Gene Simmons Rips America’s Obsession with Politics: “Shut Up and Let People Live”

“Since when does who I support matter to anyone except me?” — Gene Simmons

Rock legend Gene Simmons had a clear message for Americans consumed with political outrage: “Take a pill, shut up, and stop worrying about your neighbor’s politics.”

Appearing on CNN’s Inside Politics Sunday, the KISS frontman took a rare jab at the state of political discourse in the U.S.—and he didn’t hold back.

“Nowadays, people engage in, ‘So are you pro or,’ and my first question is, ‘Who the f— are you? Who are you?’” Simmons said bluntly. “Since when does who I support or not support become anyone’s business but my own?”

The 74-year-old rock icon, who was recently honored by President Donald Trump at the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors, emphasized that Americans should stop obsessing over whether their neighbor wears a red or blue hat.

“Have a sense of humor. Take a breath. It’s their America too.”

Simmons’ recent comments come just weeks after he joined fellow icons Sylvester Stallone and George Strait at the Trump-led Kennedy Center Honors—an event that shattered fundraising records with a $23 million haul, nearly double the amount raised during the Biden era.

Speaking to CNN’s Manu Raju, Simmons confirmed he had private face time with Trump during the event and described their interaction as “human, not political.”

“I’ve known the president for decades—long before politics. We talked like people do. ‘How’s the family? How are the kids?’ It wasn’t some political negotiation,” he said.

The moment underscored Simmons’ call for Americans to reclaim civility in the Trump era, rather than tear each other down over policy differences.

The KISS bassist didn’t just come to Washington for red carpets. Earlier this month, Simmons appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee to testify in support of the American Music Fairness Act—a bipartisan effort to finally require AM/FM radio stations to pay artists royalties for airing their music.

“This is common sense. Artists deserve to be paid when their work is used—just like anyone else,” Simmons told senators.

Introduced by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) and supported by Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Alex Padilla (D-CA), the bill is gaining traction across party lines. Over a dozen conservative organizations have publicly urged Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune to bring the legislation to a vote.

If passed, the law would end decades of unfair exemptions and align traditional radio rules with those applied to Spotify, Apple Music, and other digital platforms.

Simmons wrapped up his CNN appearance by reminding Americans that celebrity opinions shouldn’t drive division—nor should politics define personal relationships.

“It’s your right to vote, to speak, and to believe. But don’t weaponize that against your neighbor. Let people live.”

“You don’t have to agree. But you do have to respect that it’s their America too.”