Kiss News: Hanging With Condoleeza Rice, Still Extremely Rich

With a legion of fans eager to buy coffins, comics and whatever else they're peddling, it's not surprise that Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of Kiss have a lot of money. While the band wouldn't elaborate how big their fortune actually is — Gene Simmons' worth is estimated near $100 million — the band will admit "We have more money than some small countries." "It's a privilege to do what we do, and let's say we make a living," Simmons said.

Perhaps she was trying to enlist the KISS Army's support John McCain in the event that she's chosen as the Republican Vice Presidential candidate, but Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice met the band prior to their performance in Stockholm, Sweden. The band provided Rice and her staff with autographed memorabilia and backstage passes. "It was really fun to meet KISS and Gene Simmons," Rice told reporters while avoiding more important questions like whether she likes Destroyer or Love Gun more.

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Song Stories

“Is It True”

Brenda Lee | 1964

As the British Invasion reached its peak in 1964, Brenda Lee went from Nashville to London to record one of her hardest-rocking hits, her perky vocal backed by a stuttering, squalling guitar. That guitar was played by session musician Jimmy Page, yet to skyrocket to fame with first the Yardbirds and then Led Zeppelin. "She said to me, 'I've come here to make a record with the British sound,'" remembered producer Mickie Most. "She felt she wouldn't get the same sound in Nashville because they're only just catching up on the British beat group sound of about six months ago."

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