CNW Group/Invictus MD StrategiesKISS‘ Gene Simmons is known for abstaining from drugs and alcohol, but the long-tongued rock legend has just been named the “chief evangelist officer” of Invictus MD Strategies Corporation, a Canadian cannabis company. As part of his new job, Simmons will use his branding and marketing expertise to help raise public awareness about the products the company is planning to introduce if Canada goes forward with its expected legalization of marijuana this year.
Among Simmons’ responsibilities will be marketing consultation, media spokesman and taking part in various corporate events.
“Gene Simmons is a branding and merchandising genius, who not only created one of the most iconic bands of all time but has spent decades building successful brands internationally in various industries,” says Invitus CEO Dan Kriznic. “Gene will lead marketing initiatives that will help spread the positive messages that dwell at the heart of Invictus in accordance with the strict regulations of Health Canada’s Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations, the Food and Drugs Act and the Narcotic Control Regulations.”
In other news, Simmons has written a new book titled 27: The Legend and Mythology of the 27 Club that’s scheduled to be published on August 14. The book looks at the slew of famous musicians who have passed away at the age of 27, among them The Rolling Stones‘ Brian Jones, The Doors‘ Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse.
In addition to profiling the various artists, Simmons looks at the often-decadent rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle that led to many of their deaths, and delves into why people are fascinated by stars who die young.
Meanwhile, Simmons has a number of North American solo concerts lined up to promote his massive Vault Experience compilation. Here they are:
5/2 — Clear Lake, Iowa, Surf Ballroom
5/3 — St. Charles, IL, Aracade Theater
5/4 — Fort Wayne, Indina, Foellinger Theatre
8/10 — Grand Forks, BC, Canada, Cannafest – James Donaldson Park
8/25 — St-Joseph-de-Beauce, QC, Canada, Acceleration de Camion St-Joseph
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