Gene Simmons, the co-founder of the iconic rock band KISS, is making headlines once again, this time discussing the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the music industry. In a recent interview on NewsNation’s The Hill, Simmons shared his views on the transformation that AI brings and the necessity for musicians to adapt to this new reality.
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Simmons, 77, expressed a rather pragmatic outlook, stating, “The future is here. You’ve got to learn how to use it, otherwise it will use you.” While he did not elaborate on his specific uses of AI in music, his comments underscored a broader concern regarding artists and their ability to earn a living in an evolving landscape.
One of his central advocacy points is the American Music Fairness Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation aimed at mandating terrestrial AM and FM radio stations to compensate performers and record labels for the use of their recordings. Simmons passionately argued for this initiative, stating that musicians should receive payment when their work contributes to the revenue generated by these radio stations. He noted, “Astonishingly, Elvis [Presley], Bing Crosby, KISS, Garth Brooks… when you hear their songs, they receive a total of goose eggs, not even a single penny.”
In a further elaboration on this issue, Simmons declared it only fair that radio stations share their earnings with the artists responsible for their musical content. He has vowed to be a persistent advocate for the legislation, proclaiming he would be “a big angry bee in the butt of everybody who stands in its way.” His commitment to this cause saw him address a Senate subcommittee hearing on the American Music Fairness Act in December 2025, where he decried the ongoing injustice of artists not being compensated for their airplay.
Simmons’s comments gain significance against a backdrop of ongoing debate within the music community regarding AI’s role in creativity. While some artists, such as Boy George, have embraced the technology, claiming it has enhanced their songwriting process, others are more hesitant. In March, Boy George revealed he had utilised AI to write “like, five albums,” describing the technology as a valuable tool in his creative arsenal.
In contrast, over 200 musicians, including prominent names like Billie Eilish and Katy Perry, signed an open letter in 2024 urging caution in the use of AI, particularly in ways that compromise artists’ rights. The letter acknowledged that while AI could be a source of creativity, it also poses potential threats, particularly when used irresponsibly.
As KISS prepares for the release of their documentary, *KISS: End of the Road*, the need for these discussions becomes even more pressing. The film, set to premiere on November 19, 2026, chronicles the band’s farewell tour, concluding with two monumental performances at Madison Square Garden in New York City in December 2023. As Simmons and his bandmates close this chapter, the music industry’s future—especially in relation to technology—remains a significant topic.
Through these various initiatives and discussions, Simmons continues to advocate passionately for artists’ rights during changing times. His historical perspective as a founding member of KISS—known for their theatrical performances and elaborate stage shows—gives him a unique voice in these discussions about the evolving landscape of music.
As debates surrounding the use of AI in creative processes continue to polarise the industry, Simmons’s role as an outspoken advocate for artists’ compensation and rights positions him as a key figure in shaping conversations around these pressing issues. Whether or not the industry will heed such calls remains to be seen, but Simmons’s insistence on adaptation and fair compensation is set to resonate deeply as musicians navigate the intricacies of their careers in an AI-influenced future.