In a recent interview with The Aquarian Weekly, KISS” Gene Simmons said he would never work with former guitarist, Vinny Vincent, ever again.
Simmons stated, “No. No. He’s a very talented guy. Everybody’s got their troubles in life. You can’t fix everything. I’m a big supporter of his talent. You know, go with god. Enjoy life, be happy. But I don’t need more dark clouds over my life. It’s nice and calm. Eric [Singer, KISS drummer] and Tommy [Thayer, guitar] have been with us for a very long time, and it’s professional to the highest degree. Everybody is happy to be together. Everybody shows up on time. There’s no, ‘The dog ate my homework.’ None of that crap.
“When you use drugs and alcohol and other bullshit things, it’s everybody else’s fault,” he continued. “You’re always the victim. You never take charge of your situation, and I’m sick of it. I don’t tolerate any of that. I won’t have any of those losers around in my life. That includes regular people too. If somebody I work with in other areas drinks, they’re gone. By the way, they don’t care about you. They just want what they want.”
“It’s a shame,” Simmons added. “He’s talented beyond most people that you’d meet, but you get to sleep in the bed you make.”
Vincent has released a statement responding to Simmons’ comments:
“I love and respect Gene Simmons like a brother, and have nothing but the fondest of memories working with him and Paul Stanley. Ours was a very special chemistry. We made one hell of a great band, and the magic we made together is timeless. I am proud of our work and the songs we wrote that appeared on the Creatures of the Night, Lick It Up and Revenge albums that became KISS classics, and are staples of their live shows to this day. We brought happiness to the fans with performances and songs that will live on. I am appearing in person at the Atlanta KISS Expo to celebrate KISS, embrace our music and our time, and share goodwill with the fans. And for all of the above, I wish both Gene and Paul nothing but the best.”
For more information about the Atlanta KISS Expo, and Vincent’s appearance, please go to here.
additional source: theaquarian.com
9 Responses
Gene is happy with the current lineup. He doesn’t want to work with Vinny again. He doesn’t tolerate people who use drugs or abuse alcohol. None of this is news. Is he insinuating that Vinny was on drugs/alcohol? It’s unclear. Vinny responded with class to a slight that Gene might not have even made about him. The only news here is that Vinny is alive and seemingly well enough to respond.
Okay Dana, be prepared for the onslaught of polarizing comments from KI$$ fans, beginning with me!…. :o)
I agree with Gene’s comments about those with substance abuse challenges. Gene could have been more diplomatic in his comments, but that’s Gene…unfiltered. And of course things are calm with the Catman and Spaceman imposters…those imposters are simply hired hands to perform in a tribute band and virtually have no say in band business decisions. And for the right price, Gene sure as hell would work with Vinnie again, or any other individual with a history of substance abuse….heck, he did it with Ace and Peter and it resurrected his career!
I also agree with Vinnie’s comments about his work with KI$$. And I’m glad he took the high road in his response to Gene.
I agree with Gene, to a point. Nobody wants to be around addicts or obnoxious drunks, but Gene, not everybody who drinks occasionally is an alcoholic! There is nothing wrong with having a drink or two, or even more under the right circumstances. Just because you see someone with a drink in their hand doesn’t mean they’re an alcoholic! You don’t need to panic, or worry, Gene, every time you see someone having a drink. And not everybody gets belligerent, and violent, or intolerable when they drink, or turns into a drunken monster!
Even Jesus had some wine from time to time! 😉
Every time he opens up his mouth Gene is sounding more and more like an out of touch angry old man grasping at anything trying to remain relevant – As for Vinnie he seems all about self promotion right now so I think he is going to be very nice and diplomatic when he makes appearance’s or does interviews – I don’t think Vinny was using drugs or drinking much when he was with kiss , {so I have no idea what Gene was talking about ….} if he was it wasn’t talked about – I think he was just a selfish dick – i’m sure he has mellowed with age and hopefully learned from his mistakes , like Ace and Pete have done – they both seem very happy and content in their life now – Vinny I can only assume , is ready to come back and resurrect his career – I cant wait to hear what he has to say-
I totally agree with Gene on this, though I might have said it more diplomatically. I don’t drink or do drugs, and would never want to work with someone who does so on the job. I don’t have a problem with folks that drink socially, as long as it doesn’t interfere with there work. But drugs are another question. Gene is always going to say what he wants to say, agree or not. He is at a point in his life and career where he doesn’t have to put up with such nonsense. I am sure that during his career he has seen so many people jack up their lives and careers due to substance abuse issues, that he prefers to not have to deal with it anymore. Good for him! I’ve never read anything about Vinnie having a substance abuse issue, and I hope that he doesn’t have one now. From what I’ve read, Vinnie’s issues with Gene and Paul were more in the vein of him wanting to be a full member of KISS, as opposed to a hired hand. That was never going to happen! He is a super talented guitarist, and can write some great songs. I would love to see him put together a band and put out some new music.