OTTAWA — For KISS rocker Gene Simmons it was probably tame, but for parliamentary officials, it was probably the wildest tour they’ve ever given.
While in Ottawa for Bluesfest, Simmons and his partner Shannon Tweed were given a semi-private tour of the House of Commons, parliamentary library and Senate.
Nepean-Carleton MP Pierre Poilievere gave the couple the abridged Canadian civics lesson as they walked the halls. The pair seemed genuinely impressed with the library and works gathering dust on the shelves — including an original copy of every speech given in the House.
During a pause the St. John’s, Nfld.,-born Tweed was asked if the library included a copy of her book, “Kiss and Tell.”
“I don’t think so,” Tweed replied with a smile.
Moving on with their guide, the group was taken to the Senate where the famous couple were greeted by a couple of senators.
“Can you fire them?” Tweed asked.
As Simmons and Tweed walked the Senate, the former Playboy Playmate took a break and sat down in the Speaker’s chair.
She was told not to sit on the red velvet chairs behind: those are only for the Queen and her consort.
Tweed then said that the couple had recently filed Canadian citizenship papers for their grown children, Nick and Sophie.
But it was outside the Senate where Simmons provided the biggest laugh of the day.
A member of the media asked Tweed what she thought about Ottawa city council snubbing her when they reversed a decision to declare July 15 Shannon Tweed Day.“ ”
“It’s going to be Shannon Tweed Day back at the hotel,” she said.
Simmons was asked for his response.
“Not everyone liked Jesus either,” he said.