While the controversy surrounding KISS’ upcoming induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame continues, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley say they never had any plans to perform with original members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss at the event.
"Imagine getting onstage and playing with a lineup that does not exist," Simmons tells the Los Angeles Times, comparing the situation to a forced reunion with an ex-spouse.
Simmons and Stanley both have bad memories of years of substance abuse by their former partners but say they are happy and proud to accept the award with the former members.
Putting the original quartet in makeup was "a nonstarter," says Stanley.
Negotiations with the Hall of Fame stalled, say the pair, who wanted to include current members Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer, while the Rock Hall wanted a reunion of the original quartet in makeup. As a result, Stanley and Simmons pulled the plug on a live performance at the induction ceremony.
KISS released a statement explaining their decision (read it here) after original guitarist Ace Frehley broke the news on Eddie Trunk’s radio show (details here) and original drummer Peter Criss released a statement of his own (here).
"The naysayers, and some of them are loud, talk about Tommy or Eric being impostors,” adds Stanley. “I think an impostor is a guy up there doing it for a paycheck."
On April 10, KISS will be inducted into the 2014 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame at a ceremony in New York, along with Nirvana, Peter Gabriel, Hall and Oates, Cat Stevens and Linda Ronstadt.
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