Gene Simmons, 76, Shares Candid Thoughts on Reaching the 'Finish Line' of Life: 'Speed Up Instead of Slowing Down'
Gene Simmons, 76, Shares Candid Thoughts on Reaching the 'Finish Line' of Life: 'Speed Up Instead of Slowing Down'
Ilana KaplanFri, June 26, 2026 at 7:22 PM UTC
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Gene Simmons in June 2026Credit: We'll Do It LIVE! /YouTube
Gene Simmons spoke about reaching the "finish line" of his life
"A lot of people, a lot of seniors just give up, it's over. But I think they're missing the point," the KISS bassist and co-lead vocalist said on Bill O'Reilly's We'll Do It Live!
Simmons is currently 76
Gene Simmons is reflecting on getting older.
The KISS bassist and co-vocalist appeared on the Thursday, June 25 episode of Bill O'Reilly's We'll Do It Live! where he discussed his own mortality.
O'Reilly, 76, noted that Simmons, also 76, has been intentional in how he uses his time later in life.
Gene Simmons in June 2026Credit: We'll Do It LIVE! /YouTube
"Use it or lose it," the rocker said. "Get up every day and pump that heart. A lot of people, a lot of seniors just give up, it's over. But I think they're missing the point."
Simmons then compared life to a "race" and revealed how he approaches seeing that "finish line" coming toward him.
"Don't you speed up instead of slowing down? If I see the finish line, I've only got two, three, a year left. You know, you speed, what are you going to do, sit on your thumb and wait to die?" he said.
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While Simmons noted that a lot of people do that, he noted that "they'll be sad."
"They won't be able to sleep at night. They'll get heart troubles. The best thing to do is keep pumping that heart, kiss a pretty girl, eat a good meal, sleep a good night's sleep, and get up at the crack of dawn the next day and just keep moving," he said.
Gene Simmons in September 2025 in Los AngelesCredit: Jon Kopaloff/Getty for Lionsgate
Simmons said that he's "more ambitious and semi-possessed" than he's ever been ahead of his 77th birthday.
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He is indeed keeping busy. In November, Simmons is set to return as part of the KISS Kruise: Land-locked in Las Vegas. The fan experience will take place Nov. 13-15 at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and will feature two unmasked shows with the band, in addition to several special guests and performers.
The event will also include an expanded and immersive KISSperience featuring artist panels and Q&As, a look-alike contest, KISS karaoke, “Ask Doc” sessions with McGhee, artist meet-and-greets, and late-night DJs. Additionally, there will be interactive exhibits, a merch store and a Future of KISS panel.
An Ace Frehley All-Star Tribute will also take place, following the rocker's death at age 74 in October 2025, weeks after suffering a fall at his home.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
