Kiss bassist Gene Simmons says he's sorry for saying people who are depressed should go ahead and kill themselves. Simmons created a storm for saying in an interview with SongFacts:

"I don't get along with anybody who's a drug addict and has a dark cloud over their head and sees themselves as a victim. Drug addicts and alcoholics are always: 'The world is a harsh place.' My mother was in a concentration camp in Nazi Germany. I don't want to hear f--- all about 'the world as a harsh place.' She gets up every day, smells the roses and loves life. And for a putz, 20-year-old kid to say, 'I'm depressed, I live in Seattle.' F--- you, then kill yourself."

Simmons posted an apology on his Facebook page Friday, explaining he made the comments on the "spur of the moment" and now recognizes they "were made without regard for those who truly suffer the struggles of depression."

"I sincerely apologize to those who were offended by my comments," he added. "I recognize that depression is very serious and very sad when it happens to anyone, especially loved ones."

Bandmate Nikki Sixx took Simmons to task for his remarks but then praised him for apologizing.

Simmons' remarks sparked a backlash that prompted several radio stations in Canada, Australia and New York to ban Kiss music. The hashtab #BanGene also surfaced on social media, Fox 411 reported.

RELATED STORIES
Australia Canada Facebook