Simmons: 'Kiss Should Be in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame'

[Refugee 7]

Rocker Gene Simmons is furious his band Kiss has been excluded from a new shortlist of acts to be considered for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next year.

The "Crazy Nights" hitmakers released their first album in 1974 - thereby fulfilling the requirement that rules eligible acts must have released their first album at least 25 years prior to a nomination.

And Simmons can't understand why Kiss has been left off the new shortlist - which includes guitarist Jeff Beck, singer Bobby Womack and Metallica.

Speaking at a Billboard Touring Conference on Thursday, the star ranted: "There are disco bands, rap bands, Yiddish folk song bands in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but not Kiss.

"I believe we have more gold records in America than any other group, but it's okay."

The final five acts will be announced in January and officially honored at the 24th induction ceremony in Cleveland, Ohio on April 4.

[weird monkey 0]

Of course he does. Of course he is. Yes, yes, of course.

It couldn't be his attitude that is keeping them out, could it?

Of his home videos I will not speak.

[HeartbreakerFan 27]

I think they should be there also. I always liked Paul Stanley.

[Danny Mac 42]

I think Tom said somewhere that their 2nd gig was opening for KISS.

That would have been a fun bill.

[agirl 0]

I would have rather seen them inducted than Madonna.

[nurktwin 2,143]

i think there are a lot more bands that haven't made it yet that deserve it more than kiss. sorry, i'm not a kiss fan. don't take that the wrong way, i like TO kiss....lol.

[pettyfreak94 1]

Of course he does. Of course he is. Yes, yes, of course.

It couldn't be his attitude that is keeping them out, could it?

Of his home videos I will not speak.

Yeah I think its the attitude, too.

Being in that hall is an honor, not a favor.

[nurktwin 2,143]

being in the hall means more than having a BIG head and think YOU should be there. it means that after 25 years, someone thinks you belong there and respects your work and devotion to music. i don't agree with the people that make the decisions, but that's not my job! many people and bands are not in there for the "FOOL" that controls the voting.

[Beamish 0]

i think there are a lot more bands that haven't made it yet that deserve it more than kiss. sorry, i'm not a kiss fan. don't take that the wrong way, i like TO kiss....lol.

I love KISS and would love to see them recognised, but I have to agree with you, Nurk. If Gene can't figure out why incredibly talented nominees like Jeff Beck got selected instead, then he belongs in the Special Ed Hall Of Fame, not the Rock one.