Gene Simmons of the rock band KISS talks about his Life and his career in this volume on power. Simmons grew up in poverty and managed to build a flamboyant career as a performer and cable TV star. It would be easy to dismiss Gene Simmons as a knucklehead (albeit, a Rich knucklehead). But On Power shows how Gene Simmons engineered his rise in wealth. He talks about the writers and personalities who inspired him. I found the Gene Simmons’s stories entertaining and enlightening. Are you a fan of KISS? GRADE: B
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
1. WHO AM I? 1
2. A BRIEF KISSTORY 19
3. THE CASE FOR POWER 25
4. POWER TOOLS 41
5. PERSPECTIVE 61
6. THE CLASSICAL-POWER PANTHEON79
Niccolo Machiavelli: The Realist 80
Napoleon Bonaparte: The Conquerer 95
Winston Churchill: The Orator 103
7. MODERN POWER PLAYERS 111
Oprah Winfrey: The Queen 114
Elon Musk: The Thrill-Seeker 118
Dave Grohl: the Rock Star 123
Michael Jordan: The Legend 130
Stan Lee: The Creator 134
Warren Buffett: The Soothsayer 139
Frank Underwood: The Manipulator 144
8. GO FORTH 149
I wouldn’t spend 5 seconds on this guy. One of the most arrogant assholes to ever walk the planet.
Steve, the Gene Simmons interview with Terry Gross on NPR’s FRESH AIR supports your opinion of this guy.
As usual, I am going to say you are the most eclectic reader, I know. Good for you for being so open to all kinds of books.
Patti, I read a positive review of ON POWER in FORTUNE magazine so I picked up a copy at my local public Library. It was a quick read, only 150 pages!
Is there a co-writer credited? Because I’m assuming if there is, he or she is the one who put this volume together. If no co-writer is credited, I’ll assume a ghostwriter was payed big bucks to make it sound as if Gene Simmons had the ability to synthesize Machiavelli, Churchill, Stan Lee, and Dave Grohl!
/Not a KISS or Gene Simmons fan.
Deb, no one else is credited. Gene Simmons comes across as a very smart guy. His story of coming to the U.S. from Israel–penniless–and building a career that has made him a multi-millionaire is impressive.
What Steve said. Also Deb.
But anyone who could juggle relationships with Diana Ross and Cher at the same time must have something going for him IYKWIM.
Jeff, Gene Simmons doesn’t say much about sex in this book. The focus is on power and money.
When my friend Scott had a booth at Comic Con San Diego, I was helping him out (years ago). Simmons bought something while I was on duty, and while he wasn’t super friendly, he was nice enough. The best video I’ve seen of him is doing the anthems for the various branches of the service. I”ve seen him on some talk shows and he was surprisingly articulate
Maggie, I’ve only seen a couple Gene Simmons interviews, but like you I was impressed by his intelligence and eloquence.
I’ve seen him play himself on several television shows, including Castle and Scorpion, as well as other characters similar to his stage persona.
Sorry—but he reminds me of Ron Jeremy.
That Ron Jeremy?
Btw Ron also was accused of sexual attacks – as if he hadn’t had enough opportunities …
Neither is a prize to look at, IMHO.
Not a KISS fan! No interest in this book! I’m shocked that Deb knows who Ron Jeremy is!
Bob, that’s something to be proud of maybe?
I’m sure that there’s not much that can shock you … 🙂