Gene Simmons of KISS called April 18th “a very sad day,” because of the passing of Dick Clark.

PICTURES: Inside Dick Clark’s Flintstone’s Style House

The rock icon, who doesn’t often wear his emotions on his sleeves, delivered an especially beautiful and poignant tribute to the legendary TV star:

“I first met the man backstage, when KISS was about to do his concert TV show in 1974. This was our first year out there, but by then, Dick Clark was already an icon.
He made it a point to come up to our small, cluttered dressing room, stretch out his arm, and say — ‘If there’s anything you need, just let me know. It’s a pleasure to have you here.’
And he smiled.
And I never forgot the kind gesture.
Since that day, because of him, I have tried to always offer a kind word to young talent starting out in their career.
Dick Clark made the world a better place.
He will be missed.”

 

Dick Clark was cremated on Friday and sources say the family is talking about having an “invitation only” memorial at one of Clark’s Malibu homes.