Wow, just waking up after a very late night last night and seeing the incredible response to Ace’s announcement on my show last night that he and Peter are not being allowed to play with the original band being inducted by Gene and Paul. I was aware this was coming and have been a sounding board in many conversations with many different parties ever since the HOF was announced for Kiss. Nobody was going to say anything publicly because everyone had hoped an announcement like Ace made could be avoided and at least the original band could do a song or two. The news had to come from Ace or Peter when they were ready and Ace asked me last night if he could come on because he needed to let the fans know what they were dealing with before they purchased tickets to attend (they go on sale Monday). That’s why this happened somewhat last minute on my show late last night. Tons of fans were going to come from all over and pay God knows what to see the original band, the band being inducted. Now there is transparency as to what is going on and that there are no plans for a reunion that night. As a fellow Kiss fan and someone who has been extremely vocal about them getting into the HOF for years, I join the MANY really disappointed today. The comments section of my site has blown up about this as well as my social media. Everyone has their view here and all opinions welcome as always. My understanding is Peter will also be posting a statement soon on his site if not already and is in the same position as Ace.
A few things now that this news is out:
Gene and Paul had to know this was coming at some point. What is strange however is that Gene in his initial RS interview seemed open to playing. It was Paul who had a different take via Twitter. The word out there for a while now is Paul is calling the shots in Kiss world. Wonder how much internally they are on the same page on this? Especially with the fallout so far from fans?
Does Kiss play at all? Could be one solution to all of this. That nobody plays. That would likely maybe get Ace and Peter to at least attend. Would the HOF accept a tribute vs a Kiss performance? If current Kiss plays, as it looks now, this also puts Tommy and Eric in quite a spot. They take their orders from above but hard to imagine they would want to be in that spot. But who knows? They did it during VH1 Rock Honors, but this is much bigger and only original band going in.
I was contacted last night by the HOF producer Joel Gallen. He may come on the air with me at some point. He said the HOF position is that they are inducting the original 4 and that is who they would like to play. But the HOF will not dictate Kiss can not play if they are only willing to do it with the current band. Meaning they will accept current Kiss if that is all the owners of Kiss (Gene & Paul) are willing to do, but it is not their preference. He also said nothing was decided as to what will now happen with the Kiss performance and he was hoping maybe something could still be worked out. Seems unlikely at this point since this event is rapidly approaching, Ace and Peter would need time to reconnect and rehearse with Gene and Paul, and needless to say feelings are very bruised at the moment. My take is you will either see the current band or no version of Kiss play. Also will be interesting to see if the massive backlash from fans about no original performance pressures what happens now in some way.
I have read many comments saying Gene & Paul’s decision is ego driven. While that may play some role if you read previous posts here about this I have written I truly think it is more BUSINESS driven. When you spend over ten years selling the “it doesn’t matter who is in the band” concept, and rebranding Kiss to be a franchise where they say members don’t matter, this is not good for that master plan. Why? Because it wipes all that work away and shows it DOES matter! Look no further for proof than the MTV unplugged taping. When Ace & Peter walked out for 2 songs at the end they saw how huge it was and had to do a reunion in ’96. In other words it’s a big can of worms to open and hurts their ultimate plan to sell Kiss as a franchise where members are interchangeable. No matter what, unlike ’96 there would never be a reunion tour no matter what happened. As a fan honestly I wouldn’t even want to see it. In your 40’s possible, 60’s now, no way. A show? A few songs? Sure. But fans thinking there could be a full reunion tour? Never saw that remotely possible.
Do Ace & Peter go now? I feel this is a personal decision that only they can make. There is no right or wrong answer. It is their honor and up to how they feel if they want to stand up there even for 3 minutes. Time will tell as we get closer what they do. With performance off the table as of now they can make a decision I would think right up to a day or two before. I see both sides of it and the feelings involved and really think it is all up to how they feel.
Do Gene and Paul go? Sounds crazy but who knows? Paul clearly has no love for this process from his recent interview in RS. Do they send a statement and just check out of the whole thing? Unlikely but who knows?
