The name Gene Simmons refers to two artists: the rock-icon and member of the rock band KISS, and an American rockabilly artist. For the rockabilly artist, see also Jumpin' Gene Simmons. The rock icon Gene Simmons (born Chaim Klein Witz on August 25, 1949 in Haifa, Israel) is the performer and entertainment mogul best known as "The Demon"- his blood spitting, fire breathing, tongue-wagging persona in the rock band KISS. His parents are Jews originally from Hungary, having fled the carnage of World War II to seek refuge in Israel.