KISS' Gene Simmons argues with fans who don't believe masks curb spread of COVID-19

By Matt Friedlander

KISS' Gene Simmons has taken to Twitter to promote the importance of wearing a face mask to help protect against the spread of the coronavirus, but he found resistance from some Twitter followers who don't think the practice is necessary.

The discussion started Saturday after Simmons retweeted a photo of a teenage fan named Abby wearing a "KISS Army" bandana fashioned into a face mask, along with the comment, "Abby, you rock!"

Abby, you rock! https://t.co/1tx09PXlnu

— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) May 2, 2020

One Twitter follower responded by tweeting, "Except those cloth masks don't keep you safe[.] [O]nly a medical mask does and a good one at that."

Simmons shot back, "You are incorrect and misinformed. The idea of cloth masks or any other kind of mask, is not to protect you. It's to protect everybody else around you in case you cough or talk."

David, you are incorrect and misinformed. The idea of cloth masks or any other kind of mask, is not to protect you. It’s to protect everybody else around you inn case you cough or talk. It’s not about you, David. It’s about protecting everybody else. From you. https://t.co/52PkBiNaQK

— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) May 2, 2020

When another follower tweeted, "Face covers don't prevent the spread of viruses. It's more of a psychological thing. It's social pressuring. You are disrespectful if you don't cover your face. It's nonsense," Gene responded, "I wish you good health, despite your point of view. Please wear a mask, to prevent your cough, sneeze or other, from infecting people. Be safe, not sorry."

I wish you good health, despite your point of view. Please wear a mask, to prevent your cough, sneeze or other, from infecting people. Be safe, not sorry. https://t.co/DAsIu7WP9u

— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) May 3, 2020

Yet another follower complained, "Sorry Gene, some of us don't have the luxury of mansions, and have to go to work.

That prompted Simmons to write, "This has nothing to do with mansions. Cut it out. Just wear masks, to prevent other people from getting whatever it is you may have. And stop the blame game. This affects everyone of us."

Check out the full discussion on Simmons' Twitter account.

Meanwhile, a new line of official KISS face masks can be pre-ordered now at the band's online store, with all proceeds raised going to Live Nation's Global Relief Fund for Live Music Crews.