Vinnie Vincent's Finest Moments

TheSpoiler · Post by **TheSpoiler** » Fri Aug 23, 2019 2:36 pm

Los Angeles 1983 Creatures of the Night Bootleg, Universal Amphitheater.

Some staggering playing from VV here, especially during his solo spot (mindless noise my ass).

Whatever people may say about him, this guy could pick a banjo.

Here it is:

UnholyDemon · Post by **UnholyDemon** » Fri Aug 23, 2019 2:44 pm

His self imposed hiatus of 20+ years!!!

Rip Rokken · Post by **Rip Rokken** » Fri Aug 23, 2019 3:18 pm

Thank you for another new VINNIE VINCENT thread. You’re helping do this board a great service.

Bruce · Post by **Bruce** » Fri Aug 23, 2019 3:25 pm

Finest moments:

Creatures of the Night, Lick It Up and Invasion. With Revenge receiving a Special Mention.

EggFlip · Post by **EggFlip** » Fri Aug 23, 2019 3:28 pm

Vinnie asking his fans on social media to keep posting new threads about him here

70skid · Post by **70skid** » Fri Aug 23, 2019 3:40 pm

VV’s greatest moment was when he cranked into COTN for the first time on tour in 1982. He was hungry and had the chops and balls to go make it.....despite all the odds.

Rip Rokken · Post by **Rip Rokken** » Fri Aug 23, 2019 3:40 pm

EggFlip wrote: ↑Fri Aug 23, 2019 3:28 pm Vinnie asking his fans on social media to keep posting new threads about him here

No, y’all keep doing that on your own.

Post by **TheSphinx** » Fri Aug 23, 2019 4:54 pm

Vinnie Saving KISS

That is Vinnie's finest moment.

Love this VH1 article from 2015. Although, he should have been named the #1 most under-rated hair metal guitarist, they did put him at #2.

#2 Vinnie Vincent – Kiss/Vinnie Vincent Invasion

Vinnie Vincent saved Kiss. No two ways about it.

As Kiss’s record sales and concert attendance dwindled in the early ’80s, former Vincent John Cusano started as a session player on the 1982 Creatures of the Nightalbum before strapping on the requisite platform boots and painting his face to become the “Ankh Warrior” as departing guitar lord Ace Frehley’s official replacement.

The following year, Kiss famously ditched their makeup, emboldened not just by Vinnie’s daredevil guitar playing, but also by his absolutely top-tier skills as a songwriter. Just as Kiss has adapted to late-’70s disco with “I Was Made for Loving You,” Vinnie Vincent multiple talents would mega-successfully launch the band into the hair metal ’80s.

Vinnie co-wrote eight of the ten songs on 1983’s transitional smash Lick It Up, including the instant-classic title track, which remains one of Kiss’s true signature anthems, and the full-blown rump-stomper “All Hell’s Breakin’ Loose.”

Alas, Vinnie’s Kiss tenure proved short-lived. Business tensions and some onstage antics such as an unexpected, off-the-wall guitar solo at a March 1984 Quebec gig at the end of the Lick It Up tour prompted Kiss to fire Vinnie immediately. He went on to form the Vinnie Vincent Invasion, which put out two albums that have become fan favorites: a self-titled debut in 1986, and All Systems Go, two years later.

In the years since, Vinnie Vincent has become a mysterious figure and even the object of cult devotion. Rolling Stone even ran a 2014 article titled “The Long Kiss Goodbye: The Search for Vinnie Vincent.”

Vinnie has certainly earned every bit of this admiration and fascination.

The only thing I would take issue with is Vinnie wasn't fired. Vinnie went AWOL. KISS was begging him to return. Gene even got Diana Ross to call him. Vinnie refused to come back.

Post by **PterCriss** » Fri Aug 23, 2019 5:07 pm

TheSphinx wrote: ↑Fri Aug 23, 2019 4:54 pm Vinnie Saving KISS

That is Vinnie's finest moment.

