Kiss rocker Gene Simmons shocks Leamington eatery

Legendary musician posed for pictures, signed autographs and ordered a salad

Patrons at a Leamington restaurant were graced by the presence of Rock ‘n’ Roll royalty Thursday, in the form of Kiss frontman Gene Simmons.

The bassist and co-lead singer of one of the biggest American rock bands stopped by Jose’s Bar and Grill on Talbot Street West for lunch.

He left his distinctive black-andwhite stage makeup at home for the visit, opting instead to sport dark sunglasses and a baseball hat with a moneybag pictured on its front. Accompanying him were representatives from Leamington’s Double Diamond Farms. Mike Gollmer, the restaurant’s manager, said the musician brought a great vibe to the whole town.

“He was really nice to the guests, and had no problem sitting down with everyone and saying hi,” said Gollmer. “He took some pictures and signed some autographs. He’s really a standup guy.” Gollmer said Simmons gave no warning before his arrival, but that didn’t stop the restaurant from serving up a meal he enjoyed. The long-tongued rocker, often referred to as “The Demon,” ordered the blackened salmon salad. Donnie Pacheco, the restaurant’s owner, took a picture with Simmons and posted it to the business’s Instagram page with the caption, “We couldn’t wait to post this one! Donny with his new best friend, @genesimmons. Simmons stopped in for lunch. Super cool!” Although Simmons only stayed a couple of hours, Gollmer said people from around the area were still calling the business at five o’clock asking if the musician was still there. “A lot of people in Leamington are big Kiss fans, especially being this close to Detroit, so it was nice having him in,” said Gollmer. Detroit Rock City is one of the biggest hit tunes of the rock band formed in New York City in the 1970s. Kiss has always been known for its elaborate makeup and costumes and its concert performances.

Gollmer perceived Simmons was in town visiting friends and doing some business, though the nature of that business is unclear. Long outspoken against drug use, Simmons recently began getting involved in, and advocating for, medical marijuana. Double Diamond, a local greenhouse grower, recently entered into a partnership to grow cannabis for Leamington-based Aphria Inc. Gollmer said he hopes the buzz from Simmons’ visit sticks around in Leamington for the region’s annual Hogs for Hospice event taking place August 3, 4 and 5. The event touts itself as Canada’s most southern motorcycle rally, and each year a musical lineup entertains riders over the threeday event.

But that lineup has yet to include the rock band that gave us Rock ‘n Roll All Nite.