ROMAN FERNANDEZ, BILL AUCOIN’S FORMER PARTNER, RELEASES A STATEMENT ABOUT KISS BEING INDUCTED INTO THE ROCK N’ ROLL HALL OF FAME
Bill Aucoin’s former partner, Roman Fernandez, has released the following statement regarding KISS and the Rock N’ Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony:
“I’m going on record.
I normally stand by the sidelines quietly watching the scrimmage in silence, but now, I feel I have to speak up.
My late partner, Bill Aucoin, bothered enough in 1973 to wager his entire career as a successful television producer and bet all the money he had, as well as money he didn’t have, on 4 kids from the streets of New York. He unfortunately can no longer speak for himself on the subject of KISS and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Bill Aucoin gave KISS their start, as well as some of the best years of his life. KISS would, in fact, despite all his other successes, come to define Bill in the eyes of millions of fans and in the eyes of the industry. An industry that to a great degree didn’t give KISS the time of day when it mattered the most. No one did except for Bill, Sean Delaney and Neil (and Joyce) Bogart. All no longer with us except for Joyce. But, Bill and I spoke about this subject on several occasions before he passed. Bill Aucoin was not the type to reflect in regret, and he harbored no animosity. But he was convinced that due to politics within the board of the Hall of Fame, the day would never come that saw KISS inducted. I’m pretty certain he was OK with that.
But had Bill been alive to see the day it was announced that the group would indeed, despite every notion to the contrary, be inducted, might have been a nice parting gift for him. But it’s done. He’s gone. It could have just as easily been Paul, Gene, Peter or Ace. But they’re still here. And I’m pretty sure this is what Bill might have said in light of all this nonsense: ‘(….unintelligible noises) Look it, find a compromise, put everything aside for one night, be the larger than life rock stars you know you are, and then…. Onward and upward!’
I don’t believe Bill would begrudge any reasoning for the band members feeling however they may about one another. But, I also believe he would have recognized this as one singular night to put unresolved issues aside. Bill is no longer with us. If Paul, Gene, Peter or Ace were not here, this conversation would not even be possible. Life is too short to waste such a precious opportunity. If for no other reason, do it for Bill Aucoin. And for Sean. And for Neil. Love to all members of Kiss past and present. Onward and Upward guys.”
I’ll drink to that.
Very nice. Well done. I am not the biggest KISS fan, but they absolutely deserve to be in the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame. To say KISS goes in, but the original 4 members only, is not right. Eric Carr goes in, as does Bruce Kulick, as does Mark St. John, … Van Halen was inducted a few years ago, again way too long of a wait, and only Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony came to the ceremony. That’s a disgrace. Shame on the guys who didn’t come. Whether you get along or not. Now they have to convince every one that Wolfgang deserves to be in the band. Smoke and mirrors, everyone, and nobody goes behind the curtain. KISS was great. KISS IS great. They were talented, they were mysterious, they were loud, they were never on the radio, except for “Beth”, and for the last 34 years, I’ve been a card carrying member of the KISS Army. If these guys don’t work this out, they might regret it for the rest of their lives. But for me, rock ‘n roll is what’s in my mind, what lives in my memory, in my heart, in my photo albums, in my tee shirt drawer, in my box of ticket stubs… I’ll look at what the Hall of Fame puts on display. But tell me that Cheap Trick, and Deep Purple, and Thin Lizzy, and REO Speedwagon, and Foreigner, Journey, Tesla, Yes, Genesis, the Moody Blues, Whitesnake, Styx, Quiet Riot and all these bands, my bands, MY MUSIC, DON’T get into the Hall? Iron Maiden isn’t in the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame? Iron Maiden?? Rainbow? Has anyone on the COMMITTEE that is in charge of the voting ever heard the song “Stargazer”? Really? Was it on side 1 or side 2 of Rainbow “Rising”? Google it, I dare you.
Eric Carr..yes Bruce Kulick…yes Mark St John….not there long enough..If Mark goes in does Vinnie Vincent not go in to?..
Not much to add there, but well said!
Fuck what Howard Stern says about KISS! He himself has been irrevelevant ever since he started sucking Rosie O`Donnels fat ass a few years ago! He used to be great but its obviously time for him to retire