Love this VH1 article from 2015. Although, he should have been named the #1 most under-rated hair metal guitarist, they did put him at #2.

#2 Vinnie Vincent – Kiss/Vinnie Vincent Invasion

Vinnie Vincent saved Kiss. No two ways about it.

As Kiss’s record sales and concert attendance dwindled in the early ’80s, former Vincent John Cusano started as a session player on the 1982 Creatures of the Nightalbum before strapping on the requisite platform boots and painting his face to become the “Ankh Warrior” as departing guitar lord Ace Frehley’s official replacement.

The following year, Kiss famously ditched their makeup, emboldened not just by Vinnie’s daredevil guitar playing, but also by his absolutely top-tier skills as a songwriter. Just as Kiss has adapted to late-’70s disco with “I Was Made for Loving You,” Vinnie Vincent multiple talents would mega-successfully launch the band into the hair metal ’80s.

Vinnie co-wrote eight of the ten songs on 1983’s transitional smash Lick It Up, including the instant-classic title track, which remains one of Kiss’s true signature anthems, and the full-blown rump-stomper “All Hell’s Breakin’ Loose.”

Alas, Vinnie’s Kiss tenure proved short-lived. Business tensions and some onstage antics such as an unexpected, off-the-wall guitar solo at a March 1984 Quebec gig at the end of the Lick It Up tour prompted Kiss to fire Vinnie immediately. He went on to form the Vinnie Vincent Invasion, which put out two albums that have become fan favorites: a self-titled debut in 1986, and All Systems Go, two years later.

In the years since, Vinnie Vincent has become a mysterious figure and even the object of cult devotion. Rolling Stone even ran a 2014 article titled “The Long Kiss Goodbye: The Search for Vinnie Vincent.”

Vinnie has certainly earned every bit of this admiration and fascination.

The only thing I would take issue with is Vinnie wasn't fired. Vinnie went AWOL. KISS was begging him to return. Gene even got Diana Ross to call him. Vinnie refused to come back.

Vinnie did very little outside of Kiss that's remembered. That should tell you everything.

Plus Vinnie's output of material in the past 25 + years also should tell you everything.

trip730 · Post by **trip730** » Fri Aug 23, 2019 5:18 pm

No doubt his songwriting ability.All of his tracks on COTN and LIU are just outstanding, All of his Invasion and ASG tracks,fantastic ( just needed different singers for those albums) and what about songs like Gypsy and Tears that never made it to any of his own releases.

For all his demons,and questionable integrity, he certainly can write great music.

Rip Rokken · Post by **Rip Rokken** » Fri Aug 23, 2019 7:28 pm

TheSpoiler wrote: ↑Fri Aug 23, 2019 2:36 pm Los Angeles 1983 Creatures of the Night Bootleg, Universal Amphitheater.

Some staggering playing from VV here, especially during his solo spot (mindless noise my ass).

Whatever people may say about him, this guy could pick a banjo.

Here it is:

That was freaking incredible. Thank you!

star_paul12 · Post by **star_paul12** » Fri Aug 23, 2019 7:37 pm

In my opinion Vinnie doesn’t have very many, if any, finest moments. In kiss or out. His guitar playing is just not to my liking. I’ve never gotten the whole “shred” thing. It’s just pollution to the ears in my opinion. He was, at best, a c list musician outside of kiss at his peak. Every ounce of allegiance to or fascination with Vinnie has came from a tiny spec of only the most bizarre and niche kiss fan. He had some influence on 3 or so kiss records. One of which was revenge—an album strongly revered within kiss circles (in overstated and irrational ways)—but not really anywhere else. Vinnie is a very tiny blip on both the kiss and rock and roll history map. Anyone who thinks otherwise has simply been drinking the koolaid for far too long, and in far too strong a dose.

metaldad · Post by **metaldad** » Fri Aug 23, 2019 8:09 pm

Unholy

Den Dennis · Post by **Den Dennis** » Fri Aug 23, 2019 8:12 pm

Saving himself... oh wait.

