KISS bassist and vocalist Gene Simmons made headlines over the Fourth of July weekend after delivering a passionate speech about patriotism, immigration, and military service during his solo performance at Summerfest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Speaking to the crowd ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary celebration, Simmons praised the country while emphasizing the importance of legal immigration and honoring military veterans. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer also revealed he had been invited by the White House to narrate a World War II veterans ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Simmons told the audience:
“In case you don’t know it, you are blessed. You are living in the greatest fucking country on the planet. And that’s called USA. Okay, I wanna tell you why I took a minute to talk about America, because if you’ve been asleep the last 250 years, tomorrow is America’s 250th birthday.
This is the greatest country. That’s why we’ve had anywhere from 20 million to 30 million illegal immigrants. Why? ‘Cause they are willing to break the law and come into the greatest country on the face of the planet, right here.
I myself am an immigrant, but a legal one. I came through the lawful way. You wait in line, you respect the country, you respect its laws, and then you become a citizen of the United States of America.
I’m honored to say I’ve gotta get up at 3:30 this morning to catch a 5:00 a.m. flight because I’ve been asked by the White House to narrate the World War II Veterans honors in America’s 250th birthday tomorrow in Washington, D.C.
Politicians talk the talk but veterans put their lives out there. All gave some, some gave all. Don’t forget.
And if you don’t like America, please go back to where you fucking came from.”
Simmons’ comments quickly generated discussion online, particularly his remarks regarding illegal immigration and his closing statement about critics of the United States.
The outspoken musician has previously shared mixed views on celebrities speaking about politics. Despite weighing in on political issues himself over the years, Simmons argued earlier this year that entertainers should avoid lecturing the public.
During an interview with TMZ this past spring, Simmons said:
“Everybody in the world should listen to what actors and comedians say, because they’re so qualified. Basically shut the fuck up. Do your art and shut up. Nobody’s interested in your opinions, that includes me.
People in America work hard for their living and they don’t wanna be lectured to by people who live in mansions and drive Rolls-Royces. It’s time for everybody in the entertainment industry to shut their piehole and just do your art. Nobody cares what you think.”
Simmons has long described himself as a strong supporter of legal immigration, often pointing to his own journey to becoming a U.S. citizen after immigrating as a child from Israel.
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