“Gene Simmons of Kiss Says Ozzy Osbourne Taught Him the Meaning of Humility”
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Simmons described the late Black Sabbath frontman’s outlook as “a valuable reminder for people like me who, admittedly, can sometimes let ego get in the way.”
Gene Simmons, vocalist and bassist of Kiss — once listed by the BBC in 2018 among the “10 singers with unashamedly massive egos” — says he learned humility from the late Ozzy Osbourne.
Speaking on the Fail Better podcast hosted by actor David Duchovny, the 76-year-old rocker reflected on his decades-long friendship with the Black Sabbath frontman, who passed away in July. Simmons described Osbourne as “a unique human being [and] a giant,” while also highlighting his approachable nature.
“Ozzy treated everyone the same way — you, the neighbour next door — with a simple, ‘Hey, how are you? Nice to see you.’ He never put on airs,” Simmons recalled (via NME).
Kiss’s “Demon” admitted that Osbourne’s down-to-earth personality influenced his own behaviour. “It’s a good reminder for idiots like me who, guilty as charged, sometimes get carried away with themselves,” he said. “If you’d ever met Ozzy, you’d naturally be on your best behaviour. It mattered.”
Simmons also pointed out the contrast between Osbourne’s infamous “Prince of Darkness” image and the warmth he showed fans. “Onstage, it was like scream therapy — pure energy. But the real Ozzy, the so-called Prince of Darkness, would blow kisses to the audience and tell them he loved them. That’s the opposite of darkness — that’s kindness. He was a giant.”
Osbourne died on July 22 at the age of 76 after suffering a heart attack, just over two weeks after his massive farewell concert Back to the Beginning at Villa Park in Birmingham, near his childhood home. The show featured the first reunion of Sabbath’s founding lineup — Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward — since 2005.
After news of his passing, Simmons wrote on social media: “Sad to report Ozzy has passed away. He was a giant. Admired and loved by millions of fans worldwide. Prayers and condolences go out to the Osborne family.”
Kiss guitarist Paul Stanley also honoured Osbourne, noting his influence on generations of musicians. “We have lost a legend,” he wrote. “From Sabbath to Blizzard of Ozz and beyond, Ozzy’s impact on bands is immeasurable. Kiss was humbled to open for Sabbath in the mid-70s. Over the years, he was always kind and funny. Fly high now.”
Kiss officially retired from live touring after their final New York City concert in December 2023, but the band plans to carry on virtually. Following Abba’s Voyage model, Kiss is preparing avatar-based performances set to debut in Las Vegas in 2027.