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
KI$$ claims to be all about the fans. The fans are very passionate about what happens during the induction ceremony. Why doesn’t Kiss create a fan poll at KissOnline offering various scenarios for the induction? (paul/gene/ace/peter in costume performing, paul/gene/eric/tommy in make up performing, street clothes with all performing, street clothes no performance, etc.) It appears the fans, after all of their huge online support for the induction, are going to see their worst nightmare come true all because of two giant egos. It will be interesting to see how this decision effects tickets sales for the upcoming summer tour. I’m still a big fan of the music but not so much for Gene and Paul.
Agree, this is BAD for the summer tour, The 40th anniversary is going pear shaped already, G & P have taken pissing off the Ace and Peter – original line-up – fans to a new level over this R N R H O F issue. If those fans keep away in droves at the tour over this issue, it will be embarrassing to see the tour figures on the back of the Tommy and Eric – oops, sorry, “spaceman” and “catman” fans!!
After recently reading both biographies by Ace and Peter, I agree with them by not playing at the ceremony. They will be there getting the due as they deserve and that’s enough me, but other fans may not agree with this. I don’t think it’s appropriate for the latest version of Kiss to be playing either. We’ve had tons of opportunities to see the original Kiss over the years, and we’ve been blessed. That time is over now, and I’m just happy they’ve finally are in the hall. Thank you Eddie Trunk for your amazing support for the band!!!!
(paraphrased) ‘We’ve never said we wouldn’t play with Peter…but we won’t.’
This statement feels like a very contrived way to ensure they don’t have to play with the other half of the original KISS, even for one night. And I hate saying that, because I’ve loved KISS for over 35 years.
Just sad.
Usual cop-out from Mr.’s Eisen & Witz. 🙁
SO if the hall were to recognize and induct ALL members, they would not refuse to play with Ace and Peter?! So really, it’s the hall that’s being kind of dicks? Why not make a compromise; induct all members and have the originals do a couple of songs without makeup! That way you give Gene+Paul what they want (all members inducted), you give Ace+Peter what they want (media exposure), the hall gets what they want (tickets sold) and the fans what they want (originals reunited on stage).
But I guess it’s politics and the hall certainly seems to have an ego almost as big as Gene’s…