VVI on Wikipedia

Post by **Genebaby** » Sun Mar 13, 2011 10:38 pm

I just wanted to post this here in case it gets edited back. Reading this you get a good look into Vinnie's thoughts on the matter.

I was a little shocked that by 1990 he didn't have any love for All Systems Go, which I couldn't understand, it's not like the first album, but it's killer none the less.

Biography

After quitting Kiss following the Lick It Up tour, Vinnie Vincent recorded a three song demo containing the songs "Boyz Are Gonna Rock" "Shoot U Full of Love" and No Substitute." Vincent played guitars and bass on all the tracks and did all the background vocals. Myron Grumbacker of Pat Benatar played drums on the demos. Vincent looked for the unique and exciting singer who would be compatible for his music. The vocalist that fulfilled his dream of what his music should sound like was found. That sound was born when Vincent met Robert Fleischman. The two clicked immediately and Robert was asked to sing on the three song demo Vinnie had recorded. Robert Fleischman was briefly the lead singer of Journey, and Vinnie's singer during the 1990s. Fleischman and Vincent's chemistry was unmatched. Chrysalis Records New York heard the demo and called Vincent in LA. With Vincent's demo blaring in the background, Chrysalis asked Vincent to fly to New York immediately stating they were anxious to sign Vincent as a solo artist. After months of negotiating, an eight album 4 million deal was born. The common misconception was that a "band" was signed to the label. However, it was Vincent who was signed exclusively to Chrysalis as a "solo artist" off the strength and power of his three song demo. After Vincent signed with Chrysalis, Vincent began recording his long anitipated compositions, the end result was an album entitled, "VINNIE VINCENT INVASION." A virtual powerhouse of great songs, in your face over the top guitar, great layered intricate harmonies and piercing vocals, VINNIE VINCENT INVASION exploded onto rock radio and became the fastest selling debut album in the history of Chrysalis Records. The name "VINNIE VINCENT INVASION" was actually the name of the solo album which Vincent evolved into a band name. However, despite Vincent's enormous efforts to fit Robert into his contract, Chrysalis, failing to know a good thing when they saw it, destroyed the chemistry, letting Fleischman go unrewarded forcing him to resign. Vincent, disheartened and disillusioned, was forced under duress to tour in support of his first explosive release named "Vinnie Vincent Invasion" with a replacement singer Mark Slaughter who Vincent felt was woefully substandard to the quality which Vincent had not only strived for in his music, but achieved as evidenced by the first Vinnie Vincent Invasion album. Watching the quality of his music sinking, Vincent began losing interest in the teeny bopper image that began replacing his original heavy metal vision. Vincent nonetheless moved ahead in order to try and make it work, despite his loss of heart. Vincent began writing songs for the "All Systems Go" album the followup to VINNIE VINCENT INVASION, and geared up for the recording sessions. However, once the recording sessions were underway, it became painfully evident the production, sound and lead vocals were simply poor, lackluster and pale in comparison to Vinnie's first VINNIE VINCENT INVASION lp. Vincent has been said that he should have aborted the entire project, which included the "All Systems Go" recording sessions, fired all the salaried employees, and regrouped with Fleischman, following the same recording paths of his original demos, with Vinnie on Guitars, bass, and vocals with Myron Grumbacker on drums, but it never happened. "All Systems Go" was released to Vinnie's dismay and to dismal ratings and a lackluster tour followed. With a dramatic change in Chrysalis management which included a turnover of key personnel at the label, Vincent was saddled inside a situation that Vincent had absolutely no belief in. Vincent made the conscious decision in 1988 to disband the "group" after Vincent's disenchantment with Vincent's second album, "All Systems Go" and with Chrysalis's new management decision to pander to the "teen music scene." In late 1988 Vincent, unhappy with Chrysalis's handling of his recordings and career, refused to extend Chrysalis the contractual option for a third VINNIE VINCENT INVASION record when Chrysalis accidentally breached their option deadline to renew Vincent's contract in late September 1989. Chrysalis's contract with Vincent had a leaving member clause and option on the salaried employees Vincent used as band mates. Left without Vinnie Vincent under contract, and attempting to capitalize on Vinnie Vincent and Vinnie Vincent Invasion, Chrysalis picked up the option on two remaining employees who formed the band Slaughter. The rumors that Vincent was kicked out of his own band was baseless internet gossip, rumor and hearsay, having absolutely no basis in fact. In 1991, British heavy metal magazine "Kerrang" voted the first "VINNIE VINCENT INVASION" album #100 of the 100 best heavy metal albums of ALL TIME. The VINNIE VINCENT INVASION is now a Youtube favorite, whose Vinnie Vincent Compositons include, "Boyz Are Gonna Rock", Shoot U Full Of Love" "Animal" "Love Kills" "Ashes To Ashes" and many others which are now becoming discovered by a new generation of fans. In 1996 Vincent resurfaced to release a demo EP called "EUPHORIA" reuniting with original VVI vocalist Robert Fleischman and recorded the unreleased album "Pyro Messiah" (aka Guitars From Hell). Vincent has said within the last few years that he has plans to re-record the "ALL SYSTEMS GO" album the way it should have been recorded with the Vincent production, inclusive of all guitars, bass and vocals which would bring back the ferocious over the top sound of the first VINNIE VINCENT INVASION album, with Robert Fleishman on vocals. As of this writing, that recording has not yet occurred. Only time will tell if Vincent's desires materialize.

