KISS founder believes their 'heart & soul' lies in the UK

KISS were in London to host the Classic Rock & Roll Honour awards recently and whilst speaking with Absolute Radio, 'The Demon' spoke about his fondness for the 60's & 70's heyday of English rock.

Simmons said:

"The entire notion that a small island… out of all the countries on the face of the Earth, should have an overwhelming, monumental output of music (is amazing). From the early ’60s through the end of the ’70s, if you take a look at the bands that came out of England, it simply usurps anybody else’s claims to have done anything at all. That includes America, who invented rock and roll in the first place, and the electric guitar."

Simmons goes on to cite The Beatles along with Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton & Jeff Beck as some the UK's biggest influences on the world stage, singling out Beck especially:

"Famous isn’t the right word for Jeff Beck. You know jazz players don’t really think much of rock players, and country players have a different soul. Well, Beck can do it all."

Simmons wraps up the interview by admitting that he has "ripped off so many English riffs" and even goes on to acknowledge, "if the British influence wasn't there, we wouldn't be here."

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