Rock legend Gene Simmons delivered a characteristically blunt message to a politically divided audience during a live television appearance this week, telling critics to "shut your piehole."
A Heated Exchange on Morning TV
The 76-year-old Kiss frontman joined Good Morning Britain hosts Ed Balls and Charlotte Hawkins via video link on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. The conversation quickly turned to his recent meeting with former US President Donald Trump, where Simmons received a Kennedy Centre Honour for his contributions to the performing arts.
After being asked if Trump was a fan of the glam rock band, Hawkins noted that the former president "divides opinion" and questioned whether Simmons involved himself in politics. The musician fired back with sarcasm, asking, "You mean because England doesn't have polarised politics?"
The 'Pound Coin' Philosophy and a Blunt Conclusion
Simmons then launched into an extended metaphor, comparing political divisions to the two different sides of a British pound coin. "You love the British pound. It's so beautiful," he said. "But it's worth noting that each side of the pound looks completely different and has no relation to the other side. But if you put a pound on the table, each side can really say they're a pound. You don't have to validate by the other side."
He concluded his point with the uncompromising advice that has since gone viral: "So everybody just shut your piehole. It's going to be okay. Just relax."
Simmons' Long-Standing Connection to Trump
Elsewhere in the Good Morning Britain interview, Simmons clarified the nature of his relationship with the controversial political figure. When asked if Trump had ever worn the band's iconic makeup, Simmons replied, "Not so much that part, but I know for a fact the president's been a fan for many, many years."
He elaborated that their acquaintance predates Trump's political career, stating they first spent time together around 2008. "The conversation was what human beings do," Simmons told CNN in a separate interview. "How's the family? How are the kids? And, you know, all that stuff. It's not always about politics."
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV from 6am.