A tribute album entitled "KISS MY ANKH: A Tribute To Vinnie Vincent" was released by SplitScreen Entertainment on August 27, 2008. The album consists of new recordings of songs from Vincent's careers with Kiss and the Vinnie Vincent Invasion. Featured artists include Steve Brown of Trixter, Troy Patrick Farrell of White Lion, T.J. Racer of Nitro, Sheldon Tarsha of Adler's Appetite, Chris Caffery of Savatage and Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Ryan Roxie from the Alice Cooper band and rock & roll comic C.C. Banana, who performs a parody of the Kiss song "Unholy" (rewritten as a roast of Danger Danger vocalist Ted Poley).

birnie · Post by **birnie** » Mon Mar 14, 2011 12:08 am

Wow!
That was awesome.
I now see that everyone else was to blame, Vinnie has been right all along.

poserboy71 · Post by **poserboy71** » Mon Mar 14, 2011 12:39 am

Actually, That was the most sane writing I have witnessed from Vinnie. I'd have to say that I believe there to be a lot of truth in it. HE CAN'T GET AWAY FROM EVEN THE TINIEST BIT OF LEGALESE THOUGH, CAN HE ?
Rerecord "All Systems Go"= COOL ***If Robert won't do it GET MICKEY THOMAS !!! Keeping it in the old school will do it justice.

Vinnie, How about a letter like that to the VVFF.

DaBonadono · Post by **DaBonadono** » Mon Mar 14, 2011 5:21 am

I've always been a huge Jeff Scott Soto fan........but I believe that Robert is the REAL Invasion singer. The first VVI kicks total ass. No doubt. Robert on "All System's Go" = WOW!!

Skwint · Post by **Skwint** » Mon Mar 14, 2011 6:36 am

i think that page has changed recently - i dont remember it reading like that but i could be mistaken.

Post by **Genebaby** » Mon Mar 14, 2011 7:24 am

Yes, it wasn't like that before. Vinnie has come along and put his feelings down. They probably won't last on the Wiki as there is no proof they are factual.

doublev · Post by **doublev** » Mon Mar 14, 2011 8:16 am

yes, it will all go. someone will point it out to wikipedia.

Interesting stuff. I think maybe the contract thing has truth in it, but for sure VVI were officially finished in sept '88. I had my own fanzine for a very short while in high school called 'Gutter Press' and I spoke to the correct people at the record company and they confirmed that the band was finished and they had no plans to work with VV again.

Post by **Genebaby** » Mon Mar 14, 2011 9:42 pm

What I find interesting, and I've said this before, is that GFH/Guitarmageddon sounds all the world like an even more polished version of a successor to ASG, not the first album.

The hallmarks are there in the orchestrated guitar work and the style.

This is another reason why I wonder why he so dislikes ASG when the new stuff sounded a lot like it, only with Robert singing.

We've heard Mark sing a song from the first album and it was strange, I didn't like it better than the original. I wonder what ASG would sound like with Robert on vocals?

doublev · Post by **doublev** » Mon Mar 14, 2011 11:14 pm

i think its more about the fact he was getting pushed out a little and lost control. I think he must like it a lot, he just sees the potential of what could have been. I do think the record company had a point in trying to turn VVI into more of a Bon Jovi thing to make money. We all love the OTT stuff , but it would be a hard sale. Strangely the record company did jack shit to sell the singles from ASG.. i think because they were hoping VVI would fall apart. Possibly down to a clash of personalities with VV himself.Especially if he was threatening legal action all the time like he does these days.

erg2 · Post by **erg2** » Tue Jun 28, 2011 6:32 am

Hilarious!
Some things I notice from this personal take on the history of VVI:

- I can find in seconds multiple articles/interviews with Vinnie where he states that Mark Slaughter was his original pick for the lead singer position. He had a Mark Slaughter demo tape with no contact information. He spent 30K calling all over the world trying to track down this phenomenal singer.

- There are multiple interviews with Robert Fleischman where he states he was wanted as the original singer, but that he refused to sign the contract. (His lawyer hadn't reviewed it, he didn't agree with all the details and they wanted him to sign it on the spot.)

- That Vinnie was kicked out of his own band in '88 was all internet rumors. I don't know about you, but I certainly didn't have internet access in 1988...

Having said all that, I love Robert Fleischman on the VVI album. He is amazing. I wish they hadn't done that duet on Back On The Streets and just let Robert sing the whole song. THAT would've been an amazing single!!

While I enjoyed the first Slaughter album and the second one has some interesting stuff on it, I always wanted to have Robert Fleischman as the vocalist on the ASG album. It would have been amazing!!

