The Untold Story: 5 Shocking Secrets About Cher And Gene Simmons' Wild Romance

Yes, Cher and Gene Simmons had a passionate, two-year relationship in the late 1970s that remains one of Hollywood’s most surprising pairings. The rock goddess and the KISS bassist were a genuine item, and new details about their unconventional romance continue to emerge, most recently from Cher's own perspective. As of December 12, 2025, the freshest insights come directly from Cher’s memoir, *Cher: The Memoir, Part One*, which paints a vivid picture of their time together, revealing everything from Gene’s secret life without the "Demon" makeup to the scandalous affair that ultimately ended their love story. Their relationship was a fascinating collision of two of the biggest names in music: the glamorous "Goddess of Pop" and the theatrical hard-rock icon. The connection was deep enough that Cher once called it "the best relationship I've ever had with a man." This article dives into the timeline, the secrets, and the dramatic end of the legendary romance between Cherilyn Sarkisian and Chaim Witz.

Cher and Gene Simmons: A Dual Biography Profile

To truly understand the dynamic of this power couple, it helps to look at the vastly different worlds they came from. They were two self-made superstars who met at the height of their fame, blending pop and rock royalty.

Cher (Cherilyn Sarkisian)

• Born: May 20, 1946, El Centro, California, U.S.
• Real Name: Cherilyn Sarkisian La Pierre.
• Occupation: Singer, Actress, Television Personality, Director, Record Producer, Songwriter.
• Nickname: The Goddess of Pop.
• Career Highlights: One half of the iconic duo Sonny & Cher; Oscar winner for *Moonstruck*; Grammy winner; one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
• Relationship Context (at the time): Began dating Simmons after her split from second husband, Gregg Allman, in 1979 (though some sources cite a start in 1977).

Gene Simmons (Chaim Witz)

• Born: August 25, 1949, Haifa, Israel.
• Real Name: Chaim Witz.
• Occupation: Musician, Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Entrepreneur.
• Stage Persona: "The Demon."
• Career Highlights: Co-founder, bassist, and co-lead singer of the legendary hard rock band KISS.
• Relationship Context (at the time): Simmons was known for his rock-and-roll lifestyle and had not yet settled down with his long-time partner, Shannon Tweed.

The Timeline of Cher and Gene Simmons' Relationship

The relationship between Cher and Gene Simmons spanned approximately two years, generally cited as 1977 to 1979. Their initial meeting was sparked by Cher's son, Chaz Bono, who was a massive KISS fan and begged his mother to get him an introduction.

The two first met at a fundraiser for then-California governor Jerry Brown in 1978. Despite their unconventional pairing, the attraction was immediate. Cher was drawn to Simmons’ intelligence and humor, qualities often overshadowed by his on-stage persona.

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The romance quickly heated up. In a detail revealed in her recent memoir, Cher recounted a memorable first date that involved Simmons professing his love. The declaration came after a less-than-glamorous evening, leading to a two-year romance that defied public expectations.

During their time together, Simmons was a constant presence in Cher’s life, even being declared by her official fan club as her first love. The two were often photographed together, looking like the ultimate rock-and-roll couple, though Cher has described the relationship as "nontraditional."

5 Shocking Secrets Revealed About Their Wild Romance

The enduring fascination with Cher and Gene Simmons stems from the surprising secrets and intimate details that have only recently come to light, primarily through Cher’s candid memoir. These revelations offer a fresh perspective on the private lives of two public figures.

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1. Gene Simmons Was a Master of Disguise

One of the most amusing details Cher shared was how the KISS rocker would go incognito when they dated. Gene Simmons' stage look—the iconic "Demon" makeup, heavy boots, and outlandish costumes—made him instantly recognizable. To enjoy a normal life with Cher, he had to ditch the rock-star theatrics.

In her memoir, Cher revealed that Simmons looked completely different without his signature makeup, allowing them to move around relatively unnoticed. This ability to shed his rock persona was a key part of their private life together, a stark contrast to his public image.

2. He Said "I Love You" on the First Date

Cher recounted a "horror first date" that nonetheless ended with a profound declaration. Despite any initial awkwardness or unexpected turns, Simmons told the legendary singer that he loved her after just one date. This bold, uncharacteristic move from the notoriously guarded rock star apparently worked, establishing an intense connection that lasted for years.

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3. Cher Called It Her "Best Relationship"

Despite the eventual, dramatic breakup, Cher spoke highly of her time with the KISS bassist. In a 1979 interview with *People*, Cher stated that her time with Simmons was "the best relationship I've ever had with a man." This quote speaks volumes about the depth of their connection, especially considering her high-profile marriages to Sonny Bono and Gregg Allman.

4. The Relationship Was "Nontraditional"

Cher has been open about the unique nature of their bond. She described the relationship as "nontraditional," suggesting it didn't follow typical celebrity dating rules. This likely refers to the freedom and understanding they shared, which may have allowed Simmons to maintain aspects of his rock-and-roll lifestyle, even if it eventually led to their demise.

5. Gene Simmons Cheated with Cher's Friend, Diana Ross

The most scandalous revelation and the definitive reason for the breakup was Gene Simmons’ infidelity with another music legend: Diana Ross. Cher and Diana Ross were friends at the time, making the betrayal even more dramatic.

The story goes that Cher found out when Simmons went Christmas shopping with Ross. Simmons himself has openly discussed the simultaneous relationships, admitting to dating both Cher and Diana Ross around 1979. The affair with Diana Ross was the final curtain call for the Cher and Gene Simmons romance, cementing its place in rock-and-roll history as a shocking love triangle.

The Enduring Legacy of the Rock-Pop Pairing

While the relationship ended nearly five decades ago, the pairing of Cher and Gene Simmons remains a popular topic, continually resurfacing with every new interview or memoir. The fact that two seemingly opposite cultural icons could share such a deep, two-year romance is a testament to the unpredictable nature of celebrity love in the 1970s.

Today, Cher continues her legendary career as the "Goddess of Pop." Gene Simmons is famously married to actress and model Shannon Tweed, whom he began dating shortly after his split from Diana Ross. The story of Cher and Gene Simmons is a classic piece of rock-and-roll folklore, a wild chapter in the dating histories of two undeniable music titans.