KISS bassist and co-vocalist Gene Simmons didn't mince words when discussing the inevitability of death.
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During a sit-down interview with Bill O'Reilly on June 25, Simmons reflected on his mortality. Unlike others, who he says slow down and become inactive in the late stages of life, Simmons, 76, said that he is still seeking new thrills.
"Use it or lose it," the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer said. "Get up every day and pump that heart. A lot of people, a lot of seniors just give up. But I think they're missing the point."
The Grammy nominee compared life to a race, and advised listeners to finish strong.
"Don't you speed up instead of slowing down? If I see the finish line, I've only got two, three, a year left. You know, you speed, what are you going to do, sit on your thumb and wait to die?" he said.
Despite the increased difficulty of staying active as a senior citizen, Simmons says that those who remain idle risk suffering serious health issues.
"They won't be able to sleep at night. They'll get heart troubles. The best thing to do is keep pumping that heart, kiss a pretty girl, eat a good meal, sleep a good night's sleep, and get up at the crack of dawn the next day and just keep moving," he said.
Gene Simmons Was Inducted Into the Songwriters' Hall of Fame
Since co-founding KISS in 1973, Gene Simmons has enjoyed an illustrious music career. Through 50 years in the music industry, Simmons has produced 54 albums, including 14 multi-platinum/platinum and 30 gold releases.
The Israeli-American rocker was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame earlier this month.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, alongside his KISS band members.
Over 50 years since their inception, KISS is still shredding the stages and is slated to perform in Las Vegas this winter.
In November, Simmons will participate in the KISS Kruise: Land-locked in Las Vegas. The fan experience will take place Nov. 13-15 at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and will feature two unmasked shows with the band, plus several special guests and performers.