Tito · Post by **Tito** » Fri Aug 23, 2019 11:14 pm

His work on COTN, LIU, Invasion and Revenge. I can't stand the vocals on ASG so that's out for me. And special mention to the solo on "Calling Dr. Love" in Rio.

That's my serious answer. Back to your regularly programmed bullshit, carry on...

Rip Rokken wrote: ↑Fri Aug 23, 2019 3:18 pm Thank you for another new VINNIE VINCENT thread. You’re helping do this board a great service.

Why not just answer the question of the topic at hand instead of being a nuisance?

So Cruel · Post by **So Cruel** » Fri Aug 23, 2019 11:50 pm

Vinnie s finest moment? Not much to choose from musically aside from a few decent co-writes but by the sound of it he makes a real tasty salad.

Freeze · Post by **Freeze** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 12:09 am

The whole LIU record. In retrospect I guess we can thank Gene And Paul for keeping his soloing under control. On that record they are actually pretty listenable!

lespaul · Post by **lespaul** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 1:46 am

saint & sinner
a million to one
all hell `s breaking loose

steve · Post by **steve** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 1:52 am

Tito wrote: ↑Fri Aug 23, 2019 11:14 pmAnd special mention to the solo on "Calling Dr. Love" in Rio.

That version is the first time that song did anything for me. Mr. Cusano gives it a much needed kick.

Mother Mercury · Post by **Mother Mercury** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 2:06 am

He certainly had his moments of genius, no doubt about it. Extreme OTT playing style, which was great for the live situation, but perhaps not so much for studio work.
MJJ just about reigned him in enough to appeal to the masses on Lick It Up (which still has Vinnieisms all over it), but I think after Kiss, he really needed another good producer to keep a lid on it.

Not For The Innocent - some of his best riffs, and a gift to Gene.
No Substitute - his most commercial song? Very catchy, nice melodic solo (well, some of it...), could have been a big hit for somebody.

EggFlip · Post by **EggFlip** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 2:50 am

His best song ashes to ashes with the extended solo

Stanley! You look so cute · Sat Aug 24, 2019 2:58 am

Rip Rokken · Post by **Rip Rokken** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 3:21 am

Tito wrote: ↑Fri Aug 23, 2019 11:14 pm Why not just answer the question of the topic at hand instead of being a nuisance?

Too many finest moments for me to mention if I went song by song. Album-wise, I agree with you though I love ASG. And definitely the Birthday Bash where he put all the doubts about his abilities to shame.

woodworm001 · Post by **woodworm001** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 3:29 am

Has to be related to his songwriting. CotN, LIU and Revenge all have great VV tracks - he is a talented song writer.

The ear bleeding solo in the original post (30 minutes in) shows everything wrong with his playing style for KISS. It's just noise.

Tito · Post by **Tito** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 3:54 am

Rip Rokken wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2019 3:21 am And definitely the Birthday Bash where he put all the doubts about his abilities to shame.

All the doubts? He hasn't in fact done anything of the sort. You see, people would actually need to see and hear it first.

Rip Rokken · Post by **Rip Rokken** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 4:02 am

Tito wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2019 3:54 am
Rip Rokken wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2019 3:21 am And definitely the Birthday Bash where he put all the doubts about his abilities to shame.
All the doubts? He hasn't in fact done anything of the sort. You see, people would actually need to see and hear it first.

Agreed... and we did. Then we learned what the Apostles went through, lol. But it’s well worth it.

In the Suds · Post by **In the Suds** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 4:08 am

Yeah, you wrote a bunch of made up shit...just like the apostles.

Thunderous_Lay · Post by **Thunderous_Lay** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 4:09 am

This thread is going places, of that I have no doubt...

Ikons · Post by **Ikons** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 4:12 am

Freeze wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2019 12:09 am The whole LIU record. In retrospect I guess we can thank Gene And Paul for keeping his soloing under control. On that record they are actually pretty listenable!

