In a new interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, John Corabi revealed that Gene Simmons wanted to sign one of his bands if they met one condition.
When asked about his earlier comments on Simmons’ interest in his band, Angora, the singer replied:
“The band that I was in when I moved from Philadelphia to L.A. was called Angora. Gene still comes up to me and he’ll go, ‘Mr. Corabi, Angora? Worst band name in history’ [Laughs]. He loved the band, but hated the name. He goes, ‘I’m going to change your name. We’re going to have to call you guys Eight Ball.’”
Simmons Loved Corabi’s Band
Corabi shared why Gene called it ‘Eight Ball’:
“I’m thinking [he’s talking about] the drug. ‘Wait, Gene, Eight Ball? Like a pool thing?’ He goes, ‘No, four guys, two balls each. Eight Ball.’ So I go, ‘Okay, whatever!’ But he just saw the band and he loved what we did.”
The musician also reflected on why the bassist couldn’t sign them at the time:
“Gene Simmons could walk in this room right now — I wrote a song called ‘Hey Operator’ — and still to this day, he will tell me, ‘Hey Operator,’ great song. Just an amazing song.’ He loved the band and he started Simmons Records and wanted to sign us. Unfortunately, something happened that soured him with our manager.”
Simmons Has Always Been A Supporter Of Corabi
There is a long-standing bond between Corabi and Simmons. In a 2018 chat with Columbus Calling, the vocalist talked about Gene’s support of him:
“Gene Simmons has always been a huge supporter of mine. Before The Scream, I was in a band called Angora and he wanted to sign that band to his label, Simmons Records. Gene’s pulled me over a few times and he told me years ago, even before I got in The Scream, he’s like, ‘Mr. Corabi, you’re going to be a star.’ Then when I got The Scream gig, he’s like, ‘Mr. Corabi, congratulations, you got your first record deal. Remember what I told you, you’re a star.’ And then when I got the Motley gig, I saw him again and he’s like, ‘Mr. Corabi, Gene Simmons is never wrong.’”
Corabi also had a chance to tour with Simmons when the Dead Daisies opened for KISS in 2014 during KISS’ Heroes Tour. In October 2014, they also joined KISS on their KISS Kruise. In 2015, they continued supporting KISS in their European and Australian tours.