The Unconventional Love Story: 5 Shocking Secrets From Gene Simmons And Cher's 'Best Relationship'

The whirlwind 1970s romance between pop icon Cher and KISS rock legend Gene Simmons remains one of Hollywood’s most unconventional and fascinating pairings. While the relationship lasted only two years, from 1977 to 1979, its impact on both stars' lives—and their candid reflections decades later—continues to generate fresh headlines, particularly with the release of Cher’s new memoir, Cher: The Memoir, Part One, in late 2024. Their love story was a chaotic mix of rock-and-roll extravagance and surprisingly deep connection, with Cher herself recently calling it "the best relationship I've ever had with a human being."

In the current media landscape, where celebrity memoirs offer unprecedented access, new details about this unlikely power couple are constantly emerging, painting a picture of a relationship that was both non-monogamous and deeply affectionate. This deep dive explores the full timeline, the surprising confessions from both sides, and the dramatic reason why 'The Demon' and the Goddess of Pop ultimately went their separate ways.

The Complete Biography: Cher and Gene Simmons

To truly understand their dynamic, it’s essential to look at the two titans who came together during the height of the disco and rock era. They were two of the biggest, most recognizable figures in entertainment, each with a history of high-profile relationships and career defining moments.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

Cher (Cherilyn Sarkisian)

• Born: May 20, 1946, in El Centro, California.
• Real Name: Cherilyn Sarkisian.
• Career Highlights: Rose to fame as half of the folk-rock duo Sonny & Cher in the 1960s. She achieved multi-decade success as a solo recording artist with hits like "Believe" and "I Got You Babe." She is also an Oscar-winning actress for her role in the film Moonstruck.
• Notable Relationships: Married to Sonny Bono (1964–1975) and Gregg Allman (1975–1979). Her dating history includes Val Kilmer, Tom Cruise, and most recently, Alexander 'A.E.' Edwards.

Gene Simmons (Chaim Witz)

• Born: August 25, 1949, in Tirat Carmel, Israel.
• Real Name: Chaim Witz (later changed to Gene Klein upon immigrating to the US in 1958).
• Career Highlights: Co-founder, bassist, and co-lead singer of the legendary rock band KISS, known for his stage persona 'The Demon' and his iconic tongue-wagging antics. He is also a successful entrepreneur and master of merchandising.
• Notable Relationships: He met Shannon Tweed in 1983, with whom he had a 28-year non-marital relationship before finally marrying her in 2011. They have two children, Nick and Sophie.

The Unexpected Spark: How 'The Demon' Met the Goddess of Pop

The relationship began around 1977 or 1978, shortly after Cher's tumultuous second marriage to Gregg Allman had ended. The initial meeting was far from a typical rock-and-roll encounter. The two stars crossed paths at a fundraiser for then-California governor Jerry Brown.

A surprising element that catalyzed the romance was Cher's son, Chaz Bono, who was a massive fan of KISS. Chaz reportedly begged his mother to get him a meeting with the band, which led to the introduction between Cher and Simmons. What started as a casual meeting quickly developed into a serious romance, despite the vastly different public images of the two stars—the theatrical, fire-breathing rocker and the glamorous, soulful singer-actress.

Simmons, known for his outlandish stage presence, was reportedly quite different in private. Cher revealed in her memoir that Simmons was hesitant to appear in public as his private self, often struggling with the transition from 'The Demon' persona to Gene Klein. This private struggle to balance his rock star image with his personal life was a unique aspect of their time together.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

5 Shocking Details From Their Non-Monogamous Romance

While their relationship was brief, it was incredibly intense and left a lasting impression on both Cher and Simmons, leading to some surprising confessions that have only recently come to light.

1. Cher Called It Her 'Best Relationship'

Despite the drama that would later unfold, Cher has consistently spoken highly of Simmons. In a recent interview, she reaffirmed her memoir's sentiments, calling the KISS bassist "the best relationship I've ever had with a human being." This high praise is particularly notable considering her two marriages to Sonny Bono and Gregg Allman, and her subsequent high-profile romances. She cited Simmons’ kindness and genuine nature as the reasons for her deep affection.

2. Simmons Declared Cher His 'First Love'

The feeling was clearly mutual. Gene Simmons has frequently echoed Cher's sentiments, calling her his "first love." He has publicly described Cher as an "untainted soul who has never done anything bad," marveling at her character and spirit. This vulnerable confession from the famously boastful rocker highlights the sincerity of their connection, suggesting a depth rarely seen in his other public relationships.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

3. The Relationship Was Open and Non-Monogamous

A key detail that explains the dynamic of their romance is that it was not strictly monogamous. Cher herself admitted that she and Simmons were going through a period of being "not totally monogamous" during their time together. This unconventional arrangement was perhaps a sign of the free-spirited nature of the late 1970s celebrity dating scene, and it also set the stage for the dramatic end of their coupling.

4. Gene Simmons Confessed His Love Over the Phone

In her memoir, Cher recounts a specific, tender moment where Simmons professed his love. Following an incident where she had to call him to apologize for a friend who was interested in him, Simmons blurted out that he loved her. Cher writes that they shared a moment of deep connection, solidifying the emotional bond between the two stars outside of the rock-and-roll spotlight.

5. The Affair That Ended Everything: Diana Ross

The end of the relationship came in 1979, and it involved another legendary music figure: Diana Ross. The story, which has been corroborated by multiple sources, suggests that Simmons was caught Christmas shopping with Diana Ross. Cher discovered the betrayal, and while their relationship was already non-monogamous, the public nature of the affair with Ross was the final straw. It’s a classic Hollywood love triangle that has been recounted by both Simmons and Cher in recent years, cementing its place in celebrity lore.

The Lasting Legacy and Current Relationships

Despite the dramatic breakup, both Gene Simmons and Cher have maintained a mutual respect and fondness for one another. Their brief but intense romance served as a significant chapter in both of their lives, leading them to their respective long-term partners.

For Gene Simmons, the relationship with Cher preceded his decades-long partnership with actress and former Playboy Playmate Shannon Tweed. Simmons and Tweed began dating in 1983 and finally married in 2011, a relationship that has been extensively documented on their reality show, Gene Simmons Family Jewels.

Cher, meanwhile, has continued her extraordinary career and has remained a fixture in the dating world. She has been in a high-profile relationship with music executive Alexander 'A.E.' Edwards, showcasing her timeless appeal and dedication to living life on her own terms. The fact that both stars are still asked about their time together decades later—and continue to speak fondly of it—is a testament to the unique and genuine connection they shared during those few electric years in the late 1970s. Their story proves that even the most unconventional relationships can leave the most cherished memories.