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
This is the classiest thing I’ve read on this subject over the last few days. One thing that people seem to be forgetting about — there IS a chance during the jam at the of the ceremony for all 4 original members to be on the stage. Sure they’ll be mixed in with about 50 other musicians (keep in mind that the E Street Band is also being inducted) but they still could be on the stage “together.” Gene and Paul on one side on the stage and Ace and Peter over on the other. Rock and Roll All Nite seems like the obvious choice for all inductees to jam to at the end. Might be the best that we get.
Wow. Nicely said and done. Although it is sad that four or in this case two grown men to be acting so childish . Give Peter and Ace the credit they deserve. Kiss would not have been Kiss without those two. Would Paul or Gene love one of their children more than the other if one screwed up in life. Kiss is and was Paul, Peter,Ace and that asshole Gene.,who in my opinion is the creator of all this hatred.I was thinking of the Kiss story and how Gene believed that only He wrote songs and no one else. Yet I have never bought a Kiss record because of a Gene song. The ONLY album that ever released a Gene song as the first single was Creatures of the Night with I love it Loud. All the other singles released were Paul songs.Yet He acts as if He is the reason Kiss is as big as they once were.What an asshole.
Don’t forget about Unholy off of Revenge.
I just want to start off by saying that im a life fan. I went through getting beat up and ridaquled for liking kiss. With that being said! im sadden as a fan to hear that gene and paul will not concider playing with peter and ace.I see there side about wanting to celabrate the the current members< but it was the past that got them there to! Paul and Gene please put your differerences aside for one night and do this for two reasons! #1 for Bill Acoin who beleved a group of ny boys could dominate the rock world, who is no longer with us. #2 the fans!!!! We as fans stood behind you guys for almost 40yrs. Dont you think we desirve to see you guys together one more time no matter what your differances are with each other.
I agree, I can’t see the Ego’s of Paul and Gene giving in to the Hall or anyone else. It is a control thing in part. I am convinced that Peter’s book really upset Paul with suggestions about his sexuality. Paul seems to hold grudges and can become insecure. Gene will do what is in his best interest and if that is agreeing with Paul or the hall he will do that. Very Sad and petty and confirms what others have said about them being hard to work with and/or for.
I agree with this post. Peter’s book made some interesting accusations.
Whether true or not, I could see why at least Paul would have some issues with Peter.
Also Ace and Peter declined the Kiss documentary with Alan Parker.
So I can see why these fresh wounds may be the reason for Gene and Paul not to want Ace and Peter.
Does not mean Gene and Paul have not acted like assholes too.
As The article mentioned, suck it up boys and do this for the people who got you to this place.
I agree. Very we’ll said. Do it out of respect guys!