As I have said consistently since the announcement that Kiss will be going into the HOF, now is when much of the discussion and negotiation on what goes down starts to happen. You have what Ace and Peter want, what Gene & Paul want, and what the HOF itself wants to happen, and somewhere it all needs to be worked out. With the holidays behind us expect info to come out as we get closer to the date and the various parties talk. There is already some very differing information coming out now as a matter of fact. If you listen to my interview with Ace (now on my home page for all to hear), it is clear he would like the original band to be featured since they are the members actually being inducted. Speaking of that, there has been much debate since the announcement on even this topic. The HOF makes that call and they decided the founding members only. That’s what I was told by several people who actually have votes. That could also be an issue on how this goes down and something being discussed internally. My view on it personally is if it isn’t just the original band, then it should be ALL the people that have been a part of it. But everyone has consistently told me, including voters, it is only the original four actually being inducted. That does not mean however that others from the bands history won’t be there and won’t even potentially be involved as was the case with Heart and others. Ace also stated in the interview with me the HOF wanted the band in makeup which he was open to. Both Peter and Ace said they spoke with Gene and Paul and vibes were good before the holidays. Ace expressed concern in my interview about how the current band would be represented vs him and Peter who are actually being honored. Ace’s concern is also likely fueled by a VH1 Rock Honors event in 2006 where he was in the strange position of not being allowed to play with Kiss, while Tommy did dressed as him. Ace played with the tribute band that night to Kiss.
Last night Paul Stanley’s twitter account showed a glimpse into the very different views about what will and won’t go down and the issues that still need to be worked through. You can check the feed for yourself @paulstanleylive When asked last night if the original band would play together at the HOF his response is “seems unlikely”. When asked if he thinks working with Ace & Peter would be better now that both are sober he responded “No”. When asked if he would wear makeup with Ace & Peter he responded “No way”.
This is clearly a shift in what fans thought and were hoping for and what Ace and Peter mentioned. It also points to the various egos, posturing and control issues that could turn something the fans have wanted for 15 years into a train wreck! Paul’s answers do not surprise me at all. For Gene and Paul this puts them in a tough spot having to reconnect with members they’d prefer not to deal with no doubt, and who they have spent the last 10 years trying to recreate in the current band. Quite frankly coming out with the original band once again in makeup opens up a huge can of worms with fans that they have been trying to keep a lid on for a decade. It does not work with what they are currently trying to sell so well. And make no mistake, like it or not, they know seeing the original four in makeup again would be HUGE for fans and put a dent in what they have been selling to fans; that it doesn’t matter so much who’s behind the makeup. So you can already see how some of this is playing out. Gene & Paul on one side trying to protect the current Kiss and not go down reunion road again, and Ace & Peter wanting to be sure their night being inducted pays tribute to them, and not other versions of the band not being inducted. Nobody wearing makeup would take away some of the confusion as to who is who, but as per Ace the HOF really wanted the band in costume.
I understand Gene & Paul wanting to protect their current business model. Trust me, they know and have seen first hand the avalanche a reunion, even for a few hours, with Ace & Peter will cause (MTV Unplugged). It would be nice to think for one night the fans could celebrate the original bands induction with all of them working together for a few hours. Then bring up everyone from KISStory at the end for a jam or something. But I suspect this has many twists and turns still to come and Paul’s tweets last night give just a little peak into how this could unfortunately get very messy. If you are planning on buying tickets to this to see a Kiss reunion even for a couple songs as many have told me, I would seriously hold off. Looks like much still to be decided and as per Paul’s verified Twitter account it doesn’t sound promising at the moment. Listen to the interview with Ace I did a couple weeks ago, then read Paul’s tweets last night. This isn’t me stirring the pot or with any inside information. Just doesn’t take a genius to see there are some very different opinions as to how this should go down already. We shall see…I’m sure much more as we go.
294 Responses
As much as Vinnie Vincent was a pain in the rear to Gene and Paul, he deserves to inducted ALONG with Eric Carr and Bruce Kulick for certain! They were all HUGELY integral to KISStory.
Right on Man! I agree with that.
i think its either Paul trying to throw out some smoke and mirrors OR he really really dislike Peter and Ace no matter what…Eddie if thats the case why do you think he dislikes them so much, even more than Gene?
Could it be that he’s so pissed at no matter how much he’s trying to push this new version of the group the majority of the fans don’t care and only acknowledge Peter and Ace as the only true other 2 members (and maybe Eric Carr) ?
I think it is very simple. as I stated, it opens a can of worms and damages what they have been trying to sell the last 10 years. Simply MY opinion on it.
Eddie, any chance in getting Vinnie Vincent or Loretta Carovello on TMS at some point? Just a thought.
Love to have Vinnie. VH1C would likely never have a non band member. They approve all guests
Ed,
Both Ace and Peter did the show and they are not in any current bands. I think Vinnie, as goofy as he is, would really give people an insight as to what it was like writing songs with KISS. Vinnie is such an important part of KISStory for the mere fact he wrote most of the better songs on Lick it Up, Creatures and Revenge. He also had success with the VVI. Those 2 cps still kick ass today. I wish you would reach out to him and see if you can get him on your radio show. I bet he would provide great insight as to what is going on right now with the RRHOF.
I would LOVE to have him on. But he is a recluse and have had no luck reaching him
Ed…Vinnie is the guest I want to see most!
