Original KISS guitarist, Ace Frehley, called into Eddie’s Q104.3 radio show, Eddie Trunk Rocks on February 21st to say, that the original members of KISS will not be performing at the Rock N’Roll Hall of Fame Induction ceremony, scheduled to take place on April 10th at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y..
Frehley said, “I don’t think KISS fans are gonna be too excited and happy about the news, ’cause at this juncture, [KISS leaders] Paul [Stanley] and Gene [Simmons] have decided to perform with [current KISS members] Tommy [Thayer, guitar] and Eric [Singer, drums], and it looks like the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame is going along with it.”
The guitarist went on to explain that the decision was made by Stanley and Simmons “in the last 24 to 48 hours.” He added, “The last time I was on [this radio show], it was a very exciting and happy call. And the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame was very excited about having the four original members who are being inducted to perform at the ceremony. And that was shot down by Paul and Gene. And now it’s kind of, like, if I’m not gonna put on the makeup and do a three-song reunion for the fans, then what am I gonna do? And right now, I’m not even sure if I’m gonna show up for that, you know?!”
The guitarist added that Stanley and Simmons “shot down doing any type of reunion with [original KISS drummer Peter Criss and me] — with makeup, without makeup,” while Frehley himself ruled out performing alongside KISS’ current lineup, saying, “I’m not gonna get on the stage with Tommy wearing my makeup. That’s absurd.”
He continued, “It’s a shame. I know [the original lineup reunion is] what the fans wanted. I know it’s what the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame wanted. [But] it’s not gonna happen.”
When asked if he had any inkling as why Stanley and Simmons were so opposed to the idea of performing with the original lineup at the ceremony, Frehley said: “I don’t know, and at this point, I really don’t give a shit. [Laughs] I really don’t care. It’s, like, enough already. You don’t wanna do something for the fans after 40 years of them supporting you? It’s something the fans wanted, it’s something the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame asked of all four of us. They shot it down. It is what it is. I don’t completely understand it, but those guys do a lot of things that don’t make sense to me. It’s unfortunate for the fans. We’re being inducted because of the fans. And I feel like the fans are being let down. And I’m upset about it; I’ve gotta be honest with you. But I’m trying not to let it get to me because, like I said, I’ve gotta finish [my new solo] record and I’ve gotta think positive. And I wanna move forward. But it’s upsetting.”
He continued, “I’m working on my second book. I’ve got [my] new [solo] record [coming out]. What will be in the future will be. No matter what happens, I’m fine. And I’m having fun. And I’m creating great music. My life’s great. And I can’t let any negativity… I’ve gotta just let it roll off my back and continue doing what I’ve been doing — making great music. I’m at the tail end of [making my new solo] record… and this has just been a thorn in my side, because every day there’s a different story: ‘Yeah, maybe you can come and get up and do ‘New York Groove‘. And if you don’t do it with KISS, you can do it with a celebrity lineup.’ And that was shot down. It’s very frustrating. It’s also distracting my attention from the most important thing right now that I’m doing, [which] is working on music and creating. So it’s very frustrating and a little disheartening.”
Frehley also revealed the he won’t be attending the Rock Hall induction.
“It was very important that I let the fans know that because the tickets are going on sale on Monday, and I didn’t want people buying tickets thinking that they were gonna see a KISS reunion, and then be disappointed,” he explained.
Listen to the interview here.
46 Responses
Shame on you Gene and Paul..A two or three song performance at the RNRHOF as the original lineup would’ve been a special moment in Kisstoy, not only for the fans that have poured hard earned cash into your brand but for yourselves and Ace and Peter.
A lot of people owe Ace a big thank you!! A lot of people were going to buy these very expensive tickets to see the 4 horse men play. Nothing here for me to say that has not been said. Gene and Paul should be so ashamed by there complete lack of caring for the fans and to the two amazing guys Ace/Peter who deserve so much more. I hope know one buys tickets and the venue is empty. We should get a picketing group together giving Gene and Paul a huge middle finger. If I were Tommy and Eric I’d refuse to play.
Tommy and Eric S. have sold their souls to the contract, hence the considerably comfortable sum of money G & P offered them a long time ago. They are sidemen, they not original artist or only in their bedrooms or personal studios, puppets if you like. They will not endanger their last few years of having a good income, also they are probably bound by contract to perform as Kiss wherever and as often per year as G & P decide them to do, they are bound. They enjoy a nice lifestyle using the private plane etc. If they would refrain from playing at the HOF – maybe because of respect, maybe because of self-respect – they would be in for violation of certain lines in the contract. It is a shame, it is all a business, Kiss as it is now as well as the HOF itself. Which you can clearly see because the HOF is taking sides now (when first they tried to insist on the original lineup) , probably they have been forced by G & P saying if you do not let us use the curent lineup we won’t show up at all, and that would have ticket sales plummet even more, so the HOF is just seeing the business here. So I knew that finally they would give in to the pressure of the two money-greedy guys. They have been telling us that they are here for the fans, but you only have to say this a thousand times if there is reason that it is actually the opposite. I tip my hat to Ace who, even though this is so disappointing for him and because G & P have been nothing but rude to them for years trying to erase the menory of the original band to promote the current lineup, will never say something rude about G & P, he will rather claim “he does not know the reasons” even though they are obvious, he is the gentleman, the other two are doing whatever seems promising to make even more moeny, to squeeze that lemon to the last drop. They have no integrity, they have no respect. Ace, as strange as his personality might be, he is the true legend, and his concert tickets and CDs I will buy, Kiss on the 40th Anniversary Tour may find fans not buying tickets that much anymore … I hope. Yes, what a coincidence to announce this tour – which of course is the real reason that should not be affected negatively by any kind of reunion!! – when at the same time denying the originals to play, in the same bulletin …!!! Their bulletin on their website is just a heap of cleverly phrased lies that should make it seem that either Ace and Peter or the HOF is to blame. Actually, the latest statement of Paul already set the pace for this new buleltin, it was all so foreseeable. I also think that Paul is the real leader in the band, and he knows that the money argument will always make Gene take sides with him (referring to the interview in which he was open to playing a song or two with A & P). Paul will not and will never understand nor accept that the original two still enjo that kind of following and respect from fans even though the current lineup is already more than ten years old. Paul will never forgive them that.
There’s either going to be a “we want peter and ace” chant, or Paul and Gene are going to get booed off the stage.
Eddie, this is a travesty! Without Ace or Pete, it’s an insult. What the hell is Gene thinking? Ace, Peter, Paul & Gene made KISS what it was. Without the 4 that made it KISS is seriously screwed up.
i am really pissed off right now and i will never ever look at these guys the same way i used to..this sucks and i cant stand this , this is just crazy…original kiss inducted but two bozo’s from nowhere play come on now this is not right and i hope just hope people dont buy tickets to this cover act …original band inducted and cover band performs what the hell.