In a 2013 interview with Team Rock Radio, Simmons shared his belief that rock icons were a thing of the past and that nothing beyond the 1980s has had a profile or lasting impact on future generations.

As for Nirvana's legacy, Simmons said, "Kurt Cobain - no, that's one or two records, that's not enough. Amy Winehouse - that's one or two records, that's not enough. What, just 'cause you died that makes you an icon? No, no."

Now, in a newly-published Esquire interview with his son, Nick Simmons, the 65-year-old repeats - verbatim - much of his philosophy about rock icons and says the Seattle group are the only act in the past 20 years to have a lasting impact. "Nirvana. That's about it. They are the notable exception," commented Gene.