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
Just a note for those that are coming down hard on Gene and Paul…I did too, at first, but then I read their statement. It is the HOF that is putting an end to the performance. Paul and Gene said they wanted to celebrate the history of KISS…as they should. …and have ALL of them perform at some point during the night, and HOF said No. So, this isn’t about Gene and Paul being selfish…just saying. Everyone should get their facts straight before they start smearing names and gossiping. smh
True….but, if it walks like a duck and it quacks like a duck……
Bill Aucoin has to go down as the craziest risk taker in the history of rock n roll. Without him, KISS does not exist. Nobody would take a chance and spend the money he did on that band and do what he did to promote them. He had other successes, but KISS defined him and he defined them. Essentially he was their fifth member for a lot of years.
Very well said. If Gene & Paul cant do this out of respect then they become the biggest assholes in Rock & Roll history. You owe it to your fans as its the right thing to do.
Actually, that ‘honor’ still belongs to Axl Rose.
Well said! I agree completely with this! Gene & Paul the ball is in your court! Please do the right thing & have the Original 4 play that night! Do it for the Fans & the people like Bill Aucion & many others who stuck their nect out to make your Dream a Reality! Thank you Roman for stepping in advising in this situation!
Well stated! Having listened to Bill speak about Kiss while he was alive and having met him, I believe this is the most accurate thing ever stated. Those are precisely the words he would have said to all of them. As a fan for many years, this entire situation is a let down on many levels. Thanks to Roman for putting a different perspective on it.