KISS’ Gene Simmons thinks all bands should halt performances in Russia
nme.comKISS frontman Gene Simmons has given his thoughts on whether bands should cancel any upcoming performances in Russia. See the clip below.In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last month, numerous artists have announced the cancellation of scheduled performances.
Speaking to TMZ, who questioned Simmons about bands that are still planning on heading to Russia, he said: “We’re not going… there’s a bigger issue than putting on a rock concert.”When the TMZ reporter asked whether there was any possible justification for artists performing shows in Russia, he added: “The only possible upside might be if a band gets up there and makes political statements on stage, which is usually something I’m against but this is beyond politics.
This is just lunacy.”He continued: “I mean we were faced with the same problem with Botswana in the days of apartheid. We were offered millions of dollars, but we said, ‘No, we can’t go there, because if a western band goes there, you’re saying it’s okay for apartheid and all the racism and the lack of justice.’ So we said no.
There were some bands that went, and they paid the price. Their fans turned on them.“The problem is if a western band plays Russia, it gives credence — a political win for Putin’s outright lies.”When asked what his message would be to bands still playing in Russia, Simmons said: “I would recommend nobody goes there, just shut it down.
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