Kiss is regarded as one of the most legendary bands in rock music, as evidenced by their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. Today, Gene Simmons reveals the secret to their success, and it’s not what most people expect.

The bassist told AXS TV that one of the main reasons they were able to become big stars in the music industry despite not having many number-one hits is that they don’t “play the game.”

Simmons went on to say that the heavy metal band decided not to compete with other genres, such as pop music because musicians in that genre are attempting to figure out “those saccharine sweet melodies and choruses that had to do with love and heartbreak and so on.”

In their case, they wanted to release music that would “combine an entire statement” and a body of work, as opposed to other artists who would only release one song.

Kiss’s highest chart position in the United States was number 7 with the song “Beth” during their decades-long career.

In other parts of the interview, the musician discussed his favorite aspect of being in the band, which is constantly going up on stage and performing in front of their fans because he considers it a “holy ground” or an “electric church.”

Last year, the bassist told the New York Post that he might retire soon due to his age, claiming that he couldn’t keep up with the band’s physical demands, such as wearing 40 pounds of armor and 7-inch platform shoes.

Simmons went on to say that he didn’t want to sit in a chair and play the guitar on stage like those in the blues genre, adding, “I know you can’t stay on stage for very long. Get out while the getting is good.”

In other news, Kiss announced last month that they would finish their tour in the United Kingdom and Europe.

The final set of shows would begin on June 2, 2023, at Plymouth’s Home Park, before traveling to cities such as Newcastle and Birmingham.