Clearly, Terry Gross got defensive, rather early on in the interview, and it threw her off her game. She is a masterful interviewer, no doubt, but she stumbled on this one, and has said as much. He baited her on several occasions, she failed to listen on others, and then she was overly confrontational. Granted, she was justified in her assertiveness most of the time, but as the interview continued, it seemed like he had truly gotten under her skin and that she was taking things personally.

On the other side of things, Gene Simmons comes across as having some issues with NPR in general, and what NPR apparently represents to him. He was overly confrontational too, way more so than Terry, and switched gears so fast between his persona and what seems like his genuine self, it made it difficult to follow. One minute he would say something pretty thoughtful, or interesting at least, and the next, he would say something completely confrontational and volatile, seemingly just for the sake of saying it. It was a little much, even for an over-the-top rock star.

The internet never forgets.

(btw – #1 google result for "Gene Simmons fresh air interview")

Simply put, he is obviously intimidated by a woman who is intelligent. To him, “gymnasium” is a big word. He makes fun of another NPR personality, and ignores the fact that he also sounds stuffy and pedantic (watch out Gene,that’s a big word!).

I agree with Travelheaven: What a sexist twit! He sounded, IMHO, like the single, spoiled child who sees his mother as the only woman worth loving and the only intelligent woman deserving respect. I’ve met men like that before. The have believed everything their over protective loving mothers told them. I’ll give him credit though, Gene did make something of himself, even if it is a bit of a clown on his TV show.

Do you think this guy got all his money by being stupid? So you were insulted by the things he said? What did you think he was going to say? He’s Gene Simmons!…. He only has to answer to his God, his children, and probably somewhat to Shannon Tweed, although she isn’t his wife….

I kind of respect that he didn’t marry her knowing he couldn’t (or wouldn’t) be faithful to her…..

He didn’t lie to her, he doesn’t lie about who he is, and I kind of respect that! Is he a pompous jerk? Yeah, probably….. but at least he isn’t a LYING, pompous jerk….

If you don’t want this type of man in your life, then DON’T MARRY A ROCKSTAR….

This interviewer was horrible…. she let him get to her, and she fell right into his trap… he flustered the hell out of her, it was funny to listen to.