More about: Frank Turner

Frank Turner has wholeheartedly rejected Gene Simmons' assertion that rock is dead, telling Gigwise, "No Gene Simmons - your imagination is dead."

Speaking to Gigwise ahead of his 1,629th gig (yes, he keeps count) the singer said, of the notion that rock is on the decline: "It's journalists who've got nothing else to write about, plus fading rockstars who've run out of ideas, like Gene Simmons. 'Rock is dead' - no Gene Simmons, your imagination is dead. Which is a completely different thing."

Watch Gigwise's interview with Frank Turner in the video above

The singer also discussed the changing nature of the music industry thanks to the rise of the internet and online streaming. "We had a model in the music industry that was based on the albums being the profit generating item," he said, "and shows were essentially promotional. That model's been broken my the internet - I don't care about the model. I care that music gets made and it's accessible to everybody who wants it."

Turner released his first book, The Road Beneath My Feet, last month. It consisted of tour diaries and travel memories, as well as pictures and stories from fans. His currently untitled sixth album is set for release later this year.

Frank Turner is set to appear at Cambridge Folk Festival on 31 July, and Reading and Leeds, which takes place between 28-30 August.

More about: Frank Turner