Gene Simmons didn’t spend much time talking about music during a recent concert in Wisconsin before turning his attention to a subject he clearly considers just as important: America.
Performing at Summerfest in Milwaukee ahead of the nation’s 250th birthday celebration, the KISS bassist paused between songs to deliver an extended tribute to the United States, reflecting on his own journey as a legal immigrant while drawing a distinction between lawful immigration and illegal border crossings.
“In case you don’t know it, you are blessed,” Simmons told the crowd, according to The Mosh Network. “You are living in the greatest fucking country on the planet. And that’s called USA.”
The veteran rocker reminded concertgoers that the following day marked the 250th anniversary of American independence, saying the milestone deserved recognition.
“I wanna tell you why I took a minute to talk about America, because if you’ve been asleep the last 250 years, tomorrow is America’s 250th birthday.”
Simmons then turned to the issue of immigration, arguing that the number of people who have entered the United States illegally reflects the country’s appeal.
“This is the greatest country,” he said. “That’s why we’ve had anywhere from 20 million to 30 million illegal immigrants. Why? ‘Cause they are willing to break the law and come into the greatest country on the face of the planet, right here.”
Born in Israel, Simmons immigrated to the United States as a child and has often spoken about the opportunities America provided his family. During Friday’s performance, he contrasted his own experience with those who enter the country unlawfully.
“I myself am an immigrant, but a legal one,” Simmons said. “I came through the lawful way. You wait in line, you respect the country, you respect its laws, and then you become a citizen of the United States of America.”
The comments drew applause from the audience as Simmons continued discussing his plans for Independence Day.
He told the crowd he had been invited to Washington, D.C., to participate in events commemorating the nation’s 250th birthday.
“I’m honored to say I’ve gotta get up at 3:30 this morning to catch a 5:00 a.m. flight because I’ve been asked by the White House to narrate the World War II Veterans honors in America’s 250th birthday tomorrow in Washington, D.C.,” he said.
Before returning to the music, Simmons shifted his focus to military veterans, thanking those who have served and emphasizing the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces.
“Politicians talk the talk but veterans put their lives out there,” he told the audience. “All gave some, some gave all. Don’t forget.”
He concluded with a blunt message directed at critics of the United States.
“And if you don’t like America, please go back to where you fucking came from.”
Simmons has long been outspoken in his appreciation for the United States, frequently describing America as the country that gave his family opportunities they would not have had elsewhere. His remarks at Summerfest echoed themes he has returned to throughout his career: gratitude for legal immigration, admiration for the country’s founding ideals, and respect for those who have served in the military.
The appearance also came months after Simmons was recognized at the Kennedy Center. In December, President Donald Trump presented the musician, a member of the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors class, with a newly designed gold medallion during the ceremony.
