Gene Simmons, bassist for KISS, who have been dropped from
the bill of a Michael Jackson tribute concert in Wales in
October. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Organizers of a Michael Jackson tribute concert have
dropped Kiss from the lineup after receiving widespread
criticism for booking the band despite critical comments toward
the late pop singer by bassist Gene Simmons.
The announcement came a day after Global Live Events
announced Kiss would join the show planned for October 8 in
Cardiff, Wales. Fans, media and the singer's estate quickly
noted that Simmons has said in recent years that he was
convinced Jackson molested children. Some of the critical
comments came within days of Jackson's June 2009 death.
Jackson was acquitted of molestation charges after a 2005
trial in California.
Some of Simmons' harshest comments came last year in an
interview with Classic Rock magazine. "Well, you know, where
there's smoke there's fire," Simmons said regarding
accusations that Jackson abused young boys. "There's no
question in my mind he molested those kids. Not a doubt."
Global Events Live CEO Chris Hunt accepted blame, calling
Kiss' booking an "oversight."
"Under the circumstances, we fully agree that even though
Kiss is a band Michael admired, we have no choice but to
rescind our invitation to them to appear in our tribute
concert," Hunt wrote in a statement.
A spokeswoman for the band was not immediately available for
comment.
It is the latest stumble for a show that is endorsed by
Jackson's mother and several siblings but is opposed by
brothers Jermaine and Randy. The brothers have noted that the
show is scheduled to happen during the involuntary
manslaughter trial of a doctor charged in Michael Jackson's
death.
Fans have protested ticket prices -which start at nearly
$US100 - the lineup and the show's faraway location since
"Michael Forever - The Tribute Concert" was announced last
month.
Howard Weitzman, an attorney for Jackson's estate, questioned
the show in a letter sent to Hunt on Tuesday, questioning
whether any of the show's proceeds would be going to charity,
as promoters have claimed.
Kiss' departure leaves Smokey Robinson, Christina Aguilera
and Cee Lo Green as the show's superstars.
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