Kiss frontman Gene Simmons says music can save a child’s life, get them off the streets

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Gene Simmons says music can save a child’s life.

The Kiss front man was in South Dakota on Saturday for concerts for this week’s grand opening of a music academy for the Boys & Girls Clubs in Sioux Falls.

Simmons’ appearance at the event was a surprise. Simmons says he wanted to show his support for the academy.

He says music has the ability to get kids off the street and make a positive impact on their lives. He says anything having to do with music — from learning to play an instrument to singing karaoke — is self-empowering and teaches people skills.

The four upstairs rehearsal rooms in the academy honour Kiss, with each decorated as an homage to the Demon, the Starchild, the Catman and the Spaceman.