Former KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent recently released a new statement to explain his actual plan about the release of his new album, ‘Guitarmageddon,’ which was priced at $2 million. He addressed fans’ confusion over the release plan. The statement was shared on Official Vinnie Vincent Invasion.
Vincent’s statement aimed to clarify his controversial album pricing and distribution strategy following widespread confusion among fans.
“I have a few minutes this morning to answer some questions,” Vincent said. “Reread what I’ve stated. It’s clear concise and coherent. It’s plainly laid out for anyone to understand. The record is long finished. I don’t know where your confusion stems from.”
The guitarist explained his business model for the album sale.
“I’m offering the album to a third party whatever entity that may be,” he continued. “If it’s an investment group, they may have plans that do not include release and distribution. It’s the discretion of the buyer whether it remains an asset or is an income stream as a record that is distributed and released to the public.”
Vincent also addressed the potential for public release and his reasoning behind the high price point.
“If they choose to release it, they can make it available to fans on a worldwide basis at a price fans can afford,” he said. “That is IF the buyer chooses that option. I don’t have the distribution network. And I won’t take the risk of having it bootlegged. In the interim, I will still offer the singles for $200 each. You should be intelligent enough to see what’s happening here.”
This clarification comes after Vincent’s initial announcement that his album ‘Guitarmageddon’ would be sold for $2 million, including master files and artwork.
Vincent’s unprecedented pricing strategy has positioned ‘Guitarmageddon’ as one of the most expensive music releases ever offered. This marks a bold departure from traditional album distribution models.
Louder Sound reported that the $2 million package includes 10 songs in master format, all master files of artwork and posters, and 10 separate vinyl and CD packaging designs for each individual song. The purchase also grants the buyer distribution rights to the music, pending Vincent’s approval of the marketing plan. It includes a perpetual license to use the brand names “Vinnie Vincent Invasion” and “Vinnie Vincent” for the life of the album.
For those unable to afford the full album price, Guitar World noted that individual tracks can be purchased for $200,000 each. Payment is required via PayPal, with files shipped on a hard drive within two weeks. A strict no-refunds, no-returns policy applies. Vincent has compared his music to luxury goods like caviar and fine art. Guitar World estimated the value at approximately $40 per minute of guitar content.
This album announcement follows Vincent’s earlier controversial pricing decisions, including his release of the lead single “Ride The Serpent” on CD for $225 ($300 internationally). Stereogum confirmed that ‘Guitarmageddon’ marks the Vinnie Vincent Invasion’s first release since 1996. This makes it a highly anticipated return for the former KISS guitarist after a 30-year hiatus.
The unique business model reflects Vincent’s concerns about piracy and his lack of traditional distribution networks. It potentially opens the door for investment groups or entities to acquire the music as either a collectible asset or for future commercial release to the general public.
