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5 Shocking Revelations About Cher And Gene Simmons’ 'Best Relationship' (According To Her New Memoir)

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The legendary romance between the Goddess of Pop, Cher, and KISS's "The Demon," Gene Simmons, remains one of the most unexpected and fascinating celebrity pairings of the 1970s. Despite their vastly different public personas—Cher, the Oscar-winning actress and musical icon; Simmons, the fire-breathing, tongue-wagging rock star—their three-year relationship was, according to Cher herself, "the best relationship I've ever had with a human being." This article, updated with details from late 2024, explores the deeper, non-traditional connection between the two stars, drawing heavily from Cher’s candid new book, *Cher: The Memoir, Part One*. This unexpected rock-and-roll love story began in 1977, shortly after Cher's tumultuous marriage to Southern Rock icon Gregg Allman had officially ended. The relationship with Simmons was a period of "liberated love" for the singer, contrasting sharply with her previous high-profile marriages. The story of how the KISS bassist and the "Believe" hitmaker connected, the unusual rules they lived by, and the dramatic way it ended with a third celebrity, has only recently been fully detailed by Cher, providing a fresh look at a classic Hollywood tale.

The Profiles: Cher and Gene Simmons at a Glance

The coupling of Cher and Gene Simmons brought together two of the most recognizable and enduring figures in the entertainment world. Their relationship began when both were at pivotal points in their careers, making the dynamic between them a clash of rock-and-roll excess and pop sensibility.

Cher (Cherilyn Sarkisian)

  • Born: May 20, 1946 (currently 79 years old as of 2025)
  • Occupation: Singer, Actress, Television Host, Director, Record Producer
  • Key Relationships: Sonny Bono (m. 1964–1975), David Geffen (dated, 1973–1974), Gregg Allman (m. 1975–1979), Gene Simmons (dated, 1977–1980)
  • Notable Works: "Believe," "If I Could Turn Back Time," *Moonstruck*, *Silkwood*
  • Awards: Academy Award, Grammy Award, Emmy Award, Golden Globe Award

Gene Simmons (Chaim Witz)

  • Born: August 25, 1949 (currently 75 years old as of 2025)
  • Occupation: Musician, Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Entrepreneur
  • Key Relationships: Cher (dated, 1977–1980), Diana Ross (dated, 1980), Shannon Tweed (m. 2011, together since 1983)
  • Band: KISS (Co-founder, bassist, co-lead vocalist)
  • Persona: The Demon
  • Notable Works: "Rock and Roll All Nite," "Detroit Rock City," "I Was Made for Lovin' You," Solo Album (*Gene Simmons*, 1978)

The Non-Traditional Love: A Liberated 1970s Romance

The spark between the "Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves" singer and the KISS bassist ignited in 1977 at a reception for then-California Governor Jerry Brown. Cher’s son, Chaz Bono, a huge fan of KISS, was the initial catalyst, begging his mother to get the band’s autograph. What followed was a three-year affair characterized by deep affection, mutual respect, and a surprising level of acceptance for the era.

1. The First-Date Love Confession

One of the most surprising details Cher reveals in *Cher: The Memoir, Part One* is the speed and intensity of Simmons' feelings. According to the pop legend, the "Detroit Rock City" singer professed his love for her after their very first date. This bold, immediate declaration of devotion from the man known as "The Demon" was a move that clearly resonated with Cher, setting the stage for a relationship she would later describe in a 1979 *People* interview as her best.

2. Cher Was Okay with Non-Monogamy

Perhaps the most unconventional aspect of their romance was its non-traditional, non-monogamous nature. Cher was going through a "very liberated phase" at the time, and she openly admitted that she was comfortable with Simmons "fooling around on tour." While this arrangement might seem shocking to some, it speaks to the unique understanding and freedom they shared. Cher’s acceptance of this arrangement allowed Simmons to maintain his rock-and-roll lifestyle while maintaining a deep, emotional connection with her in Los Angeles.

3. Gene Simmons' Secret 'Incognito' Look

During their time together, Gene Simmons was rarely seen in public without his signature "Demon" makeup and elaborate stage costumes. Cher's memoir offers a rare glimpse into how the rock star managed to go on dates and live a normal life. She revealed that when they went out, Simmons would simply go incognito, appearing without his iconic face paint and platform boots. This allowed them a degree of privacy that was nearly impossible for two stars of their magnitude, showing a softer, more private side to the man who would later become a reality TV star with Shannon Tweed.

The Dramatic End: Diana Ross and The Christmas Shopping Trip

The relationship, which lasted until around 1980, came to an abrupt end in a manner fit for a Hollywood script, involving a third superstar and a holiday shopping trip.

4. The Infamous Diana Ross Betrayal

The ultimate reason for the split was Gene Simmons' involvement with another major star: Diana Ross. Cher and Diana Ross were close friends at the time, making Simmons' betrayal particularly painful. The story goes that Simmons, who had been introduced to Ross by Cher, began a relationship with her. Cher’s relationship with Simmons ended when she discovered he had gone Christmas shopping with Diana Ross. This dramatic turn of events solidified the relationship's place in celebrity lore, proving that even a "liberated" romance has its limits.

5. Why They Never Married (Simmons' Perspective)

Despite the intense connection and Cher’s high praise for the relationship, marriage was never in the cards. Gene Simmons, who was later famously in a long-term relationship with Shannon Tweed for 28 years before finally marrying her in 2011, has been asked about his time with Cher. While there is no direct reaction to the *Memoir, Part One* (as of late 2024), Simmons has previously revealed his reasons for not marrying Cher. For Simmons, the idea of traditional marriage and family was a concept he avoided for decades, a choice he attributed to his own complicated upbringing. While he loved Cher, he was not ready for the commitment she eventually sought. In the decades since, both Cher and Gene Simmons have spoken highly of their time together, cementing the fact that their unique, non-monogamous 1970s romance was a genuine, albeit short-lived, source of happiness for both musical legends. The details from *Cher: The Memoir, Part One* serve as a powerful reminder that even the most outlandish celebrity pairings can hide a deeply human and surprisingly liberated love story.
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