This is only my opinion and personal desire. I don’t want to be sued…lol. I have been a KISS fan since I was 13 in 1974 after looking through albums and seeing the hotter than hell LP. Bought the album because of the cover and song titles alone…not knowing what I would hear. “Got to choose” is still my favorite KISS song (funny how that works). If the music had sucked, I would’ve never bought another…but it didn’t. That is why KISS survived. There was always more than the show. That has taken a long time for some to see. It is the four original guys who built that foundation. That’s obviously how the hall feels also. I’m sure Eric and Tommy would even say O.K. and sit this one out, happy to be in KISS and now a hall of fame band. My scenario? Original four play H.O.F in makeup. Announce full show at the venue the following day or so (if available) with ACE and Peter. Watch ticket sales rise. Take money and go separate ways and call it a day, ending on a high note. ACE will get a boost for his new record deal and KISS can go on as usual, banking on the spectical and new generations of kids discovering the band. No harm done as I see it. If people don’t know who’s in the band at this point it’s there own damn fault. ALICE did it the right way. KISS should too.
Eddie, please stop with these self serving blogs about Kiss and the Hall of Fame. If you really had anything to do with it wouldn’t they have gotten in last year? What changed this year? Did you get Jim Rice finally elected to the baseball Hall of Fame too? And I don’t know if you know this or not but Richie Kotzen played with Billy Sheehan in Mr Big. I don’t think he needed you to get the gig.
When did I ever say I had anything to do with it??? Self serving? Uh no, I’m in the world of music media and this is what I do. Kind of like a sports host would be talking about a sports event? Oh, and Billy himself said he totally forgot about Richie and has given me credit for the idea in every interview. Didn’t ask for that, BILLY DID IT! Sorry all this doesn’t work for whatever agenda you have but if you don’t want dialogue debate and info about things going on in rock kindly stop reading, watching and listening. Its very easy…
Eddie, Jesus Christ, can you stop giving yourself credit for two seconds? If someone gives you credit for something, let laying dogs lie and leave it be instead of reminding everyone someone gave you credit for something. You should be a trumpet player, you toot your own horn more than anyone I’ve ever seen in my life. I think five people should go up for the Kiss HOF induction, the four original members and you, all with a set of matching egos of monumental proportions. You’re an accomplished guy, you’ve had great success, we know. I didn’t care to hear you formed the winery dogs. Another example of blowing into the horn (I’ve been listening to you on and off for many years and enjoy your show but you are a big ego guy, always have been).
Really? A big ego guy?? I know, that’s why I hung out with everyone not in the VIP at my party and countless people tell me every day of the positive experience when they meet me, or I take the time from my high up throne to actually engage with people here and other places. I am so full of myself! Sad when people are jealous and can’t be okay with someone doing well and must find ways to try and tear them down. So sorry The Winery Dogs mentioned me in interviews and I am proud of music I love and a band I have helped. What is wrong with me? I must tell all bands and artists to please stop acknowledging me immediately to make you feel better. You are the same guy that says “he’s a name dropper”. Really? Then how the hell do you relay a story without saying the person it involved! Clueless. Now let me go back to my throne and have someone feed me grapes and let my assistants take over responding to people..
Eddie, I would be willing to fan you with a giant palm leaf, it you like, sir!
Too funny! Thanks. I’m such an egomaniac haha!
Good one, Ed! I know how you feel. I get this same kind of crap on occasion. As a Media person, I get to meet, interview, and sometimes befriend the artists and personalities we all see performing on the big stage. Unfortunately, some people can’t handle that. They think “what’s so special about HIM?” (meaning me), and deep down, they are just jealous. Like you, I just do my thing, and don’t lose any sleep at night because I happen to have some famous friends, and we have a good time hanging on/off camera. Essentially, the naysayer’s rants come from a place of jealousy and insecurity. Those feelings lead them to project onto you or me (and probably others like us) a lot of negativity. So be it, because, as you stated, the vast majority of our interactions with both famous artists and fans of our shows is extremely positive, and, really, that’s all that matters. If someone has positive feedback, or even constructive criticism, I welcome that. Naysayers and jealous types can go to the back of the line. For those who can’t handle others success or notoriety, please just let it go, or start your own thing. Otherwise, pipe down.
I can truthfully testify to everyone here that Eddie is a kind and generous cat, who has worked hard in the biz for over 30 years, and so yeah, he’s got some friends and has had some influence in the Biz. Get over it. If you can’t hang, then find something else to do. We’re busy having a good time.
Now, as far as this KISS/RRHOF thing, if G&P don’t relent, it will finally be the death-knell of KISS. I’m fine with them continuing on without ACE & Peter, but it’s time to acknowledge who made all of what KISS is now.
I can attest Eddie was sitting in with the audience at the Sammy Hagar concert in South Fla when he could have been sitting on side of stage on a nice comfortable couch with Jason Bonham and Sammy’s wife along with Michael Anthony. So that should show people a side of Eddie that he is for the music first and just not trying to be Mr. Popular.
Thanks and yes, I was hanging with everyone as I usually do.
IMHO. Eddie is the biggest KISS fan in the world who has an outlet to reach millions of people In a matter of moments. It is impossible to gauge how instrumental Eddie was in making this accomplishment happen for KISS, but I am sure he made a huge impact on the HOF decision. As a lifelong fan of the band who takes pride in my knowledge of all things KISS, I would have been clueless if not for Eddie.
Fans finally had a chance to vote this year, that is how KISS got in. They had the most votes of the potential inductees. Eddie pushed hard for this.
Sorry but the fan vote has very little impact, not what pushed them in finally.
Oh, well they’re THERE, finally! However it happened.