Former KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent has once again found himself at the center of controversy after issuing a fiery statement about his upcoming album. In a lengthy post shared on Facebook, VINNIE VINCENT warned that the record may never be released unless he feels adequately compensated, citing financial realities and ongoing frustrations with the modern music industry.
The statement arrives amid continued backlash from fans over the high pricing of VINNIE VINCENT’s recent releases. While some supporters have defended his right to set his own prices, others have questioned the sustainability of the approach. In response, VINCENT made it clear that he is prepared to walk away entirely if his terms are not met.
VINNIE VINCENT criticizes the modern music industry
In his message, VINNIE VINCENT opened by attacking the traditional record label system, which he described as financially obsolete. According to him, the current industry structure offers no meaningful protection for artists, particularly when piracy and bootlegging remain widespread.
Transcribed by Vinnie Vincent (Facebook):
“There’s no money in record labels. They’re A dead end inside a dead end. AND THERES NO MONEY RELEASING A RECORD LIKE THIS with bootlegging thieves at my door,” VINCENT said.
“The real plot is much bigger. Unless I get compensated for my work, the album stays unheard. The praise from a fan base is pointless unless I’m compensated FIRST.”
Through this statement, VINNIE VINCENT positioned financial compensation as a prerequisite rather than a bonus. From his perspective, artistic validation alone no longer justifies releasing music into an ecosystem he believes is broken.
Looking back at the collapse of the label era
Expanding on his criticism, VINNIE VINCENT reflected on the decline of the traditional record label system. He traced the shift back to the early 1990s, arguing that the industry’s creative and financial structures collapsed long ago.
“The last of the label days died in 1990. They hung a bit longer with grunge and rap, but the culture changed. The fun was gone. Rock was dead,” he continued.
According to VINCENT, the environment that once allowed rock artists to thrive had vanished by the early 1990s. As a result, opportunities that were once accessible became increasingly restricted.
“By the early 90’s the doors to the record labels were a fortress…. Unlike the 80’s. The doors were closing literally.”
He further argued that even during the supposed “golden age” of record labels, artists were routinely exploited.
“And even during the heyday of record labels signing bands, it was a revolving door of an advance going to the artist, being cheated out of your royalties, hiring lawyers to find your royalties, going to court for years and ending up without your royalties, and left with nothing but legal bills.”
This historical context was used to justify his current stance. From VINNIE VINCENT’s perspective, withholding music is not an act of rebellion, but rather self-preservation.
Responding directly to fan criticism
Beyond the industry itself, VINNIE VINCENT also turned his attention toward fans who have criticized his pricing strategy. He framed his approach as a straightforward business decision rather than an emotional one.
“I am the manufacturer. I produce high end product. I set the price accordingly. It’s that simple. there’s no argument here. there’s no discussion,” VINCENT stated.
According to him, his music is not intended for mass consumption. Instead, he described it as a niche product designed for a specific audience.
“I’ve created an elite product for elite taste.”
However, the tone of his message quickly escalated when addressing detractors directly.
“So for the smash and grab EBT card group of self entitled complainers b-tching about price..f-ck off. the fatigue is now exhaustion.”
While the language drew immediate criticism, VINNIE VINCENT appeared unapologetic. From his viewpoint, ongoing complaints have crossed the line from disagreement into entitlement.
An ultimatum over GUITARMAGEDDON
Toward the end of his statement, VINNIE VINCENT delivered what many interpreted as an ultimatum regarding his upcoming album, GUITARMAGEDDON. According to him, fan support—or the lack of it—will determine whether the record ever sees the light of day.
“So it comes down to this; if the fan support is not there which it does not appear to be, this record will not be released.”
Rather than framing this possibility as a loss, VINCENT expressed complete acceptance of that outcome.
“Am I fine with that? Absolutely. 100%,” he said.
He went even further by claiming that the album could become legendary precisely because it remains unreleased.
“It will be the greatest album of all time, never to be heard, never to be released.”
Finally, VINNIE VINCENT dismissed the idea that fans withholding purchases would pressure him into changing course.
“If people want my music, and think they’re punishing me by not buying it because of the price, it matters not to me. They’re the ones who will lose out.”
A familiar pattern of confrontation
For longtime observers of VINNIE VINCENT’s career, the statement follows a familiar pattern. Throughout the years, he has frequently clashed with both industry figures and fans, often framing conflicts as battles over artistic control and personal respect.
At the same time, his legacy as a former KISS guitarist continues to generate strong interest in his work. That attention, however, also amplifies controversy whenever bold statements are made.
What happens next remains unclear
As of now, no official release date has been announced for GUITARMAGEDDON. Whether the album will ultimately be released—or permanently shelved—appears to depend entirely on VINNIE VINCENT’s expectations being met.
For fans, the situation presents a difficult choice. Some may accept the pricing as part of supporting an artist they admire. Others may step away altogether. Either way, VINNIE VINCENT has made it clear that compromise is not part of his current mindset.
Until further updates are shared, the future of GUITARMAGEDDON remains uncertain. What is certain, however, is that VINNIE VINCENT continues to challenge conventional norms, for better or worse, as he navigates the modern music landscape on his own terms.
