Kiss bassist Gene Simmons has blamed music fans for the demise of the record industry.

Simmons, who declared that the industry was “dead”, said that digital-downloads and an increase in file-sharing was to blame.

“There is no record industry around so we're going to wait until everybody settles down and becomes civilised,” he said.

"As soon as the record industry pops its head up we'll record new material."

In an interview with the Daily Star newspaper, the band also defended their decision to stick to classic songs during their live performances.

"With any classic band that hits the road, the last thing you want to hear is their new songs," sing Paul Stanley said.

"Trends come, fashion comes. But we don't go away. We're like herpes."

(by Jason Gregory)