Best known in his blood spitting, fire breathing, tongue poking, dragon booted Demonic role as the bassist with KISS, GENE SIMMONS solo album (released simultaneously with similar efforts from his bandmates) was a surprisingly eclectic affair. No expense seemed to be spared in the recording of Gene's album, which was recorded in England and America. The creme de la creme of the American Rock world at the time seemed to be involved in the making of the record. Included were BOB SEGER, AEROSMITH's Joe Perry, STARZ guitarist Richie Ranno, CHER, DETECTIVE vocalist MICHAEL DES BARRES, CHEAP TRICK's Rick Nielsen, STEELY DAN and DOOBIE BROTHER's guitarist Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter, Disco diva DONNA SUMMER, ERIC TROYER, HELEN REDDY and JANIS IAN.

The album's basic tracks were recorded by the nucleus of Simmons on guitar alongside session veterans Elliot Randall on guitar, bassist Neil Jason and Allen Schwartzberg on the drums. The album was co-produced by Aucoin Management employee Sean Delaney (a longtime associate of KISS) and Gene himself. Perhaps the most bizarre aspect of Simmons' album was the inclusion of 'When You Wish Upon A Star', a song originally performed in the Disney movie 'Pinnochio' and described by Gene as the greatest song ever written.

Despite involving himself in the production of other bands and taking a number of movie roles in the mid to late 80's, Simmons seemingly has not had the desire to record another solo album. It is believed a provision in a renewed contract with PolyGram, signed before the reunion of the four original members of KISS in 1996, would enable him to do so.

Despite an ever growing personal industry, which by now included books, his own 'Tongue' magazine and even KISS coffins, Simmons originally projected a further solo album for 2003 release. Songs included a co-composition with the late FRANK ZAPPA and 'Waiting For The Morning Light' penned with BOB DYLAN. By early 2004 a working title of 'Dog' had given way to 'Asshole', the song of the same name being contributed by Frank Tostrup of Norwegian KISS tribute band SHIRLEY'S TEMPLE. Simmons would be recording as late as mid March, stating the final inclusion was a re-work of THE PRODIGY's 'Firestarter' with a guesting DAVE NAVARRO of JANE'S ADDICTION on guitar.

When 'Asshole' emerged, the tracklisting provided KISS fans with a bewildering catalogue of guest participations and historical lineage. Alongside the 'Firestarter' remake of great interest to KISS afficianados would be the songs 'Weapons', recorded with with BRUCE KULICK and Eric Singer and originally entitled 'Psycho Circus (Weapons Of Mass Destruction)' and originally slated for the KISS 'Psycho Circus' record, as well as 'Carnival Of Souls', another KISS outtake featuring RITCHIE KOTZEN on guitar. Another song, 'Sweet & Dirty', also held KISS history. Recorded by Simmons and BRUCE KULICK and Eric Singer once again, the track, under differing titles of 'Jelly Roll' and 'Rotten To The Core' had been in contention for KISS albums from as far back as 1977.

A major songwriting collaboration came with 'Waiting For The Morning Light', originally entitled 'Laughing When I Want To Cry' and co-written with BOB DYLAN in 1992. 'Black Tongue' was built around an unreleased guitar riff by the late FRANK ZAPPA. His son DWEEZIL ZAPPA cut the guitar track whilst while the entire Zappa clan, Gail, Dweezil, Ahmet and Moon, sing backing vocals. A spoken narrative from Frank himself opened the song with the line "Alright kids, here's a real rock n' roll song."

'Beautiful' was penned by Nina Singh and Mark Addison from the band KITTY GORDON whilst 'Whatever Turns You On (Turns Me On)' came from a demo submitted by Dave Williams to Simmons Records. For this song Gene had his girlfriend Shannon Tweed and her mother along with some of their friends sing backing vocals, while Dave Williams and his band performed all the instruments. 'Now That You're Gone' was a 1977 co-write with BALANCE and SKULL guitarist Bob Kulick. Japanese bonus cuts would be 'You're My Reason For Living' and 'Everybody Knows'.

'Firestarter' would be selected as the first single, a promotional video directed by Mark Klasfeld and Tony Perossian being shot in April. However, the album had its release date re-scheduled several times, originally announced as 20th April, then 18th May and subsequently 8th June.

In a novel method of promotion, Simmons staged invitation only 'Asshole' launch parties, kicking off at the Key Club in los Angeles, the venue being chosen by the singer "because there are more assholes per square inch in Los Angeles than anywhere else in the world." The 'Asshole' record itself would also be the subject of a TV documentary. Also on the filming front Simmons was cast as crime lord Donald Mann in NBC's crime drama 'Third Watch'.

'Asshole' sold just over 12,000 copies in its first week of US sales to land at no. 86 on the Billboard charts. With reviews generally less than favourable for the record, Simmons wasted no time in egaging with his next product, the DVD 'Speaking In Tongues' chronicling his Australian lecture tour as well as footage documenting his private life including his home, family and business dealings. Further enterprises included a line of 'Gene Jeans' clothing and a reality TV show, 'Gene Simmons Rock School' for VH1. Television would be the focus of further projects, with 'Hit Men' via Touchstone TV, 'Gene Simmons Family Jewels' on A&E and 'Mr. Romance' for Oxygen. In February 2007 Simmons provided the voice over for a sea monster character in the cartoon 'SpongeBob SquarePants'.

Simmons was highlighted as a special guest for the 'Guitar Hero 2 JamFest' on April 11th in New York City. The player with the best song and highest score on the Xbox Live Leaderboard got to play the signature KISS song 'Strutter' onstage with Gene.

A second season of 'Gene Simmon Family Jewels' aired 7th June 2009.