KISS Icon Gene Simmons Issues Bold Plea for Political Civility: “It’s Their America Too”
NEW YORK — In an era defined by deep partisan divides and neighborhood-level political tension, an unlikely voice for unity has emerged from the world of hard rock. Gene Simmons, the legendary co-founder of KISS, has ignited a national conversation after calling on Americans to stop obsessing over their neighbors’ political leanings and return to a culture of privacy and civility.
During a recent appearance on The Five, Fox News contributor and retired NYPD inspector Paul Mauro expressed genuine surprise at the rocker’s take, admitting, “I didn’t see this coming.” Mauro and the co-hosts dissected Simmons’ message, which has resonated with a public weary of the constant political litmus tests of modern life.
The Message: “Take a Pill and Shut Up”
Simmons, known as “The Demon” on stage, didn’t mince words during an interview with CNN’s Manu Raju, which served as the catalyst for the discussion on The Five. When asked about the heightened political climate and the MAGA movement, Simmons pivoted away from partisan bickering toward a broader plea for American tolerance.
“Nowadays, people engage in, ‘So are you pro or,’ and my first question is, ‘Who the f— are you? Who are you?’” Simmons remarked. “Since when does who I support or not support become the business of anyone except my conscience?”
Simmons’ advice to the American public was as blunt as a KISS bass line: “Take a pill, shut up, and stop worrying what your next-door neighbor believes or doesn’t believe. It’s their America too.”
Paul Mauro’s Reaction: The “Civility” Surprise
For Paul Mauro, the surprise wasn’t just in the message itself, but in the messenger. Simmons, a man who built a career on outrageous behavior and a “louder is better” philosophy, has become a staunch advocate for the “quiet dignity” of the voting booth.
Mauro noted that Simmons’ perspective represents a “refreshing throwback” to an era where politics was considered a private matter—one discussed at the dinner table, perhaps, but not a reason to shun a neighbor or family member.
“We’ve reached a point where political affiliation is the first thing people want to know about you,” Mauro observed during the segment. “Simmons is essentially saying, ‘Get a life.’ He’s pointing out that our obsession with our neighbors’ ballots is actually tearing the fabric of the country apart.”
A Legacy of Pragmatism
While some may be surprised by Simmons’ call for civility, the rocker has long maintained a pragmatic—if sometimes controversial—political stance. A self-described “liberal on social issues but a hawk on defense,” Simmons has a history of speaking his mind regardless of the prevailing winds:
- The Kennedy Center Honors: Earlier this month, Simmons and his bandmates attended the 48th Kennedy Center Honors in D.C., where Simmons reportedly shared “face time” with President Donald Trump. He noted that their conversation was remarkably normal, focusing on family and kids rather than policy.
- Support for Israel: Simmons, who was born in Israel, has been a vocal supporter of the country’s right to defend itself, often criticizing celebrities who use their platforms to boycott the nation.
- The Pandemic: Conversely, Simmons drew fire in 2021 when he labeled those who refused the COVID-19 vaccine as “enemies,” showing that his plea for “staying out of business” has its limits when he perceives a public safety threat.
The “The Five” Takeaway: Reclaiming the Neighborhood
The co-hosts of The Five largely agreed with the sentiment that American “neighborliness” is under siege. They discussed how social media has turned every backyard fence into a frontline, with Simmons’ comments serving as a necessary “reality check.”
“He’s right,” noted one co-host. “Your neighbor can be a great guy who helps you shovel your driveway, regardless of who he voted for. If we lose that, we lose the country.”
Simmons concluded his original remarks by reminding people that democracy depends on the secret ballot for a reason: “It’s nobody’s damn business who you’re voting for… I don’t think people should care who Gene Simmons is voting for.”
