Gene Simmons

Photo from @genesimmons

Gene Simmons is the cofounder, singer, and bass guitarist for the iconic rock band, Kiss. He was the only child of a German Nazi concentration camp survivor and came to America at age 8.  Gene, his wife, and two children starred in the A&E television series, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, for nine seasons. And of course you know Kiss for their rock music with hit songs like "Rock and Roll All Nite," "Shout It Out Loud," "Forever," and "Psycho Circus." They are also known for their mega-marketing. Kiss merchandise is everywhere! Did you see the new Hello Kitty Kiss items? Gene also recently opened a new restaurant franchise called Rock & Brews and is part owner of the new arena football team aptly named LA Kiss! And finally Kiss is being inducted in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame this year!

What is the best book according to Gene Simmons?

I asked him just that last week and he tweeted back, "THE BIBLE. BEST BOOK EVER WRITTEN...@kellypolark: @genesimmons Hi Gene! What is your favorite book or current read? Thanks!"

This tweet was retweeted about 200+ times and led to some discussion with Gene about the bible.

"NO. BUT THE BIBLE ROCKS, ANYWAY...JerryYWFN: @genesimmons @kellypolark So you're a religious guy?"

And then "PERHAPS..MOSTLY THOUGH, IT HAS SOME GOOD IDEAS, LIKE DON'T MURDER..@MissPriss1950: @genesimmons @kellypolark AMEN , THE BIBLE IS GOD'S WORD.

Thanks for answering your fans, Gene! You rock!
Check out Gene's new website, and you can follow him on Twitter.

Here's a Kiss video for your viewing pleasure.

Billy Idol

Photo by me

 

Billy Idol sings many hits that everyone and their brother have sung along to like "Rebel Yell," "White Wedding," and "Mony, Mony." Idol has been nominated for three Grammy awards. He's won an Mtv VMA as well for "Cradle of Love." Billy Idol has released seven studio albums, the most recent being a Christmas album for those of you who like to rock your holidays like me!
Billy continues to tour and still sounds amazing!

What is Billy Idol reading?

Billy tweeted this last week, "For my own edification I'm reading My Lunches With Orson Wells:Conversations with Henry Jaglom & Orson Welles by Peter Biskind."

Then the next day he tweeted, "Now reading Andrew Loog Oldham's book 'Stoned' about his youth & life in the '50's & '60's & his gradual involvement in music & arts." He added, "This book is a who's Who of Sixties London!"

Cool! Thanks, Billy!

Visit Billy's website at http://billyidol.net/ and follow him on Twitter.

Billy is featured in my upcoming picture book ROCKABET: CLASSIC EDITION which releases next month. Here's a sneak peek: I is for Billy Idol! (Illustration by Kelli Ann Little.)

Take a listen to one of his first big hits, "Dancing With Myself."

Kip Winger





Kip Winger is best known as the lead singer of the multi-platinum selling rock band, Winger. Can you believe that Winger's debut album was released 25 years ago this month? This album included hits like "Seventeen" and "Headed for a Heartbreak." Kip actually started his career as bassist in Alice Cooper's band before Winger was formed. Kip has also recorded several solo albums including one classical album.  Kip is very involved with  Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp. Winger recently stated that a new Winger album, their sixth, is expected soon (which I will purchase of course). Kip occasionally tours with the Alan Parsons Live Project as lead singer, as a solo acoustic act, and with Winger.

What is Kip Winger reading?

I asked Kip last weekend what he likes to read. It will come as no surprise after reading his background that he reads music theory books. He is currently reading The Music of Bela Bartok by Elliot Antokoletz.  

Thank you, Kip!
You can follow Kip on Twitter, Like his Facebook page and visit him at http://www.kipwinger.com/.

Here's a photo of Kip and me in college and a photo from last weekend! His acoustic set was amazing!

 

 

 

Billy Idol

Photo by me.

Billy Idol is a Grammy nominated rock musician from England. He's known for his many platinum albums and hits in the 80's like "White Wedding," "Dancing With Myself," and "Rebel Yell." The 90's brought hit songs like "Cradle of Love." Idol has appeared in VH1's Behind the Music and VH1 Storytellers. In 2009, Idol’s first in-concert DVD “In Super Overdrive Live” was released. Billy has tour dates in the northwestern US this month.


What is Billy Idol reading?

Billy tweeted on Sunday, "Just finished reading Pete Townshend 'Who I Am': Memoir...very good!"

You can find out more about Billy at www.billyidol.net and follow him on Twitter.


Idol won an Mtv Video Music Award with this song, "Cradle of Love." Check it out!

Nikki Sixx

Nikki Sixx is a man of many trades. He's the bassist and songwriter of two successful bands (Motley Crue and Sixx: A.M.). Nikki recently won Best Bassist at Revolver Golden Gods awards. He has his own radio show (Sixx Sense) and a clothing line (Royal Underground). He's authored three books - The Dirt, The Heroin Diaries, and This Is Gonna Hurt. Sixx threw out the first pitch at the Dodger's game last month. He's even been featured here before (and will be again if I have anything to do about it!).

What is Nikki Sixx reading?

A few days ago Nikki tweeted, "Finishing Gregg Allman book tonight. Great book for fans of the 70's." This autobiography is titled My Cross To Bear.

You can follow Nikki on Facebook and Twitter.
Photo from Nikki's Twitter account.

Here's Nikki and a pregnant me after a Brides of Destruction concert.
I was a little starstruck...You can see a better pic of he and I here.


And check out Sixx: A.M.'s single, "Are You With Me Now?"

Josh Todd

Josh Todd is the lead singer of hard rock band Buckcherry. Buckcherry has been rocking on and off since 1999. Their first gold hit,"Lit Up," was nominated for a Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance in 2000. Their current lineup has been solid since 2005 starting with their album, 15, which produced their first Hot Billboard 100 top ten song "Sorry" and rock mainstream song, "Crazy B!@ch." Buckcherry's song "Wherever I Go" is included in the recently released Avengers Assemble soundtrack.They are currently working on their sixth album and touring. I will see them live for the seventh time in June!

What is Josh Todd reading?

I recently asked Josh on Twitter what his current read was.

He answered, "1st to Die by James Patterson."

Gotta love a tattooed rocker that reads mysteries!

You can follow Josh on Twitter, and find out more about Buckcherry at www.buckcherry.com.

Check Josh and Buckcherry out in their video, "All Night Long."
Photo by me.