Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

just passing by

What was Gene Simmons from Kiss doing at Leinster House?

“I guess because of my silly hair people tend to take me to big buildings to meet important people.”

Updated: 2.50pm, 3 December

GENE SIMMONS — BASSIST and vocalist in Kiss and one of the world’s most shameless self-promoters — was in Dublin yesterday.

Photocall Ireland photographer Sam Boal captured these images of the star, as TDs went about their business inside.

Today Simmons told Ray D’Arcy he was in the Dáil as a guest of Fine Gael TD Pat Breen. The two have a mutual friend in US-based Irish businessman Billy Lawless.

Every now and then I drop into places that I find fascinating, and there’s nothing more fascinating than Ireland*, is there? I guess because of my silly hair and all the rest of the accoutrement people tend to take me to big buildings to meet important people, I have no idea why.

*adopts dodgy Irish accent

Sam Boal / Photocall Ireland Sam Boal / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

Gene Simmons. Pictured (Left) Gene Sim

Gene Simmons. Pictured (Right) Gene Si

Gene Simmons. Pictured Gene Simmons kn

Gene Simmons. Pictured Gene Simmons kn

Gene Simmons. Pictured Gene Simmons kn

The 65-year-old frontman, who has licensed the ‘Kiss’ brand for use on everything from lunchboxes to condoms, said Leinster House was “full of wonderful people and history”.

He added he was happy to visit Dublin during a break on a two-year long tour to enjoy “good friends and nice food”.

TheJournal.ie has contacted Breen for comment, but he has not yet responded – he’s currently chairing a Foreign Affairs Committee meeting. Simmons is not thought to be in attendance.

Additional reporting by Órla Ryan

Originally published: 2 December

Read: €50 million drug haul: Cocaine destined for Irish streets found in banana shipment

Read: 2,000 pairs of fake Nike runners seized in Cork

Your Voice
Readers Comments
52
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.