Much of the blame here is being pointed toward Gene and Paul. And rightfully so in the sense that according to Ace and all sources they are the ones saying they won’t play with the original band, but the HOF has plenty of blame here also. Why? BECAUSE THEY WAITED 15 YEARS TO PUT KISS IN! Think about this; if they put Kiss in in 1999 when they first became eligible (and SHOULD have gone in), this would be a non issue! Because the original band was together then! The HOF can also be blamed for just caving to what Gene & Paul want and not considering Ace and Peter in this. If they said to Kiss (G&P) only band being inducted or nobody plays at least it would have been a level playing field. But as the HOF told me they will not do that because whoever controls the name is who they ultimately leave the performance parameters up to.
Much can still happen here. Remember although we are focused on Kiss as Kiss fans, there are 7 other bands going in that have to play as well. Although Kiss fans may dominate this event (how much so now with no reunion I don’t know), the other inductees need their moment and performance too. So who knows when it gets to budgets and stage specs what whatever version of Kiss plays agrees to and if it all works out.
All of this can be debated and discussed forever but those are some of my thoughts. As always my doors remains open to ALL to discuss and debate and members of the HOF may very well come on the air with me as they have in the past when I was screaming to get Kiss in the damn thing! Ace and Peter are scheduled to come on TMS together next month. More on that when we get closer. For most Kiss fans this news sucks big time, but there’s still about 7 weeks left to see what unfolds.. All we know as of now is that their is no performance for the original band planned or being allowed by Gene and Paul. We have been told for decades that the FANS are the boss of Kiss. Judging from the reaction to this news this is one instance that clearly does not apply..
Sorry for any typos, been a long late night last night. All comments welcome and being posted ASAP.
183 Responses
Eddie trunk rocks!!!
Eddie, I heard during the evening news this week that we are experiencing a national clown shortage. That may be true, the only clowns I can think of that are still working are Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons.
As a Massive KISS fan for 37+ years I’m very sad! As real Kiss fans we wanted the reunion in 96 we got it, as real Kiss fans we love albums like Revenge and Carnival of Souls, without the original lineup. Like Ed had mentioned earlier I don’t want a another reunion tour either. Don’t even need the original four in makeup. Gene and Paul have stated numerous times its about the fans and without Ace and Peter we would be nothing! Honor them both. No more silly analogies from the 80’s Kiss marriage, divorce, or sprinters and marathons, enuff!!!!!! This is just plain disrespect to me, all fans, and Ace & Peter. Gene we all get how KISS has moved on, really we have, and your silly analogy that they are distant runners! It would of been cool to see Dave Grohl play some Kiss licks or the dudes from Pearl Jam come out and play Black Diamond, but not without the original four!
Robert Trujillo is in. Ronnie James Dio is not. It’s not a music decision who gets in. The bands obviously dictate some of this. I wish artists would stop showing up to these shows.
Prediction….The original band will play. They will go not “expected” to play and the all-star band will be playing with Dave Grohl on drums and he will stop the show and demand that KISS come up on stage. They will give each an instrument and will play (most likely the instruments will not be turned on) along with the all-star band so the fan base will not be totally disgusted with Gene and Paul and they can later say they did what the fans wanted. I, like many here, am a lifelong Kiss fan and feel it is time to put to rest the “reunion” hopes. I think Gene and Paul will not make this like the Van Halen or the GNR induction debacle. You really think Gene Simmons will not embrace being called a Hall of Famer? I will always be a fan of this band regardless of how this turns out. I have purchased all of the new music but have not seen the band since the reunion tour back in the 90’s. Let’s remember what this band has meant to all of us through the years. In a perfect world we would love for our idols to embrace each other and head of into the sunset. Unfortunately that is not the way it is in music world. No matter what anyone says, Gene, Paul, Peter and Ace will always be mentioned when someone mentions Kiss and that part of Kisstory can’t be altered or changed by anyone.
Eddie! Just wanted to let you know that I appreciate what you do. Also it’s great that you give Ace and Peter a huge media outlet to voice THIER opinions and tell u what they have in the works career wise. Gene and Paul have the advantage of KISS and massive amounts of money and countless media outlets. I know I can with your show and website keep up on Ace and Peters news. Quick question for ya. Do you at times miss your record company days looking for new talent and getting bands signed? And is there any band that you saw that blowed your mind and that didn’t make it? If yes who. Pass along to Ace and Peter that a lot of us fans would love to see them 2 do an album. It would kick!! Thanks again Eddie!!!!