Now the Guitarmageddon/Euphoria stuff from the mid-90s...I'm sorry, but that is some poorly produced and terribly mixed stuff. What Vinnie needs is a good producer to pull back the reigns sometimes or to help shape the crazier ideas into something that works a little better.

NoQuarter · Post by **NoQuarter** » Tue Jun 28, 2011 8:34 am

everybody loves Robert Fleischman,ASG w/Robert on vocals would sound just PERFECT.
it's like DaBonadono said,he's the real Invasion singer,and there's a obvious reason for why Robert was the singer on Guitars from Hell and not Mark..

thanks for the info Genebaby!

Detroit · Post by **Detroit** » Tue Jun 28, 2011 9:05 am

So are you saying that VV has written these VV Wiki pages by himself?

NoQuarter · Post by **NoQuarter** » Tue Jun 28, 2011 9:14 am

Detroit wrote:So are you saying that VV has written these VV Wiki pages by himself?

that's a fact xD

Post by **Genebaby** » Tue Jun 28, 2011 9:29 am

He has modified them to suit his current thoughts and agenda, yes.

erg2 · Post by **erg2** » Tue Jun 28, 2011 1:20 pm

If you check wikipedia, it has changed drastically since that was posted. As it should have been.

Someone should edit the wikipedia article to include that he is a scumbag wife beater. That he was actually low enough to not only hit a woman, but drag her across the floor by her hair through broken glass. (That's some kind of man right there.)

Post by **Genebaby** » Tue Jun 28, 2011 1:23 pm

Further changes were inevitable, that's why it was posted here, to show Vinnie's version. The Wiki guys are none too fussed with his antics on there.

Post by **Genebaby** » Tue Jun 28, 2011 1:27 pm

Current Wiki entry:

Vincent John Cusano (born August 6, 1952), better known as Vinnie Vincent, is an American guitarist and songwriter most famous for his brief membership in the band Kiss. A relatively unknown singer-guitarist named Vincent Cusano was brought in as an uncredited studio replacement for Ace Frehley during the recording sessions for Kiss' Creatures of the Night album. Vincent was chosen out of hundreds of tryouts of the cream of the country's lead guitarists who were vying for the lead guitar position in Kiss. After playing on the Creatures album, Vincent was asked by the band to be a member of Kiss and tour with Kiss for the upcoming Creatures of the Night Tour , an album in which Vincent had a vested interest as a co-writer of the band's songs, such as "I Love It Loud", "Killer", and "I Still Love You." Vincent was the last member of Kiss to join during the original "makeup" era and toured as "The Ankh Warrior". Vincent stayed with Kiss for two albums, The "Creatures" album and tour as well as the Lick It Up album and tour.

In addition to most of the lead guitar parts of the songs, Cusano also contributed to the writing of some of the songs, including "I Love It Loud", "Killer" and "I Still Love You", which became hits later. The video for "I Love it Loud" featured Frehley rather than Cusano because at the time, Kiss wanted fans to believe that Frehley was still in the band due to a pending lawsuit which involved two of the members. Frehley also appeared on the cover art for the album for that same reason. But once Kiss was ready to go on tour, Frehley refused to join them.

The Ankh WarriorCusano originally wanted to use his birth name in the band, but this was vetoed by Simmons, who instead suggested the stage name of Vinnie Vincent. Cusano has used "Vinnie Vincent" as his professional name since. When the band chose Vincent as Frehley's replacement, Vincent refused to sign the contract, which remains unsigned to this day. Kiss, facing many tour dates, asked Vincent to join them on tour despite the fact that the contract remained unexecuted by Vincent. Vincent ultimately used the Ankh makeup design and persona as "The Ankh Warrior" for which he is exclusively identified with to this day.

From 1982 to 1983, the new line-up of Kiss became Simmons (the Demon), Stanley (the Starchild), Eric Carr (the Fox), and Vincent (the Ankh Warrior). This incarnation of Kiss was to be the last incarnation of the original make-up era. At the end of the Creatures Of The Night tour, the band removed their make-up on MTV.

Aside from songwriting credits under his birth name, Vincent's involvement with the recording of Creatures Of The Night was not widely publicized for several years. When the album was re-mixed and re-released in 1985 with a non-makeup cover and a slightly different song order, Vincent was again absent from the album cover due to disputes over royalties which currently remains in dispute to this day, (then-current lead guitarist Bruce Kulick appeared there instead). The liner notes accompanying the re-mixed LP, however, have credited both Ace Frehley and Vinnie Vincent with lead guitar performances on the Creatures of the Night album.

Vincent did appear on the Lick It Up album cover and is credited as the lead guitarist. He also was credited as a co-writer on 8 of the 10 songs on the album.

