Gene Simmons has apologized for his recent remarks about people who suffer from depression.
The Kiss singer and bassist sparked outrage after saying he is “the guy who says <<Jump>>” to those who are suicidal.
Gene Simmons said in a Facebook post: “I was wrong and in the spur of the moment made remarks that in hindsight were made without regard for those who truly suffer the struggles of depression.
“I sincerely apologize to those who were offended by my comments.”
The singer continued: “I recognize that depression is very serious and very sad when it happens to anyone, especially loved ones.
“I deeply support and am empathetic to anyone suffering from any disease, especially depression.”
Gene Simmons has apologized for his recent remarks about people who suffer from depression (photo Getty Images)
Gene Simmons’ apology follows an interview posted on the SongFacts.com, in which the theatrical rocker was quoted as saying he did not understand people who were depressed.
“My mother was in a concentration camp in Nazi Germany,” he said.
“I don’t want to hear… about ‘the world as a harsh place’. She gets up every day, smells the roses and loves life.”
Using the example of a hypothetical “putz” who is 20 years old and lives in Seattle and says they are depressed, the outspoken star said his advice would be to “kill yourself”.
Gene Simmons went on: “I never understand, because I always call them on their bluff. I’m the guy who says <<Jump>> when there’s a guy on top of a building who says, <<That’s it, I can’t take it any more, I’m going to jump>>.”
The interview was posted on July 31, before the death of Robin Williams, who took his own life after struggling with depression and the early stages of Parkinson’s disease.
Gene Simmons’ comments have been criticized in the wake of Robin Williams’ death, which has led to calls for a greater public understanding of the condition.
Several radio stations banned Kiss music in the wake of Gene Simmons’ comments, Fox News reported.
Veteran rock band Kiss has pulled out of their performance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in a disagreement over their line-up.
Kiss failed to decide which members would be on stage for the concert on April 10.
They said on their website the “memory of those times” would not be served by a reunion of the original line-up.
Other inductees who will be honored in New York include Nirvana, Peter Gabriel and Linda Ronstadt.
Musical acts are eligible to be elevated to the Hall of Fame 25 years after their first release.
Kiss, famous for their elaborate stage make-up and costumes, first formed in 1973, including current band members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.
Kiss has pulled out of their performance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in a disagreement over their line-up
Originals Ace Frehley and Peter Criss subsequently quit the group, which continued with different musicians.
Their statement continued: “To bring this to a quick end, we have decided not to play in any line-up, and we will focus our attention on celebrating our induction into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame.
“This is understandably an emotional situation where there is no way to please everyone.”
Ace Frehley claimed Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley had rejected a reunion with their original bandmates.
“It’s very frustrating. It’s what the fans wanted, it’s what the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame wanted, and it’s not gonna happen,” he told DJ Eddie Trunk.
The band’s statement denied that they had ever scotched a reunion with Ace Frehley and Peter Criss. This would have marked the original quartet’s first performance together in more than 13 years, at the end of a reunion which lasted from 1996-2000.
Ace Frehley and Peter Criss have not confirmed if they will attend the ceremony.
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The latest season of “Gene Simmons Family Jewels” ended with Gene Simmons getting down on one knee to propose to Shannon Tweed after being together 28 years.
Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed have two children together: Nick, 22, and Sophie, 19, and have been together for 28 years! But the couple will finally walk down the aisle on October 1 at a hotel in Beverly Hills!
The couple’s wedding will be filmed for the seventh season of their reality show, documenting their preparation for the wedding as well as the actual ceremony!
Gene Simmons, the KISS rocker, 62, proposed while he was on vacation in Belize with Shannon during the finale of season six.
Gene stated, “I come with so much baggage, but you’re the only friend I’ve got. You’re the only one I love … and you’re the only one I ever will love.”
The season premier will air on October 4 on A&E.
Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed’s announcement and invitation has been revealed.
The announcement said, “After 28 years of loose strings, our parents have finally decided to tie the knot.”
“Our mother will share our horrendous hyphenate of a last name and our father’s life … well, it doesn’t change that much.”
It continues on a heartfelt note — saying, “But we will be united as a family in spirit and in title forever.”
Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed wedding invitation
Shannon Tweed, 54, is a Canadian actress and model. One of the most successful actresses of mainstream erotica, Shannon Tweed is identified with the genre of the erotic thriller.
Gene Simmons is an Israeli-American rock bassist, singer, songwriter, musician, actor, and businessman. Known as “The Demon”, he is the bassist/vocalist of Kiss, the hard rock band he co-founded in the early 1970s.
Gene Simmons was ranked number 12 in Roadrunner’s list of 50 Best Frontmen in Metal History.
