The drama with KISS and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame refuses to go away. Yesterday, the band released a statement on their website in regards to the Hall of Fame Ceremony:
“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 tie 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 has been 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 lineup 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.”
So there you have it. Our first thoughts are that it (and pardon the lack of a better word) sucks that the original four won’t be performing together again. Initially, there is a selfish feel to it, where the fans are denied what (and sorry to say this Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer) what they really want to see.
However, this is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame we are talking about: an institution that has snubbed KISS for years and whose creator (Jann Wenner) openly dislikes and this induction was (as Paul Stanley suggested) a reaction to the harsh criticism of not just KISS fans but of Rock and Roll fans in general.
There is also something to admire about Gene and Paul’s desire to have the same accolade bestowed on the current members, who although had little to do with the glory years, actually have a longer tenure with the band (though what about Vinne Vincent? Ha!). Basically, they are looking out for their friends, which is a nice gesture, but one that hurts the very people who made them what they are today, both in terms of fans and former bandmates.
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