now on bbc news, it's hardtalk with sarah montague. welcome to hardtalk. i'm sarah montague.

i am sarah montague.here aren't many people who are recognisable only from their make—up, but mention a zig—zag of black flames around the eyes painted on a white face, and millions of people around the world will know you are talking about the frontman of the rock band, kiss. take away the makeup and you have gene simmons, a man so canny about business that he realised he could make more money from marketing the kiss brand than from selling records. his famously long tongue has also proved a loose one. he is frequently invited on chat shows and revels in scandalising his critics. but is that also all part of the act? gene simmons, welcome to hardtalk. thank you. wonderful being here. is it all front with you, promoting an image and a brand through both your music and your opinions? well, i mean, i think it's fair to say we all wake up and stand in front of a mirror and try to see how the rest of the world sees us. if your own shakespeare says "the whole world's a stage" then we're alljust players. i mean

now on bbc news, it's time for hardtalk with sarah montague.