Simmons talks to fan
Photo: Aline Wagner-Lachmi
Sealed with a Kiss
A delightful interview with surprisingly chivalrous, formerly Israeli Chaim Witz, aka Gene Simmons of legendary band Kiss, in which he charms a Ynet correspondent with dances and Hebrew
NEW YORK – Chaim Witz, better known as Gene Simmons, lead singer of the legendary band Kiss, has recently released his newest creation: A book entitled "Ladies of the Night, an Historical and Personal Perspective of the Oldest Profession". I attended his book signing at the Barnes and Noble on Manhattan's 46th Street.
Brave journalist meets Simmons (Photo: Aline Wagner-Lachmi)
Upon entering the book store, which was teeming with fans lining up around the block, each clutching his or her copy of the book, I asked the manager for permission to photograph Mr. Simmons in order to do a short piece on the event for Ynet. I never imagined that it would lead to a dance and a personal conversation in Hebrew.
Mr. Simmons, a tall and elegant man equipped with dark sunglasses and an expensive suit, was just entering his dressing room when I arrived. The manager explained we could talk to his manager, who may introduce me to Mr. Simmons. But on our way down the hall, the superstar suddenly appeared before us, and the manager took the opportunity to introduce me as a journalist from Israel.
Fans line up around the block (Photo: Aline Wagner-Lachmi)
Imagine my surprise when Simmons took my hand like a dignified gentleman of chivalrous times, spun me around, and bowed low with the fluid elegance of a charming knight. It became clear to me how Mr. Simmons came to be writing a book about women, he was extremely skilled at the art of flirtation. As the color rose to my cheeks I said, "I don't think you could make me blush any more than I am right now."
"Oh, believe me," he laughed, "I could!"
Simmons was unexpectedly charming and humorous. After I told him I was from Israel he said in Hebrew, "Where in Israel?" and after explaining to the crowd around us the language in which we were speaking, "which sounds like a lot of ch ch ch," he told me: "I grew up in the US for almost 50 years; I don't really speak Hebrew much." Despite this, his accent was nearly flawless.
When I asked whether his many fans in Israel were to receive a visit, Simmons said that it would be an expensive venture, as he would have to fly out all of his equipment. We parted as friends after he had signed my copy of his book, a thick and impressive volume full of photographs and text.
In it, he uncovers the secrets of the age-old trade in different countries, from Egypt and Japan to the US. He surveys the attitude towards the trade through politics and art, and even gives a personal perspective, albeit an unexpected one. "A personal perspective doesn't mean I paid for the service," he says. "They should have to pay me!"