Vincent's personality meshed well with Stanley and Simmons, which is readily apparent when evaluating not only the quality of the songwriting, but the live performances as well, especially the Lick It Up tour. However, Vincent's refusal to sign the employment contract strained the relationship. Due partly to disputes over what his role in the band and his pay would be (some reports indicated that Vincent had asked for, and was flatly denied, a percentage of the band's gross profits), and despite the exhortations of both Simmons and Stanley, all through his tenure with the band Vincent refused to sign any contract making his employment official. This, along with a growing public attitude that Vincent was responsible for the resurgence of KISS was natural given Kiss's rise to success was based mainly on Vincent's songwriting. The cumulative result of these factors would ultimately lead to Vincent leaving the band after the European leg of the Lick It Up tour.[1]

With the band unable to secure a replacement guitarist on such short notice, Vincent was enticed to return for the American leg of the tour with the promise of payment of Vincent's royalties which were owing and overdue. A major rift developed between Vincent and the rest of the band over his guitar solos; what were once 5-8 minute solos timed to finish on a cue so that Stanley could introduce the next song suddenly expanded, in some instances leaving the rest of the band impatiently waiting on stage for Vincent to finish. At an LA Forum show in January 1984 Vincent continued playing despite Stanley's cueing him to finish the solo; the two nearly came to blows in the dressing room afterward, with Stanley accusing Vincent of showing him up and Vincent accusing the other three members of ruining his solo and trying to hold him back as a performer. They were separated by Carr and Simmons. At a March show in Quebec, Canada, as the band prepared to close out their set, Vincent broke into an impromptu solo, leaving the other band members standing onstage with nothing to do. After the Lick It Up tour ended in March 1984, Vincent was terminated from the band, and replaced by Mark St. John (birth name Mark Norton).[1]

Despite parting on bad terms, Vincent was later utilized by Kiss as a songwriter on the 1992 album Revenge, contributing to the songs "Unholy", "Heart Of Chrome" and "I Just Wanna". In 1991, Vincent and Simmons had repaired their differences and began writing on what was to be the Revenge album. The result of their musical union were the songs "Unholy", "I Just Wanna", and "Heart of Chrome." Before long however, Vincent again fell out of favor with Simmons and Stanley, as they claimed that Vincent again began "making all kinds of crazy demands and pulling the same kind of crazy stuff all over again".[1] However, the truth was that because Vincent was continually on call for nearly one year during the making of "Revenge" Vincent asked for an advance against royalties to compensate him for his time, especially since he was not a member of the band at that point.[citation needed] The usual tantrum erupted at Vincent's request marking the third and final time which permanently severed their musical and personal ties, In 1997, Vincent sued Simmons and the band's management over songwriting royalties and other matters. The lawsuit was not settled until 2001.[citation needed]

I named Vincent Cusano, "Vinnie Vincent". That's the only gift he's allowed. It's interesting that Vinnie hasn't changed his name back to Vinnie Cusano. —Gene Simmons[2]
Court records show that as recent as 2007, Kiss publicly confirmed Vincent was never under contract as stated by Simmons in the Kissology Volume 2 DVD.[citation needed]

In 2009, Cusano sued Kiss and A&E Television for using his image without his permission in an episode of "Gene Simmons Family Jewels." [3]

Vincent was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut. In the early mid 1960's, many of Vincent's groups were generally winners of the battle of the band contests, the most popular being "the Younger Generation." In the late 60's/early 70's, Vincent formed "Hunter" a heavy metal band patterning their style after Led Zeppelin with original songs written by Vincent. In 1972 Vincent toured as guitarist with Little Anthony and The Imperials whose hits included "Tears On my Pillow," "Hurt So Bad" (a song covered by Linda Ronstadt), "Goin Out Of My Head" and "Shimmy Shimmy Koko Bop."

Before joining Kiss, Vincent was in several bands, the most popular being Treasure (1977–1978). During the mid 1970's Vincent began a period of work as a session guitarist for Connecticut Recording Studio, owned by Paul Leka. Leka was best known as a producer of hits such as "Green Tambourine," "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye." It was during 1975 that Vincent the studio guitarist, played on albums which included the "Five Satins" whose 1950's staple "In the Still Of The Night" was re-recorded with Vinnie on guitar. Vincent also played guitar on an album by the HITCHHIKERS, an R&B group who recorded one of Vincent's songs titled, "This Songs For You, Mama" which is now sought after by Vincent fans today. It was during Vincent's stint as a session guitarist at Connecticut Recording Studio, that Vincent was called in to play guitar for Felix Cavaliere who was producing an avant garde jazz album for Blood Sweat and Tears original member and horn player, Fred Lipsius. The album also featured Jack Scarangella on drums. During the Lipsius recording, Vincent, Cavaliere and Scarangella formed an immediate friendship and bonded musically.

It was during this friendship that the group "Treasure" was born, fronted by Felix Cavaliere. Treasure featured Cavaliere on vocals and keyboards, Vincent on guitar, Jack Scarangella on drums and Mahavishnu bassist Rick Laird on bass. Felix, was the amazing voice, keyboardist, (Hammond B3 and piano) and writer of hits by THE RASCALS. The Rascals timeless hits included "Good Lovin" (the only Rascal Hit not written by Cavaliere), "It's a Beautiful Morning," "It's Wonderful," "A Girl Like You," "(I've Been)Lonely Too Long," "Come On Up," "You Better Run" (covered by Pat Benatar and "How Can I Be Sure" Ironically, Vincent's early band "The Younger Generation" who idolized the Rascals, opened up for the Rascals in Connecticut's Oakdale Theater in 1967 paying tribute to their favorite group by playing the Rascal hits. The "Treasure" album has now become a highly sought after collector's item and has recently been re-released on Wounded Bird Records with includes live performances at the Bottom Line recorded in 1978.

