Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons have pulled the plug on a KISS performance at the band’s April 10th induction into the 2014 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
The pair issued a statement Sunday following news that they would not reunite and perform with original members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss at the event.
Frehley broke the news to Q104.3 New York DJ Eddie Trunk during a call in to his show on Friday.
"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," said Frehley.
Read more of Frehley’s comments here.
Criss issued a statement over the weekend with his thoughts – read it here.
Here’s the full statement issued by Stanley and Simmons on Sunday…
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 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.
The KISS controversy comes on the eve of tickets going on sale for the Rock Hall event.
American Express card members get first crack at tickets starting Monday, February 24 at 9 a.m. EST through Friday, February 28 at 10 p.m. EST.
General public tickets go on sale Saturday, March 1 at 10:00 a.m. EST.
See also:
KISS drummer Peter Criss responds to Rock Hall induction snub
KISS will not reunite at Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction
VIDEO: KISS headline Mending Kids All-Star Benefit Concert
KISS: Paul Stanley slams Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame
Search KISS at hennemusic
