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
Well done, let’s see
Very nice to see someone behind the scenes tell how they feel. There is always talk about how the fans feel & the band but, people don’t realize that the people that worked behind the scenes also consider something like this an honor to them as well. It is a real shame that Bill Aucoin & Sean Delaney were not able to see this day because IT IS as much a testament to what they accomplished as much, if not more than the members of the band. Gene & Paul may have had the vision & work ethic to keep the band alive for 40 years now but this should make them realize as well as the fans, that more people than just Ace & Peter helped them realize their dream.
That’s all we want 3 songs doesn’t have to be a tour or anything bill would have wanted them to play together
Ace got his revenge tenfold for all the insults from Paul and Gene over the years! Gene Simmons website crashed this morning.
Agreed 100%.