Gene Simmons is never at a loss for words, so in a recent interview when asked what he thought about Guns N’ Roses and what they could have been, the Kiss bassist-singer was very open.

Simmons tells Music-News.com that GN’R had the opportunity to be even bigger than they ever were, if not for on individual: “Guns N’ Roses could have been the best band in the world and the reason they’re not is because of Axl Rose.” He continued, “I mean, the drugs, the heroin, the alcohol and all that. But ultimately, it falls on Axl’s shoulders.”

So what could have changed that? Simmons suggested a good old fashioned pummeling, saying, “A good beating would have helped.” He followed up, saying, “I mean, when you misbehaved as a little kid and continued to do it, there was somebody there to give you a ‘what for’ [while making a swatting motion with his hand]. Then when you become a grown-up, who’s there to set you straight?”

When asked what advice he’d offer up to Guns N’ Roses, Simmons didn’t get too personal, saying, “You get to sleep in the bed you make. It’s simple. If you’re lucky enough to be accepted on stage by the audience, if you’re lucky enough to be able to write a song, if you’re lucky enough to have charisma onstage, that’s the beginning.” He continued, saying, “And then you’ve got to be able to deliver night after night after night. And not everybody is designed to run a marathon. Because to be a rock star for decades means you’re running a marathon.”

Watch the full interview with Gene Simmons below and let us know what you think about his opinions.

Watch the Full Music-News.com Interview With Gene Simmons

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