana Quotes]

Carlos Santana Shared His Opinion on Kiss

Carlos Santana once fired shots at Kiss in general and Gene Simmons in particular. “He’s not a musician, he’s an entertainer,” Santana said of Simmons. “A musician is John Coltrane, Bob Marley. Kiss is Las Vegas entertainment, so he wouldn’t know what music is anyway. That’s why he wears all that stuff,” he added

Then, Santana explained his position. “A musician doesn’t need the mask and the mascara so there’s a difference between an entertainer and a musician,” he explained.

Gene Simmons Responded

Gene Simmons heard Carlos Santana’s criticism of Kiss and responded. Initially, he was understanding. “Not everyone likes the same meal,” he said, comparing music to food. Later, though, he was a little less kind in his comments. He fired shots at Santana as well as other musicians who didn’t have over-the-top stage shows.

In an interview with a Las Vegas-based news outlet, Simmons shares his unfiltered opinion while promoting an upcoming album and tour. “It’s time for us to go out and show the little boys how the big boys do it,” he said. “I’m sick and tired of these bands like Carlos Santana looking at his shoes and thinking that’s a rock concert. Get off the stage,” he added.

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