Cavaliere also produced Laura Nyro's "Christmas and The Beads Of Sweat" album. It was at Felix Cavaliere's home that Vincent met Laura Nyro, whom Vincent worshipped and adored. Laura was a friend of Felix's and frequent guest at Felix's home during the many social gatherings during the Treasure days. Vincent fell in love with Laura at age 14 when he discovered her "More Than A New Discovery" album. Laura's music and voice had a lasting deep emotional impact on Vincent at an early age as Vincent would come home from school and play her album over and over for hours on end. It is believed there are photos on the internet of Vincent playing acoustic guitar with Laura Nyro on piano taken on Christmas Day 1976 at Felix's home. In 1978, Cavaliere recommended Vincent for Laura's upcoming album. Vincent performed with Laura Nyro on her "Nested" album and is credited on both acoustic and electric guitars. "Nested" was recorded in Laura's home over a six month period during which time Vincent formed a lasting friendship with Miss Nyro. Vincent has said "Nested" was a milestone in his life and has spoken fondly of sweet memories of sitting with Laura on the piano bench, with Vinnie on acoustic guitar and Laura playing piano with Laura singing her songs to Vinnie. Vinnie has said this was the most incredible, important and spiritual experience of his life, in being moved by the most haunting, unique voice and talent Vincent ever heard. Vincent was devastated when Laura died and has never got over her death.

In 1978 Vincent toured with the multi talented Dan Hartman, whose 1978 release Instant Replay produced an international single by the same name as well as a promotional video in which Vinnie performs. "Instant Reply swept the disco charts and Vincent toured Europe and the U.S. extensively with Hartman in support of the success of the hit single.[4] Vinnie also provided background vocals and lead guitar solo on the album's closing track, "Time and Space". Dan Hartman was best known for his impressive musical talents as a writer and vocalist for the Edgar Winter Group during the early 70's with hits like "Free Ride." Following Vincent's tenure with Dan Hartman and prior to moving to LA in 1980, Vincent toured as a guitarist for the Edgar Winter Group for most of 1979. Edgar Winter was a jazz giant and best known for his unique jazz and rock stylings, as vocalist writer, keyboardist and sax work. The Edgar Winter Group was best known for the rock instrumental hit "FRANKENSTEIN" written by Winter and "Free Ride" written by Hartman. Vincent has noted that Edgar Winter's talents also had a lasting impact on him. It is unknown if any live recordings exist with Vincent and Winter's musical union.

In 1980, Vincent moved to LA where he became a staff songwriter for the television series Happy Days and Joanie Loves Chachi where many of the series songs were written on Vincent's acoustic guitar, while sitting at the "Cunningham's" kitchen table on the "Happy Days" set, during offtime from the show's rehearsal schedule. Vincent has said the times of working at the Paramount lot were genuinely "happy days". [5] According to the site "Kiss Related Recordings" Vincent has also played with the bands Hunter, Warrior, Hitchhikers, and Heat going as far back as 1970.

In 1981, Vincent co-wrote, with Adam Mitchell, the song "Tears" under his real name. It was later recorded by former Babys lead singer John Waite, whom Ace Frehley wanted as lead singer for his post-Kiss band Frehley's Comet, for his No Brakes album which was released on EMI America records. Waite also released the song as a single and it reached #37. Peter Criss also recorded a version of the song for his album, Let Me Rock You, which was released outside of the USA in 1983. Columbia Records recording artist Rex Smith also recorded "Tears".

After being terminated by Kiss or leaving (which ever story is to be believed), following the Lick It Up tour, Vincent formed Vinnie Vincent Invasion (also known as VVI), and released two LPs: Vinnie Vincent Invasion (1986) and All Systems Go (1988). The VVI line-up included original lead singer Robert Fleischman, briefly the lead singer of Journey, and Vinnie's singer during the 1990s. Due to contract complications Fleischman did not tour with the band and was replaced by Mark Slaughter.

Slaughter and Dana Strum (both of whom would later form the band Slaughter) as well as drummer Bobby Rock, who would join the band Nelson after Vincent made the conscious decision in 1988 to disband the "group" after Vincent's disenchantment with VVI's second recording, "All Systems Go", and with Chrysalis's pandering to the then current "music scene". In late 1988, Vincent, unhappy with Chrysalis's handling of his recordings and career, refused to extend Chrysalis the option for third record when Chrysalis accidentally breached their option deadline to renew Vincent's contract in late September 1989. Chrysalis had a leaving member option on the salaried employees Vincent used as supporting band mates. Left without Vinnie Vincent under contract, Chrysalis picked up the option on two remaining employees who formed the band Slaughter.

