Former KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent has robustly defended his decision to sell a new single for a minimum of $225, dismissing a wave of fan criticism as "the bitching, the moaning, the whining". The 73-year-old musician, who played with the iconic rock band from 1982 to 1984, is releasing his track 'Ride the Serpent' as an ultra-exclusive collectible.
The High-Stakes Release Strategy
Earlier this month, Vincent announced on Facebook that he would sell only 500 copies of the new single. Priced at $225 for American fans and $300 for international buyers, each CD comes as a signed sleeve with the tracklist handwritten by Vincent himself. He described the item as a "very limited collection piece," justifying the premium cost by its rarity and personal touch.
In lengthy responses to fans on the social media platform, Vincent addressed the controversy head-on. "I understand the bitching, the moaning, the whining about price," he wrote in one comment. However, he framed the decision as a necessary protective measure.
Bootlegging Fears and a "Double-Edged Sword"
The core of Vincent's argument centres on intellectual property protection. He claimed that his unreleased music is so highly sought-after that it would be instantly targeted by bootleggers if made widely available. "My music is so desired that it will be targeted and taken away from me immediately, which I cannot/will not allow," he explained.
He described his predicament as a "dilemma" and a "double-edged sword," expressing a wish that the situation was different while also stating he was "honoured" by the demand. Vincent argued that releasing music in this limited, high-priced format "destroys the theft of bootlegging and protects my interests." For those unwilling to pay, his blunt advice was: "If they want my music they can pay for it or wait a long time because they can get it bootlegged."
Dismissing Critics and Limiting Comments
Vincent's tone turned sharper when addressing his detractors directly. He complained about "whining bitching immature 'I want it for free babies'" and explained this was why he limited comments on his posts. "It's just too tiresome to deal with this type of imbecile who still unfortunately thinks that someone owes them something," he wrote. "Nobody owes them anything, especially me."
This incident follows similar fan criticism directed at his former KISS bandmate, Gene Simmons, earlier this year. In May, Simmons faced backlash for offering fans the chance to be his personal assistant and roadie for a day for $12,000. One fan and his son reportedly paid the sum for the experience, which included fetching lunch for the rock star, who has an estimated net worth of $400 million.
Vincent's strategy highlights a growing, if contentious, trend in the music industry where artists use ultra-limited, high-value physical releases to combat piracy and monetise their most dedicated fan bases, often sparking debate about accessibility and value.
