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.”
68 Responses
Having a kiss timeline performance journey through the family of kiss would be awesome. I don’t get it.
Roman,
Very nice!
Now call up Paul and Gene and read this exactly how you wrote it maybe they will Chang there minds for Bill!
Well spoken, will it change anything? I doubt it, but only time will tell. Like I’ve said before, Anne and Nancy Wilson put their differences aside last year and performed the first couple of songs with the original band then finished off the set with the current band, it worked for them, so why wouldn’t it work for Gene and Paul. They think they are clever saying ” we know we wouldn’t be where we are without Ace and Peter but we wouldn’t be here without Bruce, Tommy and Eric”. It’s not good enough Guys, suck it up and play!
I don’t think there’s another word or thought that anyone could add to that statement to make it any more poignant.
I have come to the conclusion that there are certain people on this Earth that can’t forget, forgive, & free themselves from the past. It is more than evident that Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley care more about themselves/pride/$$$$$/power & control and nothing else than that. Us fans that worked our asses off to give them all of that just got a big muddle finger shoved right up our asses from the both of them. 6 of us WERE about to make the 4 hour trip from Syracuse down to see the ceremonies but we just killed that idea. No more. I speak for them & myself, we are tired & passed off with the “Gene & Paul Pay Us Our $$$$ Bullshit Show”. Gene “we are doing this for our fans that started us out, we will do it for them”. Classic Gene & Paul bullshit. Truth is they just care about our money & absoutly NOTHING ELSE!!!! Enjoy the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame KISS Circus Induction. Thank you Eddie for letting me say what has pissed me off.