Vincent briefly became involved with fighting censorship against rock music. In January 1987, he and Dana Strum visited the city of Goshen, Indiana in support of Marianne Hatfield, editor of a local rock magazine called "Rock Rag Plus". Hatfield alleged that she was being harassed by the minister (Paul McGechie) and members of an Assemblies of God congregation, who believed Hatfield's magazine was "satanic". This event was covered in the local news media and in Rock Scene magazine. He also helped The Bangles with songwriting and played the electric 12 string guitar on the 1988 album, Everything for one song, "Make a Play For Her Now" which Vinnie wrote with Vickie Peterson.

As a solo artist, he has released an EP (Euphoria, 1996, with Robert Fleischman)with Vinnie on bass, vocals and drums. Vinnie also released a collector's CD in 2001 entitled Speedball Jamm which consisted of his own private recordings of the VINNIE VINCENT INVASION jamm sessions recorded during rehearsals in 1986 which included moments of just Vinnie soloing alone. In 1990 Vinnie Vincent was to release an album entitled "Guitars From Hell" on Enigma Records but due to business complications "Guitars From Hell" was never released. To this day, Vincent's inferior sounding bootleg demo tracks from "Guitars From Hell" remain one of the most coveted bootlegs among Vinnie Vincent fans. It is rumored that the master recordings of "Guitars From Hell" may be available, however it remains unconfirmed. Vincent was also to release a solo album called "Guitarmaggedon" in 1997-1998 which is unconfirmed as to its release date.

A tribute album entitled Kiss My Ankh: A Tribute To Vinnie Vincent was released by SplitScreen Entertainment on August 27, 2008. The album consists of new recordings of songs from Vincent's careers with Kiss and the Vinnie Vincent Invasion. Featured artists include Steve Brown of Trixter, Troy Patrick Farrell of White Lion, T.J. Racer of Nitro, Mike Weeks of Robert Fleischman's band, Sheldon Tarsha of Adler's Appetite, Chris Caffery of Savatage and Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Ryan Roxie from the Alice Cooper band and rock & roll comic C.C. Banana, who performs a parody of the Kiss song "Unholy" (rewritten as a roast of Danger Danger vocalist Ted Poley).[6]

Post by **Genebaby** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 9:03 am

Had a look at Widipeida today and it's all been cleaned up. It's much smaller again and this is all it says:

Vincent John Cusano, better known as Vinnie Vincent, is an American guitarist from Bridgeport, Connecticut[1] and songwriter known for his brief membership in the band Kiss.[2]

Replacing Ace Frehley in Kiss Vincent's personality meshed well with Stanley and Simmons. However, Vincent's refusal to sign the employment contract strained the relationship. Due partly to disputes over what his role in the band and his pay would be (some reports indicated that Vincent had asked for, and was flatly denied, a percentage of the band's gross profits), and despite the exhortations of both Simmons and Stanley, all through his tenure with the band Vincent refused to sign any contract making his employment official. The cumulative result of these factors would ultimately lead to Vincent leaving the band after the European leg of the Lick It Up tour.[3]

With the band unable to secure a replacement guitarist on such short notice, Vincent was enticed to return for the American leg of the tour with the promise of payment of Vincent's royalties which were owing and overdue. A major rift developed between Vincent and the rest of the band over his guitar solos; what were once 5-8 minute solos timed to finish on a cue so that Stanley could introduce the next song suddenly expanded, in some instances leaving the rest of the band impatiently waiting on stage for Vincent to finish. At an LA Forum show in January 1984 Vincent continued playing despite Stanley's cueing him to finish the solo; the two nearly came to blows in the dressing room afterward, with Stanley accusing Vincent of showing him up and Vincent accusing the other three members of ruining his solo and trying to hold him back as a performer. They were separated by Carr and Simmons. At a March show in Quebec, Canada, as the band prepared to close out their set, Vincent broke into an impromptu solo, leaving the other band members standing onstage with nothing to do. After the Lick It Up tour ended in March 1984, Vincent was terminated from the band, and replaced by Mark St. John (birth name Mark Norton).[3]

Despite parting on bad terms, Vincent was later utilized by Kiss as a songwriter on the 1992 album Revenge, contributing to the songs "Unholy", "Heart Of Chrome" and "I Just Wanna". Before long Vincent again fell out of favor with Simmons and Stanley, as they claimed that Vincent again began "making all kinds of crazy demands and pulling the same kind of crazy stuff all over again".[3]

In 2009, Cusano sued Kiss and A&E Television for using his image without his permission in an episode of "Gene Simmons Family Jewels." [4]

Before and after Kiss In 1980, Vincent moved to LA where he became a staff songwriter for the television series Happy Days and Joanie Loves Chachi where many of the series songs were written on Vincent's acoustic guitar, while sitting at the "Cunningham's" kitchen table on the "Happy Days" set, during offtime from the show's rehearsal schedule. Vincent has said the times of working at the Paramount lot were genuinely "happy days".[5] According to the site "Kiss Related Recordings" Vincent has also played with the bands Hunter, Warrior, Hitchhikers, and Heat going as far back as 1970.

