KISS’s Gene Simmons Responds to Critics of ‘Reagan’: ‘I Don’t Care’

Gene Simmons Addresses Criticism

KISS’ Gene Simmons has responded to critics of his participation in the recent Ronald Reagan biopic by saying he “doesn’t care.”

The bassist and singer recorded a cover of the 1933 Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler standard “Stormy Weather” for Reagan, which was directed by Sean McNamara and released in the US in August.

Film Reception and Simmons’ Reaction

The film, which stars Dennis Quaid as the former President, along with Penelope Ann Miller, Jon Voight, Mena Suvari, and Creed frontman Scott Stapp as Frank Sinatra, has received mostly negative reviews. In a new interview, Simmons hit back at anyone casting doubt on his participation.

During an appearance on the Bill O’Reilly show News Without Spin, he was asked if he received any pushback for his role in the film. “How can I say this as nicely as possible? I don’t squat.”

“Everyone has the right to an opinion,” he continued. “It falls off your back… I think it’s a bastion of a certain political bent, but that’s okay. (Outspoken Donald Trump supporter) Jon Voight and I hang out, swap stories, and everything, and some people agree with his politics, some people don’t. But everyone donates to charity, everyone loves children, so think about what we agree with, not what we disagree with.”

Admiration for Reagan

Asked if he admired Reagan, he added: “Yes. Obviously, I was much younger when he was president and knew almost nothing about politics. But what’s interesting, looking back, is that political and pop culture figures of any age have always been focused on impressions, on the ability to convey feelings. And perhaps the strength of personality is more important than what is written on a piece of paper.”

“Now imagine another president trying to communicate with (Soviet President Mikhail) Gorbachev and literally causing this wall to fall, which led to the fall of communism. It was Reagan; he was an excellent conversationalist. I’ve always been a fan of his. I may have disagreed with something or other, but so what?”

In addition to Simmons, Reagan also features original contributions from Bob Dylan, who covered Cole Porter’s 1934 song “Don’t Fence Me In”.

Elsewhere, Simmons has just announced a North American tour in April and May 2025, which will see him play 16 dates across the continent. See the full list of dates here.