Gene Simmons, the iconic bassist and co-founder of the legendary rock band Kiss, made a special journey to Detroit on Thursday to celebrate the grand opening of a new restaurant location. The establishment, named Rock & Brews, is a venture co-founded by Simmons and his longtime Kiss bandmate, Paul Stanley, marking another expansion of their culinary brand across the United States.
A Heartfelt Tribute to Detroit's Rock Heritage
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony in Royal Oak, Michigan, Simmons expressed deep gratitude towards Detroit, often referred to as "Detroit Rock City" in homage to one of Kiss's most famous songs. He emphasized the city's crucial role in the band's rise to fame, stating that Detroit was the first city to truly appreciate and support Kiss, even before their hometown of New York.
"Everybody talks about Detroit, we owe our stuff to Detroit — first city that appreciated the band that I'm in," Simmons remarked, highlighting the emotional significance of the visit. He added, "Kiss really broke our rock-and-roll teeth in Detroit. Detroit accepted us way before New York and any other city." To underscore this connection, Simmons even broke into an impromptu rendition of the lyrics from "Detroit Rock City," singing, "You gotta lose your mind in Detroit Rock City."
Expanding the Rock & Brews Empire
Since its inception in Southern California in 2010, Rock & Brews has grown steadily, with locations now spanning from Washington to Florida. Simmons, at 76 years old, remains actively involved in the business, noting that the CEO was present at the Detroit opening to enhance the kitchen operations and elevate the dining experience.
"Our CEO is here because he wants to go back in the kitchen and even bring it up a notch," Simmons explained in an interview. "You don't want to keep the same old, same old. We got to kick it up, because people deserve the best. You wanted the best, you got the best — the hottest food in town." This commitment to quality reflects the band's ethos of delivering top-tier performances, now translated into the culinary world.
Kiss's Enduring Legacy and Detroit Ties
Kiss, known for their elaborate face paint and high-energy shows, has left an indelible mark on rock music. The band, which includes Simmons, singer Paul Stanley, the late guitarist Ace Frehley, and drummer Peter Criss, struggled with initial studio albums in the early 1970s. However, their breakthrough came with the 1975 live album "Alive!," partially recorded at Detroit's Cobo Arena, which catapulted them to stardom and solidified their identity.
Over the decades, Kiss has garnered numerous accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 and recognition as Kennedy Center honorees last year. Although the band retired from touring a few years ago, Simmons's visit to Michigan served as a nostalgic homecoming, rekindling memories of their formative years in the Great Lakes State.
Simmons's affection for Detroit extends beyond mere nostalgia; it's rooted in historical significance. The city not only inspired one of their hit songs but also provided a supportive audience that helped shape their career. This latest restaurant opening symbolizes a continued bond between the rock legend and the city that helped launch Kiss into rock-and-roll history.
