This past weekend, Ace Frehley revealed that Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley were preventing the original lineup of KISS from performing at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Ceremony (followed by Peter Criss revealing similar details). Well, now it turns out that despite previous reports, no version of KISS will be performing at the induction ceremony.
Simmons and Stanley issued the following statement not only denying that they refused to play with their former bandmates, but also confirming that KISS will not be performing at the ceremony:
“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 present long time 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.”
It’s certainly a shame that no version of KISS will be performing at the April 10 ceremony in Brooklyn, especially considering how many years it took for KISS to finally get into the Hall Of Fame. However, there are likely many fans who’d rather see nothing in place of anything but the original lineup play. Here’s hoping that the four original members will at least still show up to accept their nomination in lieu of an actual performance. And maybe the Hall Of Fame could arrange for a special “all-star” performance to honor KISS.
