Tobias Forge, the frontman of Ghost, has responded to Gene Simmons’ controversial view that “rock is dead,” asserting that the genre will continue to see the emergence of new talent. Simmons, the iconic KISS bassist, has long expressed his belief that the music industry no longer produces major rock artists, a sentiment he has revisited multiple times since 2014. He often points to a supposed lack of support from record labels for rock musicians and criticizes younger music fans for not valuing the genre as previous generations did.
In recent interviews, Simmons lamented the absence of significant new figures in rock music over the past four decades, famously questioning, “Who are the new Beatles?”
Countering these claims, Forge offered a more optimistic perspective during an interview with Consequence, stating that while the number of emerging headlining rock bands has been limited, he believes the potential for new talent is still very much alive. “I understand that it’s been sparse, but I think that with the unfortunate disappearance of a lot of bands that I like – KISS being one of them – I do believe that over time, more headlining rock bands will emerge,” he said.
Forge pointed out that several newer bands have rapidly gained popularity, suggesting a shift in the music landscape. He suggested that the perception of some music as “old” versus “new” might stem from age and how different generations categorize music.
Earlier this year, Forge stated in an NME interview that Ghost is proof that rock is not dead, highlighting the band’s recent success alongside others like Sleep Token as examples of new rock bands thriving in the current music scene. His comments come on the heels of Ghost’s sixth album, “Skeletá,” released in April, which received praise for its depth and innovation, marking a new chapter for the band.
This exchange between Forge and Simmons underscores an ongoing debate within the music community regarding the vitality of rock music and the pathways to success for modern artists. As much as some may argue about the genre’s decline, the emergence of new bands and changing musical tastes suggest a different narrative, one filled with potential and possibilities for the future of rock.