KISS announced Sunday they will not perform at this year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony. The band made the statement after comments made by former KISS member Ace Frehley on Friday that Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley rejected the idea of performing with the original lineup.
“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,” KISS said on its website. “Contrary to claims made through the media we have never refused to play with Ace and Peter.”
On Eddie Trunk’s syndicated radio show, Frehley mentioned that Simmons and Stanley had rejected the idea of having the original lineup back together for the ceremony.
“They just shot down any type of reunion with us,” Frehley said. “It’s very frustrating. It’s what the fans wanted, it’s what the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame wanted and it’s not gonna happen. You don’t want to do something for the fans after 40 years of them supporting you?”
KISS made it clear to its fans that their intention was to celebrate their 40-year history and giving credit to past and current members including Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer.
“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,” they said.
KISS finished off by saying that they are focused on celebrating and embarking on their 40th Anniversary worldwide tour and that no incarnation of the lineup will perform.
This year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees also include: Nirvana, Peter Gabriel, Hall and Oates, Cat Stevens, Brian Epstein and more. It will be held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
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