Rock legend Gene Simmons is extending high praise to Taylor Swift, suggesting that her monumental and fiercely loyal following is the modern-day equivalent of Beatlemania.
During a recent guest appearance on the LegendsNLeaders podcast, the KISS co-founder explored the profound validation an artist receives when witnessing a visceral, real-time connection with their audience. He noted that this level of cultural saturation is rare, pointing to the “Swiftie” phenomenon as the premier example of contemporary musical dominance. “The only historical parallel I can identify is what we see with the Swifties today,” the bassist observed.
“While the music is undoubtedly great and Taylor is a remarkable talent, it transcends the art itself,” Simmons continued. “It’s effectively a gathering of the tribes. The Beatles shared that same energy; it was dubbed Beatlemania. It carries an almost cult-like devotion where every fan feels a deep, communal bond.”
Simmons also took a moment to reminisce about a 2009 prank that solidified his respect for the pop superstar. Long before Swift was shattering global records with her Eras Tour, she served as the opening act for Keith Urban. During one of Urban’s performances, a teenage Swift and her band surprised the country star by storming the stage in full KISS regalia. Simmons spoke with evident pride about the incident, encouraging fans to look up the footage of Swift and her crew in their iconic face paint.
The rock icon is not alone in his assessment. Ringo Starr has previously echoed these sentiments, remarking that the sheer scale of Swift’s influence is the closest thing he has seen to the Beatles’ peak fame since he lived through it himself in the 1960s.
However, the interview also revisited Simmons’ more contentious views on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He reiterated his stance that hip-hop artists do not align with the institution’s original mission. “The fact that a group like Iron Maiden—who can sell out stadiums worldwide—is not in the Hall, while Grandmaster Flash is, doesn’t sit right with me,” he stated, citing his preference for traditional rock foundations.
The full discussion with Gene Simmons on LegendsNLeaders can be viewed below.
