While fans were excited that KISS was finally getting inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, it was not clear at the time if the original lineup would be playing the ceremony. The fans wanted it, the Hall Of Fame wanted it, hell even Ace Frehley wanted it, but did Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley want it? Well according to Frehley, the official answer is no.
While speaking with Eddie Trunk on Q104.3’s Friday Night Rocks, Frehley confirmed what Stanely had hinted via tweet, that the original lineup was not going to be playing the Hall Of Fame ceremony. “I don’t think KISS fans are gonna be too excited and happy about the news, ‘cause at this juncture, Paul and Gene 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,” Frehley said on air, further claiming that the two passed on doing any sort of reunion with him and original drummer Peter Criss at the ceremony despite there being a clear demand for it. “The last time I was on [Friday Night Rocks], 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?” Frehley also claims that his former band members shot down the idea of having Frehley perform “New York Groove” with a celebrity lineup (in other words, they don’t want him onstage with a guitar at any point).
Obviously, it’s a shame that the original lineup might not even end up accepting the induction together let alone perform at least a song, especially considering that that’s the only version of KISS actually getting inducted (something Stanley has been vocally pissed off about). But in case you’re wondering if KISS is at all worried about the backlash this might bring, Simmons made it very clear via the tweet below he’s not. Whether or not Frehley ends up attending the ceremony, KISS still might not end up being the most awkward moment of this year’s induction.
@mykillink VERY DISAPPOINTED YOU ARE STUCK WITH A 25 YEAR OLD STORY.
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) February 22, 2014
UPDATE: Shortly after Peter Criss revealed a similar statement as Frehley’s comments, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley announced that no version of KISS will be playing the Hall Of Fame ceremony.
[via Blabbermouth and Ultimate Classic Rock]
