by Former KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent has publicly criticized the band’s handling of his work, specifically addressing the song “Exciter” in a statement shared on Facebook.
The controversy arose after a KISS fan praised Vincent’s original performance on the track. Vincent’s response revealed deep frustration with how his contributions were treated.
“No offense to the other KISS guitarists, but nobody else can pull off the ending to ‘Exciter’ like Vinnie did. Speed and precision,” the fan commented.
Vincent did not hold back in his reply, expressing anger over changes made to his original work.
“Those two greedslime royally fucked the song by not using my original solo,” he said. “They compromised the song with an unfit garbled mess of tired riffs. That was my exit door. Bye and good riddance.”
The statement suggests that the alteration of his guitar solo may have contributed to his departure from the band. Vincent’s comments highlight ongoing tensions between the guitarist and KISS leadership.
Vincent’s outburst reflects a long history of conflict with KISS that dates back to his time with the band in the early 1980s. The “Exciter” controversy is just the latest chapter in a decades-long dispute over creative control and recognition.
Wikipedia reported that Vincent joined KISS in late 1982, replacing founding guitarist Ace Frehley during the Creatures of the Night album and the subsequent Lick It Up tour. “Exciter” was a track from Lick It Up (1983) written by Vincent and Gene Simmons, featuring Vincent’s signature guitar work. Vincent was recognized for his virtuosic guitar abilities and songwriting contributions that helped revive KISS’s sound. However, his tenure was marked by significant tension with band leaders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.
The guitarist’s time with KISS ended in dismissal in 1984 following the Lick It Up tour. Ultimate Classic Rock noted that Vincent clashed with Simmons and Stanley over creative control, contract terms, and his role and pay. He famously refused to sign an employment contract because he felt undervalued and denied fair publishing rights. His onstage guitar solos were sometimes extended past agreed timeframes, leading to frustration within the band.
Despite never formally becoming a signed member due to contract refusals, Vincent still contributed later as a songwriter on KISS’s 1992 album Revenge. He again fell out with the band over demands and behavior. Ultimate Classic Rock revealed that Vincent has occasionally spoken out with a mixture of bitterness and regret about his time with KISS. Simmons and Stanley have reportedly viewed Vincent’s repeated demands and contentious behavior as reasons for the strained relationship.
The recent criticism over the “Exciter” solo symbolizes Vincent’s unresolved grievances with the band. His public statement suggests that the alteration of his creative work without consent was a breaking point that contributed to his exit from KISS. This adds another layer to the complex and contentious relationship between the virtuoso guitarist and one of rock’s most iconic bands.