They're not very memorable, though. At least to me. When I think of Lick It Up the solos don't even cross my mind.

redfield · Post by **redfield** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 4:16 am

TheSphinx wrote: ↑Fri Aug 23, 2019 4:54 pm

The only thing I would take issue with is Vinnie wasn't fired. Vinnie went AWOL. KISS was begging him to return. Gene even got Diana Ross to call him. Vinnie refused to come back.

Huh ? now THIS is new (to me)

care to elaborate ?

Tito · Post by **Tito** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 5:38 am

redfield wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2019 4:16 am
TheSphinx wrote: ↑Fri Aug 23, 2019 4:54 pm

The only thing I would take issue with is Vinnie wasn't fired. Vinnie went AWOL. KISS was begging him to return. Gene even got Diana Ross to call him. Vinnie refused to come back.
Huh ? now THIS is new (to me) care to elaborate ?

Oh my. It never ends.

Frehley's Vomit · Post by **Frehley's Vomit** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 5:42 am

NashvilleRock.net · Post by **NashvilleRock.net** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 5:52 am

The song 'Animal'. It absolutely rules

bassmansteiny · Post by **bassmansteiny** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 6:09 am

Rip Rokken wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2019 4:02 am
Tito wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2019 3:54 am
Rip Rokken wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2019 3:21 am And definitely the Birthday Bash where he put all the doubts about his abilities to shame.
All the doubts? He hasn't in fact done anything of the sort. You see, people would actually need to see and hear it first.
Agreed... and we did. Then we learned what the Apostles went through, lol. But it’s well worth it.

With all due respect, not even close to what the Apostles went through.

bassmansteiny · Post by **bassmansteiny** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 6:14 am

Tito wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2019 3:54 am
Rip Rokken wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2019 3:21 am And definitely the Birthday Bash where he put all the doubts about his abilities to shame.
All the doubts? He hasn't in fact done anything of the sort. You see, people would actually need to see and hear it first.

I agree Tito. While I don't get involved with the bashing or praising part of VV, I agree, except for a select few, this will never be put to rest until he demonstrates to the greater KISS community if he still has it. I honestly have no idea if the man does or doesn't, all I have to go by is previous recent appearances. I really wish he would release something for the rest of the KISS Army. Unfortunately some of us can't afford or justify a $300 ticket.

Rip Rokken · Post by **Rip Rokken** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 6:19 am

bassmansteiny wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2019 6:09 am
Rip Rokken wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2019 4:02 am
Tito wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2019 3:54 am
Rip Rokken wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2019 3:21 am And definitely the Birthday Bash where he put all the doubts about his abilities to shame.
All the doubts? He hasn't in fact done anything of the sort. You see, people would actually need to see and hear it first.
Agreed... and we did. Then we learned what the Apostles went through, lol. But it’s well worth it.
With all due respect, not even close to what the Apostles went through.

In message board world, similar, lol. Rejected, crucified, beheaded, etc. just for having good news, lol. But of course not physically or mentally the same. It was just a silly metaphor.

It would be interesting to see a thread asking which KISS members are going to Heaven vs. Hell, though. I know Vinnie is a Christian, so no doubt he’s going to Heaven. I’m not sure about the other guys, or any “fans” who keep griping about ancient history (Matthew 6:15).

nfarend · Post by **nfarend** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 7:19 am

Since religion was brought in as a subject; as an atheist I don't have to worry about either heaven or hell. That said, I have serious doubts if there will be a place for VV in this so called heaven.

JohnBergless · Post by **JohnBergless** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 7:21 am

Ironic song isn't it?

Rip Rokken · Post by **Rip Rokken** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 7:27 am

nfarend wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2019 7:19 am Since religion was brought in as a subject; as an atheist I don't have to worry about either heaven or hell. That said, I have serious doubts if there will be a place for VV in this so called heaven.