A tribute album entitled Kiss My Ankh: A Tribute To Vinnie Vincent was released by SplitScreen Entertainment on August 27, 2008. The album consists of new recordings of songs from Vincent's careers with Kiss and the Vinnie Vincent Invasion. Featured artists include Steve Brown of Trixter, Troy Patrick Farrell of White Lion, T.J. Racer of Nitro, Mike Weeks of Robert Fleischman's band, Sheldon Tarsha of Adler's Appetite, Chris Caffery of Savatage and Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Ryan Roxie from the Alice Cooper band and rock & roll comic C.C. Banana, who performs a parody of the Kiss song "Unholy" (rewritten as a roast of Danger Danger vocalist Ted Poley).[6]

On the discussion page there is some cool banter about the dodgy edits Vinnie did:

Kiss section I don't know if I am the right person to be editing this article, and I am not in the mood for getting into an edit war like I did after I tried to make a small change to the Bruce Kulick article. But someone should redo the section about Vincent's time with Kiss (which is pretty all that makes him noteable in the first place.) It is rambling and uncited and overexplained and has POV issues. And, some of the facts seem questionable. The story line is pretty simple: Vinnie Cusano/Vincent filled in for Ace Freheley in the studio while recording a Kiss album where Freheley appears on the cover without playing a note, then Freheley quits, then Vincent become the "Ankh Warrior" for a while before the band decides to get rid of the makeup. Finally, Vincent gets fired from the band during the recording of the first "unmasked" album. (What I mean by "overexplained" is something which happens in a lot of rock band histories on Wikipedia: everything the band does is always explained with a very dramatic reason. And every coming and going is detailed minutely.) Timothy Horrigan (talk) 23:31, 8 May 2009 (UTC)

Vinnie Vincent was not an "Ankh Warrior", but an "Egyptian Wizard". If you look/read back at the old articles when he first wore the make-up he was called Vinnie "Wiz (short for Wizard)" Vincent for his musical proficiency as a lead guitarist. You will also notice that in the Creature of the night photo sessions on Vinnie's pants is a crescent (half moon) which is seen on many Stereo-type Wizard outfits. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Gerbear70 (talk • contribs) 15:57, 16 November 2010 (UTC)

Guitar Section The "Vinnie Vincent Model Guitar" section should probably be removed entirely from the page, because it contains no verifiable information. I cleaned up the bizarre grammar and removed most of the WP:NOR. It does appear that the guitar actually exists and was shown at NAMM 2011, but all I've found to support this are discussion forum threads. LesPaul75talk 16:49, 7 March 2011 (UTC)

Apparently, this page is being vandalized. The non-encyclopedic content is back, added by an anonymous user, presumably a spammer/advertiser. LesPaul75talk 22:16, 7 March 2011 (UTC)
Correction - The spammer/advertiser is apparently User:DAworDisDAword101 and not the anonymous user "62.198.89.12". DAworDisDAword101, if there's a reason you added the non-verifiable content back to the article, please explain. Otherwise it's vandalism. LesPaul75talk 22:30, 7 March 2011 (UTC)
DAworDisDAword101 continues to revert edits to the page without any explanation here, or elsewhere. I've put the "ownership" warning on his talk page, but he doesn't appear to read that page, either. I'll make the article change one last time, and no more, because anything further would constitute an edit war. LesPaul75talk 17:45, 8 March 2011 (UTC)

1031 · Post by **1031** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 1:26 pm

That's hilarious he keeps editing the page... Hey Vinne go the fuck outside get some white castles or a freaking vegi burger maybe a cold beer catch a concert. But by the powers of greyskull and sweet baby Jesus GIVE IT A BREAK!!!

doublev2 · Post by **doublev2** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 8:31 pm

Yes he edits his own pages.

Post by **Streetbeat** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 8:41 pm

we know but ...why ? who cares anymore,JUST US ,the hate forum , ironically, his only fans left !
He does it for us , how ironical life can be !

Cernex · Post by **Cernex** » Sat Dec 24, 2011 2:02 am

Coming from him? A lot. The only guy who has an awaiting fanbase in front of him, and he does everything he can to destroy it.

doublev2 · Post by **doublev2** » Sat Dec 24, 2011 7:53 am

sammy, you are correct. the only fans he has are members here or read this board. He hates us but he was the one that sent us here and the only people who give a damn are here. Welcome to Vinnie's world.

