KISS Bassist Gene Simmons Discusses Politics, Cancel Culture on Bill OReillys Show

Gene Simmons, the 76‑year‑old bassist and co‑lead vocalist of the hard‑rock band KISS, appeared on the Thursday, June 25 episode of Bill O’Reilly’s weekly program We’ll Do It LIVE. In the interview, Simmons spoke about the growing political polarization in the United States, the role of celebrities in political discourse, and the impact of cancel culture on his career.

Simmons told O’Reilly that he does not want to be asked who he votes for and that he prefers to keep politics out of personal conversations. He said, “I don’t want to be asked who I vote for. I think people should vote their conscience and keep politics out of it when we sit around and break bread.” The discussion also touched on President Donald Trump, with Simmons noting that he has not publicly criticized the former president and that this stance has cost him performance opportunities.

According to Blabbermouth, Simmons explained that he has lost “two or three shows” because he declined to speak negatively about Trump. He added that he has always respected the office of the president, regardless of his personal feelings, and that he believes the president is “legally voted into power.” Simmons said the refusal to comment on Trump’s policies led to cancellations, a claim that was echoed in a later interview with People.com.

The conversation also covered Simmons’ view of the entertainment industry’s perceived political leanings. He said that while many actors, filmmakers, and singers appear to advance a liberal or progressive viewpoint, he sees the political landscape as a pendulum that swings between extremes. Simmons described himself as a “free thinker” who does not align with any single party and who conducts business with people across the political spectrum. He added that business relationships are based on mutual benefit rather than shared ideology.

Simmons’ remarks reflect a broader trend of celebrities speaking out on political issues. In March 2026, he publicly urged other entertainers to refrain from discussing politics, stating that “celebs should shut the f—up about politics.” The statement sparked debate online and was reported by several outlets, including USA Today, Parade, and TMZ. Critics argued that Simmons’ stance could be seen as a form of cancel culture, while supporters said it was a call for artists to focus on their craft.

From an industry perspective, Simmons’ comments highlight the tension between artistic freedom and commercial considerations. The music business often requires artists to navigate public expectations while maintaining relationships with promoters, venues, and sponsors. Simmons’ admission that he has lost shows for refusing to criticize a political figure illustrates the potential financial consequences of taking a public stance on contentious issues.

The interview also touched on Simmons’ broader political views. He said he supports certain conservative positions, such as building a border wall, while also expressing respect for the Vatican’s stance on immigration. Simmons emphasized that he does not consider himself beholden to any political ideology and that his primary concern is “issues” rather than party affiliation.

Simmons’ appearance on We’ll Do It LIVE adds to the ongoing conversation about the role of celebrities in politics and the business implications of cancel culture. While the interview did not result in any new policy announcements or business deals, it reaffirmed Simmons’ willingness to speak candidly about his personal beliefs and the challenges he faces in the entertainment industry.

As of now, Simmons has not announced any plans to return to the shows he lost, nor has he indicated a change in his public stance on political commentary. The episode remains a notable example of a high‑profile artist addressing the intersection of politics, business, and personal conviction in the modern music landscape.