Gene Simmons is a legend and crazed KISS fans have followed his life as closely as they have followed is ever changing dresses and on stage persona. In 1973 gene Simmons costume was a rented sailor’s suit for the audition for Epic records. This definitely did not match the demonic persona that he displayed on the stage. It soon gave way to the skull and crossbones t-shirt with black glitter pants and a leather jacket. This was the Gene Simmons costume for the first couple of years of his joining KISS.
Gene Simmons costume kept changing and evolving from 1974 to 1989 when he parted from the band KISS. In 1974, Simmons changed his look several times combining items from his costumes in different ways. The t-shirt now had batwings under the arms and the back of the shirt is where the earlier skull and crossbones disappeared to. The bat wings became a part of Gene Simmons costumes from now on and went on from clothes to make-up, always prevalent. Black leather pants with thigh holes and bat shaped studs in the crotch area were also worn throughout the year. Gene Simmons costume was not complete without leather chokers; these looked like simple dog collars in leather with a single row of spiked studs.
Leather overall costumes made the band sweat profusely and the wet costumes were difficult to dry without getting stiff. Later, Simmons is seen wearing tights under the leather pants which is evident form the covered thigh holes probably due to this discomfort. 1974 also witnessed a Gene Simmons costume with a diamond shaped opening in the front of the leather jacket. If it was an invention to get some air or just another innovation to the costumes look is hard to determine. The ‘hotter than hell’ photo session saw an entirely different Gene Simmons costume, a leather outfit with a medieval look and large round studs in rows. He added to this two spiked cuffs and a red cape. Shoulder pads and leather pants where adapted from his earlier looks.
The ‘Love gun’ Gene Simmons costume became a rage with fans in 1977/78. A black leotard open at the chest and with thigh holes was as usual. To this he added a leather outfit with quadrangular golden studs down the front and on the cod piece. Chains hanged around his bare chest and were attached to the collar on his neck. Golden studded cuffs and batwings completed the costume. Monster boots with pyramid shaped studs were equally evolving during every stage performance and tour.
Though Gene Simmons costumes kept changing and evolving throughout his entire stage career, what remained unchanged was his on stage persona. The demonic persona mixed with the heady music praising sex on ear shattering amplifiers put fans through frenzy! Gene lived up to the demon style and breathed fire on stage. He is also famous for the elaborate ‘bat’ make up and the tongue sticking out! No Halloween party is complete without a Gene Simmons Costume complete with a painted face or a mask with the famous 7” tongue sticking out at you!
Christopher Schwebius is an entrepreneur who seeks out sharply defined, specifically focused topics to research. Upon finishing his research he provides relevant, un-biased information to his readers based on his discoveries and/or personal experiences.
One of his latest ongoing projects can be viewed at www.genesimmonscostume.org
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