Gene Simmons was one of the reasons why Van Halen became a legendary band in the music industry, but it has been revealed that he had different intentions why he supported the group during their early years; what could be his reason?
Greg Renoff's book "Van Halen Rising," reveals the details of why the metal singer sponsored the group in the 70s. (via Grunge)
As discussed by frontman David Lee Roth, the band performed at Starwood Club in West Hollywood, California, in 1977. Simmons watched from the crowd and was amazed by the band's talent.
The singer then reportedly went to the group's dressing room to tell them that he was impressed with their music skills, and he wanted to record a demo with them as soon as possible.
After their first meeting, Van Halen members flew to New York and they immediately recorded the four-song demo with Simmons.
According to the book "Van Halen Rising," the group met with KISS manager, Bill Aucoin, who offered his personal opinion about the music they just recorded.
Roth said the in-demand manager told them their songs were great but the vocals hold up, adding "I just don't hear the melodies, the hits that are required in this day and age."
Aucoin then turned down Van Halen, telling the band that he couldn't work with them. David Lee Roth then had a realization as he started suspecting Simmons' real intentions with them.
The singer revealed that the KISS frontman called Eddie Van Halen without telling his bandmates, asking him to record a solo with him.
The guitarist accepted the invitation and went to the recording studio with a guitar. However, Simmons was shocked when Roth was also present in the meeting. It turned out, the KISS vocalist wanted Eddie Van Halen to join his band.
Roth explained in the book that Simmons would look at him with horror because "I was on to his game way early."
According to Brag Media, the singer was able to recruit Van Halen to play on their album "Love Gun" and the only reason why he was able to record the guitarist's part without Rothy is he called him at the middle of the night for a surprise session.
In total, they recorded three demos but only one made it onto their album, the song "Christine Sixteen."
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