Simmons: 'I'm bigger than Mickey Mouse'

Gene Simmons has claimed that his band is more famous than Mickey Mouse.

The bassist, who makes up rock group Kiss with Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, said that their famous black-and-white painted faces are the most famous "pop culture image" in history.

Simmons told The Daily Telegraph: "You don't know how big the image is. By some experts, it is believed to be the most recognised pop culture image on Earth - even above Mickey Mouse.

"You know, there's no U2 comic book, there's no Mick Jagger action figure. We have our own Visa card. You can go into Wal-Mart and get sweets with our faces on. We have a Dr Pepper soft drink campaign now. It's unbelievable!"