Former KISS guitarist VINNIE VINCENT is pushing back against criticism over the steep price of his newly released single. The guitarist, who was a member of KISS from 1982 to 1984, recently announced that his latest track, Ride the Serpent, would be sold at a premium price, triggering widespread backlash from fans.
Despite the outrage, VINNIE VINCENT has made it clear that he stands firmly behind the decision. In a series of statements, he defended the pricing strategy and delivered blunt responses to critics, ultimately telling dissatisfied fans to “grow the f-ck up.”
Why Ride the Serpent costs $225
Initially, Ride the Serpent was announced as a limited-edition release of just 500 copies, priced at $300. The CD single was described as autographed, hand-numbered, and housed in a plain white envelope. Shortly afterward, VINNIE VINCENT’s official online store listed the single as limited to 1,000 copies instead, with a revised price of $225 for U.S. buyers and $300 for international orders.
The track marks the first official release from VINNIE VINCENT INVASION’s newly announced upcoming album, Judgment Day Guitarmageddon. Rather than a traditional album rollout, the record is expected to be released as a series of so-called “collector’s singles.”
While the format itself raised eyebrows, it was the pricing that sparked the most intense reaction.
VINNIE VINCENT explains his pricing strategy
Earlier this month, VINNIE VINCENT addressed the controversy in a detailed post, explaining that the high price was intentionally set to discourage piracy. According to the guitarist, unauthorized bootlegging has plagued his releases in the past.
“I understand the b-tching, the moaning, the whining about price, but you must also understand that my situation is such that my music is so desired that it will be targeted and taken from me immediately, which I cannot/will not allow,” he said.
He further emphasized that the decision was not made lightly, describing the situation as a personal dilemma rather than a cash grab.
“I wish it was not this way, but I’m honored that it is. It’s a double-edged sword for me, but I sincerely hope that when you think it through you will understand the dilemma I face.”
Despite these explanations, criticism continued to pour in, with many fans arguing that the price was unreasonable for a single song.
Comparing music to fine art and luxury goods
As complaints persisted, VINNIE VINCENT doubled down on his stance. In responses shared via multiple outlets, including NME and Louder Sound, he compared Ride the Serpent to luxury items such as caviar or fine art, stating plainly that not everyone is meant to afford it.
“Welcome to the new agenda. Artists can and will set their own standards and rules for the purchase price of their art,” Vincent said, according to Louder Sound.
He framed the issue within a broader economic and cultural context, pointing to inflation and the challenges faced by artists in the modern music industry.
“We are nearing 2030. Inflation thru the roof. Homeless..etc..the horror list is endless,” he added.
According to VINNIE VINCENT, traditional pricing models no longer apply in an era where music is frequently consumed for free.
A fiery message to critics
In his most controversial remarks, VINNIE VINCENT delivered a lengthy and emotional response to fans who continued to object to the price. The guitarist did not hold back, accusing critics of entitlement and hypocrisy.
“It’s a Mad Max wasteland, the Wild West for artists now who have no protection from shoplifter fans who download their music for free,” he said.
He continued by calling out what he described as selective outrage among consumers.
“They are victims of Massive rip-offs, reduced to beg and pander for likes and subscribes from self-entitled brats who want their work for free or for next to nothing.”
The tone escalated further as VINNIE VINCENT directly addressed those criticizing him.
“Yet these are the same whiners who have no problem paying a lip-syncher $500 for a brick from a house he demolished or $1000 for a sweaty pair of used socks. But you b-tches cry and whine like f-cking babies when VV sells something at a price you don’t like? Grow the f-ck up!”
He concluded by making it clear that the pricing was intentional and non-negotiable.
“My price protects me from people like ‘you’ who will buy cheap from the theft of bootleggers who steal from me.”
“If you don’t like it, don’t buy it”
In the same response, VINNIE VINCENT reinforced his position, stating that fans who dislike his decisions should simply disengage.
“If you don’t like what I do, what I look like, what I say, what I sell, or anything and or everything about me, don’t come here.”
He also dismissed the argument that the price was excessive for a single track.
“You b-tch because it’s one song? This one song is worth more than most entire albums.”
According to VINNIE VINCENT, the price had already been lowered from its original $300 point due to economic concerns.
“It was originally 300, but with the economy suffering as it is, I made it 200. If you don’t like it… That’s your problem, not mine.”
A broader trend among former KISS members
The controversy arrives shortly after another pricing dispute involving a former KISS member. Original drummer PETER CRISS was recently accused of selling a digital download of his new solo album for $1,000 on Bandcamp.
Addressing the backlash, PETER CRISS stated that he was not in control of the Bandcamp account and requested that it be taken down.
Before the page was disabled, a note justified the pricing with the statement:
“Digital purchases are discouraged. That’s why the high price.”
Currently, PETER CRISS’ new album is available at standard prices, including $32.98 on vinyl, $14.98 on CD, and $9.99 via iTunes.
Where things stand now
As of now, Ride the Serpent remains available exclusively through VINNIE VINCENT’s official website for $225. Whether fans embrace the price or reject it entirely, the guitarist has made one thing clear: he has no plans to change course.
The debate highlights ongoing tensions between artists and audiences in an era shaped by streaming, piracy, and shifting perceptions of value.
