Former KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent announced that his long-awaited Guitarmageddon album is finally available to purchase. He revealed an unprecedented $2 million price tag for the complete album. The announcement was made in a statement shared on Facebook.
Vincent explained the completion of his project and outlined the unique purchasing terms for potential buyers.
“Hi everyone. Guitarmageddon is finished. It’s been a long time in the making. I am very proud of this very special album,” Vincent said. “The entire album will be offered in master format only for $2,000,000. This includes 10 songs mixed in master, final product format, all the master files of the artwork, related posters, and 10 separate vinyl and CD packaging art for each individual song, should the buyer choose to release the album on a per-song basis.”
The guitarist detailed the rights and restrictions that come with the purchase.
“The buyer can choose to release the entire album in any format they desire… vinyl, CD, or any other configuration, in whole or in part, at their discretion. All marketing plans and ideas require approval by Vinnie Vincent,” he continued. “The price does not include any right, title, or interest in the copyrights and/or trademarks related to Vinnie Vincent or the product itself.”
Vincent also offered an alternative purchasing option for those interested in individual tracks.
“If the buyer wishes to purchase any associated rights in the compositions, a separate agreement can be arranged and negotiated. The price will also include a perpetual license to use the brand name ‘Vinnie Vincent Invasion’ and ‘Vinnie Vincent’ for the life of the album,” he explained. “OPTION 2: Each individual song can be purchased for $200,000. All terms and conditions listed above regarding the album will apply to each song.”
The album represents Vincent’s first major musical release in years. It marks a significant moment for fans of the former KISS member.
This announcement comes after decades of anticipation from fans who have followed Vincent’s tumultuous career since his departure from KISS in the 1980s.
Britannica reported that Vincent joined KISS in 1982 as lead guitarist after Ace Frehley’s departure. He contributed significantly to the band’s commercial success during their unmasked era. He co-wrote several hit songs including “I Love It Loud” and “Lick It Up” for albums like Creatures of the Night (1982), Lick It Up (1983), and Animalize (1984). Vincent was known for his distinctive shredding technique and complex solos, particularly showcased in tracks like “Fits Like A Glove.”
The path to this album release has been marked by numerous delays and changes. Metal Department noted that Vincent announced a listening party for the new studio album titled Judgment Day (Guitarmageddon Pt. I) in March 2023. This marked what would be the first Vinnie Vincent Invasion album in 35 years. However, the project faced multiple setbacks due to frequent vocalist changes. Vincent switched from Robert Fleischman to Scott Board in May 2023, then auditioned other singers just days later.
Oreate AI detailed that Vincent’s musical journey began as a session guitarist working across various genres including disco, pop, R&B, and classic rock before joining KISS. After leaving the band in 1984, he launched the Vinnie Vincent Invasion, which produced glam and shred metal albums in the 1980s. His reclusive nature since those early projects has made any new musical output highly anticipated among rock and metal fans.
The unusual pricing strategy and exclusive nature of this release reflects Vincent’s unconventional approach to the music business. He maintains strict control over his artistic output while offering potential buyers significant flexibility in how they choose to distribute and market the material.