Sent you a PM.

misterhand80 · Post by **misterhand80** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 7:31 am

Vinnie Vincent's Finest Moments:

- That Time Of Year
- Ashes To Ashes
- Animal
- Back On The Streets

KissCannibal · Post by **KissCannibal** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 7:32 am

Rip Rokken wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2019 6:19 am
bassmansteiny wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2019 6:09 am
Rip Rokken wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2019 4:02 am
Tito wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2019 3:54 am
Rip Rokken wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2019 3:21 am And definitely the Birthday Bash where he put all the doubts about his abilities to shame.
All the doubts? He hasn't in fact done anything of the sort. You see, people would actually need to see and hear it first.
Agreed... and we did. Then we learned what the Apostles went through, lol. But it’s well worth it.
With all due respect, not even close to what the Apostles went through.
In message board world, similar, lol. Rejected, crucified, beheaded, etc. just for having good news, lol. But of course not physically or mentally the same. It was just a silly metaphor.

It would be interesting to see a thread asking which KISS members are going to Heaven vs. Hell, though. I know Vinnie is a Christian, so no doubt he’s going to Heaven. I’m not sure about the other guys, or any “fans” who keep griping about ancient history (Matthew 6:15).

loooooooooooooooooooooooool!

Rip Rokken · Post by **Rip Rokken** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 7:48 am

KissCannibal wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2019 7:32 am loooooooooooooooooooooooool!

Post by **tmcfaddin** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 8:05 am

nfarend wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2019 7:19 am Since religion was brought in as a subject; as an atheist I don't have to worry about either heaven or hell. That said, I have serious doubts if there will be a place for VV in this so called heaven.

You still around or did lightning strike you?

Bruce · Post by **Bruce** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 9:06 am

The Apostles and KIϟϟ in the afterlife?! Wow ... just wow! This thread's certainly proving its ambitions with this recent philosophical bent.

redinthesky · Post by **redinthesky** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 9:44 am

JohnBergless wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2019 7:21 am Ironic song isn't it?

Awesome song actually. That band had a lot of catchy tunes.

Post by **Spoonful** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 10:36 am

I maintain that the Vincent/Carr lineup is second only to the original lineup. I loved their makeup designs as well. Paul is silly to dismiss them after the fact.

Rip Rokken · Post by **Rip Rokken** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 11:24 am

Bruce wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2019 9:06 am The Apostles and KIϟϟ in the afterlife?! Wow ... just wow! This thread's certainly proving its ambitions with this recent philosophical bent.

Eternal destinations aside, I just don’t want KISS in charge of pricing VIP packages at the Pearly Gates.

Bruce · Post by **Bruce** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 11:55 am

On the other hand, hell for them might mean eternal meet & greets given free to the unwashed masses.

LoveGun77 · Post by **LoveGun77** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 12:11 pm

Rip Rokken wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2019 3:21 am
Tito wrote: ↑Fri Aug 23, 2019 11:14 pm Why not just answer the question of the topic at hand instead of being a nuisance?
Too many finest moments for me to mention if I went song by song. Album-wise, I agree with you though I love ASG. And definitely the Birthday Bash where he put all the doubts about his abilities to shame.

Ok,but here's what everyone wants to know: if that's the case...why is everything so secret and hidden? IF he can and does play that way...why not play a show or two? Why not film it so everyone can see? If he is indeed that good still,then it would only help him as far as future projects go. The fact is that all this talk goes on about how he "shreds" and will "shred" and then it's all carefully hidden from everyone. To shut up the "haters" and "naysayers" just come out and show everyone. It's actually very simple!

Post by **PterCriss** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 12:13 pm

Rip Rokken wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2019 3:21 am
Tito wrote: ↑Fri Aug 23, 2019 11:14 pm Why not just answer the question of the topic at hand instead of being a nuisance?
Too many finest moments for me to mention if I went song by song. Album-wise, I agree with you though I love ASG. And definitely the Birthday Bash where he put all the doubts about his abilities to shame.

You know he played to a recorded tape at the birthday bash.