Rock legend Gene Simmons, best known as the face-painted frontman of KISS, is no stranger to bold opinions. But his latest comments on Generation Z have stirred both criticism and conversation, especially for those sensitive to generational stereotyping.

During an appearance on The HoneyDew Podcast (#347), Simmons took aim at what he described as Gen Z’s “entitled” attitude, questioning their work ethic and perceived expectations around money and social benefits.

“You’ve Gotta Do Something”: Simmons on Earning, Not Getting

Simmons began his comments by discussing how he raised his children—Nick and Sophie—without giving them money without effort.

“Neither [my son] Nick nor [my daughter] Sophie ever got — what is it called? — allowances, where you give your kids money for nothing,” Simmons said.

“No. You want money? You’ve gotta do something. Do this. I don’t know — mow the lawn, clean this, do that. Then you understand the value of it. And then you don’t have to say ‘thank you’. You don’t owe anybody money.”

This aligns with Simmons’ well-known stance on financial independence and self-reliance, themes he’s often emphasized in interviews, books, and speaking engagements.

“Generation F-cked Up”: Harsh Words for Modern Youth

Simmons didn’t stop at parenting philosophy—he launched into a broader critique of younger generations, especially Gen Z, though he initially mixed up the generational labels.

“The love of labor… If you can get that into the thick skulls of — what’s the new generation? Generation X? What is it? … Generation f-cked up,” he said.

“The entitled generation. ’Cause if you go through your whole life getting your palm greased, which used to mean you get money for nothing, when you turn 18 or 20, whenever it is that you’re on your own, you get entitled: ‘Hey, I deserve healthcare.’ No, actually, you don’t. ‘I deserve free living.’”

Though provocative, his words reflect a growing generational divide in the public discourse around entitlement, benefits, and personal responsibility.

Simmons’ Comments: Criticism or Classic Tough Love?

Gene Simmons’ message is consistent with his past views. He’s long championed capitalism, hustle culture, and personal accountability. In fact, he’s written extensively on how hard work—not handouts—is the key to success.

In the past, Simmons has said:

• “I have never believed in being given anything. Everything I’ve earned, I’ve worked for.”
• “Don’t wait for a savior—be your own boss.”

That said, calling an entire generation “f-cked up” understandably triggered backlash across social media. Critics argue that such statements oversimplify complex social and economic issues facing Gen Z, including:

• Skyrocketing housing costs
• Student debt burdens
• Job insecurity
• A broken healthcare system

While Simmons speaks from personal experience and old-school values, many feel that ignoring systemic challenges in favor of blunt generational labeling lacks empathy.

What Is Gen Z Actually Asking For?

Simmons’ assumption that Gen Z feels “entitled” to benefits like healthcare and housing raises larger questions:

• Is expecting basic healthcare a sign of entitlement, or is it a reflection of evolving societal norms?
• Is the desire for financial stability and work-life balance really laziness, or a response to decades of economic instability?

For context, Generation Z—those born roughly between 1997 and 2012—came of age during:

• The Great Recession
• The COVID-19 pandemic
• A time of massive student debt and cost-of-living increases

Their values reflect a pivot toward mental health, sustainability, and equity—qualities that clash with Simmons’ more traditional, capitalist ideals.

Why Simmons’ Comments Still Matter

Whether you agree with him or not, Gene Simmons represents a vocal group of older Americans who see shifting values as a threat to what they believe made them successful. His comments spark necessary discussions about:

• Intergenerational understanding
• Economic inequality
• The changing definition of success

Love him or hate him, Simmons’ remarks make one thing clear: the generational debate isn’t going away anytime soon.

Final Thoughts: Is Gene Simmons Out of Touch, or Just Unfiltered?

Gene Simmons has built a brand on being unapologetically blunt—and for many fans, that’s part of his enduring appeal. But as social, political, and economic landscapes evolve, his comments also remind us how easy it is to misunderstand younger generations when viewed through an outdated lens.

Simmons may think Gen Z is “entitled,” but many would argue they’re simply demanding a fairer, more compassionate world—not a free ride.