Maybe G&P don’t show. Ace could play one of his new songs and NY Grove, maybe. I don’t think the crowd/fans would mind that at all. I’ll be there!!!
Total B.S.! I have been excited about this for months, and went as far as becoming a hof member so that I could have access to the presale. My wife and I were able to get tickets last week, and after doing so I booked two plane tickets from Oklahoma, and a hotel room. The same night Ace comes out with this info! Luckily I heard about it in time to cancel the $1500 worth of travel arrangements I had made. I am really pissed about this! I love KISS, but they are pulling some total bullshit moves right now! If they want to maintain their fan base they had better reconsider!
Eddie;
I see your point reguarding the KISS franchise. Let’s take it one step further and replace Gene and Paul. Since the members do not matter, why not? That’s the most redilicious thing I’ve heard in a long time.ni also have a feeling that this is not over and it’s not going to end well…
It’s time to show Gene and Paul how much long-time KISS fans are disappointed with their bullshit. If everyone would stop buying tickets to their shows and let the world know why, at least Gene might see the light of day of common sense. The KISS that everyone loves and remembers is Gene, Paul, Ace, and Peter. If Gene and Paul do try to perform without Ace & Peter, then every KISS fan in the audience should stand up and turn their back on the band. Since the tv cameras will be there, I think they might finally get the point about their egos. Money does talk and its time that we stop buying what Gene and Paul are trying to sell us. And yes, I have been a fan since 1974.
Kudo’s to Larry Richardson.I could not of said it any better than that!!Rich,you are right on the money!!!
who is this KISS band you speak of?
I just dont get it? how can you not care how your fans feel? without the Fans you have nothing at all paul n gene remember that. Your egos have gotten so outta hand its no longer cool to watch you guys and im sure alot of fans agree with me . As for me there is only one KISS and thats Paul ,Gene ,Peter and Ace anything else is a sham not to take away anything from tommy n eric but come on guys your only there cause your bosses have a problem with their old partners ,
In conclusion Paul n Gene get off your High FN Horse and give the people what they want !!!!!!
YOU ALWAYS START YOUR SHOWS WITH YOU WANTED THE BEST YOU GOT THE BEST THE HOTTEST BAND IN THE WORLD KISS!!!!!!! SO ACT LIKE YOU GIVE A SHIT ABOUT YOUR FANS
Love all versions of KISS, but I can see Paul and Gene’s perspective on this. I’ve seen KISS the past few tours, and this lineup is the best I’ve seen. And this comes from a big fan of the Kulick/Carr era. Having met all of the members of KISS, Gene and Paul were always the nicest. Factor in all the crap Ace and Peter put the other guys through, and it doesn’t take a genius to figure out why G&P have simply had enough. AT any rate, it’s the original members being inducted. What am I looking forward to as a longtime KISS fan? This summer’s 40th Anniversary Tour and hopefully a new record.
Enjoy the half empty venue, the shit vocals. The soul-less performance and the wig wearing BRAND they call PISS!!!… Tommy can’t carry Ace’s jock… Imitator stumbling around the stage singing Shock Me and actually thinks he’s a fucking rock star!!!… Wanna be… He should be grabbing Ace’s dinner and tuning guitars… Singer looks like a d/bag in his wig… LoL… Too bad Pauline and Gene ruined any credibility the band had left with this insult of insult to life long fans who carried the torch for years while they dressed in women’s clothes and played shit through the 80’s and into the 90’s… Fucking Uh All Night boys and girls!!!… Fucking baby rock… Absolute trash…
Haven’t seen any half empty venues at the shows I’ve been to, and I always travel to see them as well as see them in my hometown. I will enjoy it, thank you!
I agree with you, Jim. What everyone seems to forget is how the last “reunion” ended…very poorly! Yes, they say “its all about the fans”, but that can only go so far. And they (Gene & Paul) have not yet stated “we will not stand on stage with Ace & Peter to accept”. They have only refused to play with them. And there is simply no way to make all KISS fans happy. As a fan of 40 years, I would be much more upset if Gene and Paul accept for only the original 4 and forget everyone else! It has taken all members to bring us to the current lineup, and I love them all….they should all be honored.
I don’t know who you can possibly say this is the best lineup – an aging Gene and Paul Stanley has been at his worst vocally ever. Paul has been struggling with his vocals for a few years now.