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.”
Roman, that’s exactly what I’m for, except that the guys need to remember that their millions and millions came from the very people who helped get them into the hall: the fans. Some are just music fans, some are Die-Hard Kiss fans, casual fans…. there were even Rush fans voting for Kiss because of the break that both Kiss and Rush gave each other, even though both found the other extremely “interesting.” The fans just want to see the band together for the honor. Maybe even see them perform a tune from their heyday as tribute to the fans for their loyalty. If anyone is looking for more, they are in for a disappointment.
I think Paul & Gene made the right decision to NOT play at all. The HOF has treated Kiss like crap and it’s evident in the fact that they do not want to allow all past members to be inducted as well. Eric Carr, Vinnie Vincent, Mark St. John, Bruce Kulick, Eric Singer, Tommy Thayer are all a part of this band’s history and should be inducted. The HOF appears to be making up rules for certain bands in not allowing all Kiss member to be inducted. What’s the only thing Paul & Gene can do to the HOF who ONLY wanted original band members to play? That’s to not play at all! It’s not a snipe at Ace or Peter and they need to get over it. Their decision to not play is due to the HOF pissing on Kiss yet again. I admire Paul & Gene for coming to the conclusion to not play at all. I hope they take it one step further and not even show up. That would be a true Rock and Roll move on their part. F the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame!
Well Said Mr. Fernandez!!!
I have been a fan since 1978. I remember getting my first KISS album and trying to hide it from my mom.. She DID NOT LIKE KISS… I was rebeling and I loved all their songs and became a part of the KISS army. I had the privilage to see Kiss play with (Paul, Gene, Peter and Ace) . I also saw Ace play (Solo) in Boston at a club called Narcasiss and Paul and Gene were there to support him. I hope they can put all their differences aside for one night and remember that they have loyal fans that also helped get them into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. As much as it is for them, it’s for thier fans as well. I understand all the (for a lack of a better term – chances) that Ace and Peter were given. Hopefully they will get past this and do it for Mr. Bill Aucoin who (Roman Fernandez) elequently said it should be done in his memory!
I hope this can be resolved and at least play a few songs with the ORIGINAL lineup!
Eric
I Rock therefore I am!!!
That was very nice. I kind of thought the same thing myself. God forbid something happens to ACE or Peter ( who already had a scare ) in the near future? Would Gene or Paul actually regret this shit? The HOF basically has thought KISS was a joke. They finally accept them in and that’s exactly how they behave. The four original guys were inducted. Paul and Gene couldn’t control this so they act like spoiled children. The four original guys busted their balls TOGETHER, made the world take notice TOGETHER, built a fan base 40 years strong TOGETHER. If they fizzled out in the ’80s they would still probably be in the HOF based on the four original guys. Everything else in KISStory is just icing on the cake, let’s face it. Sure Gene and Paul deserve the credit for keeping the band around as long as they have but, if it wasn’t for the original band, there would be no band to keep around. How could they be so smart yet seem to not realize that this would happen? The vile things being said about them? How uncomfortable Eric and Tommy must feel now? The potential lashing out at Paul’s book signings. When all they had to do was make it clear it would be two or three songs….put a killer clip package together featuring EVERYONE else who has contributed to the band and thank every FAN for their loyalty, and go back to doing what everyone was doing the day before. I understand about not wanting to upset what “they are pushing now”, but at this point I really don’t think this would have affected it that much. Based on the backlash so far I think they have to be at least second guessing those two scenarios.
Well said. I think he just put into words what most true kiss fans meant or were trying to say.