Former KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent played with the group from 1982 to 1984 appearing on the band’s “Creatures of the Night” and “Lick It Up” albums. While he had a hand in writing some memorable KISS songs (including three from the band’s 1992 “Revenge” album), Vincent’s over-the-top guitar style in addition to contract disputes would eventually clash with the rest of the group and he was replaced by Mark St. John.
Vincent was largely out of the public spotlight for more than two decades before appearing at a KISS Expo in 2018. He has performed a few shows since, but has also scheduled and canceled as many shows as he has played since his return.
Recently, Vincent announced a new single, “Ride the Serpent.” It marks the guitarist’s first new original material in more than 20 years, but it comes with a high price tag. In a message on his official website, Vincent revealed that the limited-edition single (1,000 copies) will only be available on CD and will cost $200 plus $25 shipping in the U.S. and another $100 if shipping internationally.
In a Facebook post earlier this month, Vincent explained the high price tag: “I understand the bitching, the moaning, the whining about price, but you must also understand that my situation is as such that my music is so desired that it will be targeted and taken from me immediately, which I cannot/will not allow. 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.”
Vincent said that if the single sells out, he will release more. If not, however, money will be refunded to those that did purchase the CD.
