Gene Simmons Disses Kurt Cobain [LISTEN]: Kiss Singer Says Dead Nirvana Frontman Isn't a Music Icon, Neither is Amy Winehouse

Gene Simmons has always been an outspoken figure in music. As one of the singers of Kiss, he rocked the world for decades and has acquired quite the reputation with the ladies. The man is considered a music icon, which is a title he takes very seriously and doesn't think it should just be handed out to musicians. For instance, he doesn't consider Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain or singer Amy Winehouse to be music icons because they are dead. That is honestly his reasoning.

While talking to Team Rock Radio, Simmons wouldn't accept that Cobain is considered a music icon.

"Kurt Cobain-no, that's one or two records, that's not enough," he explained.

He also said the same thing about Winehouse: "Amy Winehouse-that's one or two records, that's not enough. What, just 'cause you died that makes you an icon? No, no."

Gene did give a short list of icons he approved (including his own band, of course).

"Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, The Who and just on and on," he said. "And through the '70s-Aerosmith, Kiss, Led Zeppelin."

And then perhaps adding insult to injury, he managed to demean acts like Pearl Jam, Nine Inch Nails, Oasis and other acts that he doesn't consider close to icon status.

Simmons said: "Now from 1984 until today, name one superstar that's bigger than their music, and not just somebody that's recorded one or two records, but another Queen or another AC/DC? None, you can't name one." 

Do you agree or disagree with Gene's statements?