Vinnie Vincent recently opened up on his past relationship with KISS. He addressed the band’s direction in a statement shared on Official Vinnie Vincent Invasion Facebook.
Vinnie Vincent talks about KISS
A fan’s observation regarding Vincent’s tenure with the legendary rock band led to this statement. The fan reckoned that Vincent should have remained with the group after Ace Frehley’s departure.
“Gene and Paul knew real talent when they heard it,” Vincent said. “But they didn’t want to pay for real talent. So, they got what they deserved. A tribute band parody of themselves.”
Vincent’s perspective on the band’s creative and financial decisions is reflected in his comment. This remark follows his time as the group’s guitarist.
Vinnie Vincent joined KISS as Ace Frehley’s replacement in December 1982 after the founding guitarist exited the band. Vincent played lead guitar on six of the nine tracks on Creatures of the Night (1982).
He also co-wrote three songs for the album. He went on to play all the lead guitar tracks on the Lick it Up (1983) album, further establishing himself as a key creative force in the band’s sound during this period.
Vincent’s time with KISS was characterized by significant creative and personal conflicts. Ace Frehley noted that Vincent played too quickly, was difficult to manage, and extended the length of guitar solos—traits that frustrated the band’s leadership.
As a result of these personality clashes with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, Vincent was dismissed from the band at the end of the Creatures of the Night tour. However, he was rehired before the recording of Lick It Up began because the band was unable to find a suitable replacement guitarist quickly enough.
