KISS bassist Gene Simmons shared his thoughts about former bandmate Vinnie Vincent’s career trajectory and legal battles in an interview with Noize In The Attic.
Simmons offered a mixed perspective on Vincent’s abilities and career choices. He expressed admiration for Vincent’s talents while noting regret over his professional decisions.
“Vinnie Vincent, otherwise known as Vinnie Cusano, is a really talented guy. He can write songs. He can sing. He can arrange. His knowledge of guitars is great. I’m just stating fact here, not opinion,” Simmons said.
Simmons detailed their complicated history of legal conflicts.
“And Vincent has sued us 14 different times and lost 14 different times. He had at least one possibly two lawyers. His lawyers disbarred. He fired the lawyer and then rehired the lawyer. And I’m afraid in my opinion, Vinnie’s biggest problem has always been… My opinion is Vinnie’s his own worst enemy,” he continued.
Simmons highlighted the contractual issues that affected their professional relationship.
“Makes horrible life decisions. And to this day has never signed a contract with KISS. So we couldn’t insure him. We couldn’t ensure the tour because he kept renegotiating saying, ‘I’ll do it tomorrow.’ And many decades later he has yet to sign his deal,” Simmons revealed.
His final thoughts expressed sympathy for Vincent’s situation: “Well, I feel sorry for him because he can’t enjoy the fruits of labor.”
The legal disputes between Vincent and KISS have led to significant financial repercussions for the former guitarist.
A report from Blabbermouth revealed that Vincent lost his royalties. The court ordered him to forfeit these payments to cover attorney’s fees incurred by Gene Simmons during their legal battles.
The situation intensified in 2006. Courthouse News documented Vincent’s Supreme Court appeal loss. This defeat resulted in mandatory payments for substantial attorney fees and legal costs.
The National Law Review documented Vincent’s failed attempts to protect his royalties from garnishment. These legal setbacks created lasting implications for his career and financial stability.
The continuous string of unsuccessful legal actions and lost appeals diminished Vincent’s potential for a lucrative career with one of rock’s most successful bands.
