Gene Simmons, whose birth name is Chaim Witz (later changed to Eugene Klein), is an Israeli-American musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the co-founder, bassist, and co-lead vocalist of the rock band Kiss. Born on August 25, 1949, in Haifa, Israel, Simmons emigrated to the United States with his mother at a young age. He co-founded Kiss in the early 1970s with Paul Stanley, and the band became known for their elaborate makeup, costumes, and theatrical live performances. Apart from his music career, Simmons is also an entrepreneur, author, and television personality. He has appeared on reality TV shows, has spoken publicly about his business ventures and personal life, and has authored several books. His persona as "The Demon" on stage, his distinctive voice, and his entrepreneurial ventures have made him a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.