Travelling life

Gene Simmons, KISS frontman

Tel Aviv’s waterfront and skyscrapers, above, seen from old Jaffa; and Royal Street, top right, in the French Quarter of New Orleans

How often do you travel?

For work, almost every other day: from Los Angeles to New Orleans.

What do you need for a perfect holiday?

I’ve never taken a proper vacation in my life and I’m 66 now – my work is my vacation. I can’t go some place and just do nothing. If I did, someone would probably have to stop off at an engraver’s to write my tombstone and tell them where to find my body. If my brain isn’t constantly working, I don’t know what to do with myself.

Your earliest memory of travelling abroad?

I was eight years old and my parents had split up the

previous year. My mother decided to relocate us from Israel, where I was born, to Queens, New York, because she saw it as the land of opportunity. All I can remember is how long the flight was and that I kept throwing up.

Most memorable family break?

My family and I lived in Los Angeles, so we had two theme parks right on our doorstep – Universal and Disney – which my kids loved when they were much younger [they’re now in their 20s]. However, one time when they were little, my wife Shannon and I told them that we were going to Hawaii. They didn’t have any idea where it was, just that it had some great tropical-style beaches. So we piled into the car and a

short drive later we got to Malibu and we told them we were in Hawaii! A beach is a beach and they didn’t notice the difference.

The most exotic destination you’ve been?

When I was filming my show, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, the TV network flew Shannon and I out to Belize in Central America at their government’s request in 2011. We had a great time touring the country, visiting the archaeological sites, the Mayan temples and the barrier reef. I hate boats, but despite all my bitching the Blue Hole was amazing. It was also where I finally got down on one knee on a dock by the water, with the palms swaying in the background, and proposed to Shannon after having

been together for 28 years.

I also visited Zambia in 2012. Shannon surprised me with the trip – I thought we were going on safari, but she actually took me to visit some of the children I sponsor over there through ChildFund, Mending Kids and the Starkey Hearing Foundation, to cover their food, education, clothing and health care. It was incredibly depressing how little these families have and it inspired me to help even more, because I couldn’t just sit there and ignore it.

Most unusual place you’ve performed with KISS?

Ecuador. They took us to the top of a mountain which the equator runs through. We had a 350lb security guy called Gooch with us,

Favourite city?

Rio de Janeiro. The bigger the concert venue, the better. We performed at the Maracanã Stadium in 1983. Most concert stadiums can take around 50,000 to 70,000 people; this was 210,000! It was like we were surrounded by a neverending sea of people.

Favourite restaurant?

I like comfort food with a healthy twist, so burgers with kale salads, like we have at Rock & Brews [the restaurant chain he cofounded], with more than 100 craft beers. I wanted to create a family-friendly and pet-friendly place. Sunday brunch is my favourite meal of the week because I love my eggs, meat and cheese, and then I can indulge my sweet tooth with desserts. The Four Seasons and the Ritz-Carlton in LA never disappoint. I love scones – they’re the bane of my girth!

What do you hate about travelling?

I don’t dislike flying – I can sleep easily – but I don’t have the patience for travel and aimless sightseeing, despite loving history, unless I have a business purpose too. I don’t have to see it to believe it. There’s a reason why KISS has been so financially successful over the past four decades, despite having only a handful of hit singles – it’s our unwavering work ethic, unlike a lot of modern celebs.

Where next?

The band is touring the United States this summer, going to stadiums that a lot of bands wouldn’t touch, but I think it’s important not to bypass the less obvious places. Then I’ll be in the UK in September. Gene Simmons will be at the HeavyCon music convention in Birmingham, taking place from September 30 to October 2 (tickets cost from £30; theticketfactory. com/heavycon)