KISS have released a statement on their official website addressing the Rock Hall induction. Here is what it states:
“To All Our Fans In Regards To The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:
Out of respect, Ace and Peter’s recent statements demand a quick response to you, our fans.
Our intention was to celebrate the entire history of KISS and give credit to all members including long time present members Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, and additionally Bruce Kulick and Eric Carr all who have made this band what it is, regardless of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame’s point of view.
Although KISS has moved forward far longer without them, Ace and Peter are at the very foundation of what we have built and this would all be impossible had they not been a part of it in the beginning.
It is over 13 years since the original lineup has played together in make-up and we believe the memory of those times would not be enhanced. Contrary to claims made through the media we have never refused to play with Ace and Peter.
We have spent 40 years dedicated to building KISS without quitting or wavering as the band has moved forward with huge tours and platinum albums through different important lineups for forty years, to this day.
KISS has always been a band unlike any other. That is why we started KISS. That is why we continue KISS. Being unlike other bands also means making choices and decisions unlike other bands.
This is understandably an emotional situation where there is no way to please everyone.
To bring this to a quick end, we have decided not to play in any line-up and we will focus our attention on celebrating our induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
We are excited and are looking forward to seeing you all on the KISS 40th Anniversary worldwide tour.”
source: kissonline.com
201 Responses
Forget the past. Forget who’s right or wrong. This is on Gene and Paul to make right WITH THE FANS. The FANS want the ORIGINAL lineup (and that’s all that’s being inducted). Gene and Paul want everyone else there to dilute the presence of Peter and Ace. They want to legitimize the current lineup by bringing them. I’m fine with the current lineup and enjoy Sonic Boom and Monster–but G&P need to put aside their politics and understand that today’s version is NOT what got them this award. Nor any other version of the band. And probably nothing after Alive II. Paul initially said he was accepting the award FOR THE FANS, not himself. So, Paul, finish the gesture and put the ORIGINAL lineup onstage FOR THE FANS. And then go back to the current lineup and bashing Peter and Ace…
We’ve always let are fans come first. You sure did, you 2 stooges. Thayer is a MFer on guitar and Singer can replicate Peter but gimmie a break, Ace & Peter and the ’77 line-up are the HOF Kiss.
If you are not going to play, then at least invite all surviving members on stage when you accept the award. Yes, Gene and Paul you would be the only ones to speak, but it would demonstrate the contributions of all that have made this band great. BTW, get off the pulpit, Gene and Paul; get on That Metal Show already. Geez!!
Okay, so here’s a possible solution…this would never happen because of ego’s and bullshit, but since of one of the people that kept you guy in the biz for 40 years I’m gonna sound off.
Gather together ALL past and present members of the band to play ONE song. Set the stage with 3 drum kits as follows Eric Singer, Pete in the middle, and one empty kit with a huge photo of Eric Carr behind it, also a portrait of Mark St.John would be on the stage also. All the ORIGINAL members would be in full costume and makeup, the others (Eric S., Tommy, Bruce, and Vinny V.) In dressed to kill style no makeup. and for the climax of the song the four ORIGINAL members would rise 15 feet above the stage on risers…fade to black. One song. It acknowledges everyone who was in the band and would give all their fans a celebration we fucking deserve again the folks who made this all possible in the first place. That’s the Kiss I know…this Kiss? doesn’t deserve the honor. And don’t try to steal my idea Simmons, cause you read it here first.
I have been a Proud Loyal Supportive Die Hard KISS fan since Alive 2 when I first discovered them through a neighbor. I have whole heatedly supported each line up and felt heart and betrayed by Peter when he first left and the same towards Ace after hearing on the news he was in a high speed chase from police and was caught and arrested hiding in a florist shop. Then he left. I was bitter against them both. Then the amazing Eric Carr came in and breathed new life into the band , giving KiSS back it’s heart beat. Vinnie was great, Then Mark St. John and then finally Gentleman Bruce Kullick Who gave Kiss the shredder that they needed. Great Albums and tours and new Notoriety for KISS was reborn! Then the tragic death of Eric Carr, The introduction of Eric Singer and the Revenge Album ! More great Kiss. Which by the way , no Peter and No Ace, they were playing bars . Where are they today again after blowing it again after the cash cow doomed from the start reunion tour… Playing bars and crying on Eddie a Trunks Shoulder. Ace and Peter were great in the beginning but that’s KISStory. Enough bad mouthing Gene and Paul it’s ridiculous and old. I stand strong and loyal and proud to be a kiss fanatic and KISS Monster reAffirms this for me. F@!k the Rock and Roll hall of Shame and putting down KISS and the current line up Who are still doing it. Don’t like it Then move on and stop shitting on KISS