KissMyAss · Post by **KissMyAss** » Tue Jan 03, 2012 7:58 pm

Vinnie, why didn't you extend Chrysalis' contractual option to make a third VVI album? Why oh why?

shramiac · Post by **shramiac** » Tue Jan 03, 2012 8:00 pm

You got that right KMA!!!!

doublev2 · Post by **doublev2** » Tue Jan 03, 2012 8:40 pm

Firstly its not true. He had gone way over budget which broke the contract. Funny because he signed with enigma and then went behind their backs to try and get a bigger deal.
It's true that chrysalis were promoting asg as invasion at times and not vvi because the first album sold so poorly in comparison to the budget. They lost shit loads of money.
Look at the statement the fastest selling debut in chrysalis is debut.. firstly when does that start and end.. one day, a week, one month . It wasn't the best selling debut but fastest. What does fastest mean? Chrysalis were also a mid size label and didn't have much history anyway. What was the fastest debut before? Not much to choose from and vvi which didn't come anywhere close to gold was certainly beaten by slaughters platinum selling debut that was a hit from the week it was released.
For him to end the record deal with chrysalis would be crazy to move to a very low budget indie label.

doublev2 · Post by **doublev2** » Tue Jan 03, 2012 8:44 pm

Also he didn't fight for robert .

doublev2 · Post by **doublev2** » Tue Jan 03, 2012 8:48 pm

Pat benatars debut on chrysalis went platinum. I would say that was faster selling.

Post by **Genebaby** » Tue Jan 03, 2012 11:02 pm

Yes, our Fallen Warrior has a habit of pissing off record labels. Which is fine in today's online world, but bad news in the 80's/90's.

He was easily taken out of the picture, unfortunately, and replaced.

doublev2 · Post by **doublev2** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 4:06 am

To the label its a business. They put millions of dollars in and get nothing back they will want to change things just like any business. If the first record made millions then I am sure the label wouldn't have wanted a more.commercial second record .

erg2 · Post by **erg2** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 6:06 am

I think if Vinnie had stood behind Fleischman and insisted he got a decent contract, the first album would've been a LOT more successful and profitable. Then the second one would've been more of the greatness.

Ahhh, what could'a been...

poserboy71 · Post by **poserboy71** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 7:30 am

I do have to say though, That Robert would've HAD TO wear a wig or extensions. I remember loving his voice YET wondering why everyone except him looked BALLS OUT CRAZY.

gonnarock · Post by **gonnarock** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 8:26 am

poserboy71 wrote:I do have to say though, That Robert would've HAD TO wear a wig or extensions. I remember loving his voice YET wondering why everyone except him looked BALLS OUT CRAZY.

Isn't that the truth?

erg2 · Post by **erg2** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 8:51 am

The only picture of him I had ever seen back then was the inside cassette cover. It was so small and obscure that I thought it was part of his "character"...with the riding crop and stuffy shirt. It didn't bother me that much.

I'm just saying...and it's a big game of 'what if'...seeing how well the first record did and was doing just on the strength of the first single, normally one would imagine that the label would've released a follow-up single + video. Chrysalis didn't and I'm guessing it's because of the Fleischman lawsuit, meaning they couldn't do what they did with BGR with Mark lip-synching. So instead of promoting the first album any further, they moved onto the second. BGR was doing some good business...what would've happened if Fleischman had stayed with the band and Chrysalis released 2 or 3 singles + videos?

Post by **Genebaby** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 2:16 pm

I would have been fine with Robert looking pretty much as he did on the album cover. Halford was the short haired singer for Priest, Robert could have done the same if things had gone down better and he had stayed.

Oh how I wish they had done at least one live show with Robert, which was filmed for video!!!!!

Post by **Genebaby** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 2:17 pm

So yes, with Robert's wrath raging it seems logical that they had to give up on further promotion of the first album and move forward with usable singles/videos from the follow up.

A follow up which should have been a smashing success.

gonnarock · Post by **gonnarock** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 2:18 pm

Genebaby wrote:I would have been fine with Robert looking pretty much as he did on the album cover. Halford was the short haired singer for Priest, Robert could have done the same if things had gone down better and he had stayed.

Oh how I wish they had done at least one live show with Robert, which was filmed for video!!!!!

I would have loved that too. That is one thing about the VVI that bothers me is the lacking of live material.

KissMyAss · Post by **KissMyAss** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 11:44 pm

I just read the Wikipedia page.

I already knew revenues-expenses=net income. Income statement. Also known as a profit and loss statement.

metatron · Post by **metatron** » Thu Jan 05, 2012 12:21 am

poserboy71 wrote:I do have to say though, That Robert would've HAD TO wear a wig or extensions. I remember loving his voice YET wondering why everyone except him looked BALLS OUT CRAZY.

I agree with Rick. Robert looks out of place. It's not just the Hair, it's the whole outfit. Robert look like some Dominatrix Pimp & VV, Dana & Bobby look like his Lipstick Fix, Spinning Tyrx Tranny bitches.
At least Rob Halford looked the part of Judas Priest in the leathers.

erg2 · Post by **erg2** » Thu Jan 05, 2012 3:33 am

No doubt, but I think they could've glammed up that "Pimp" look a little and it would've fit in.
I also think that, if he had still been in the band AND the album was selling well, they would've brought in stylists to help them out with image.

I'm not going to sit here a super-defend Fleischman. If you look at HIS history, he hasn't had a lot of success sticking with a group of guys in a band himself...so my guess is that he is also NOT a guy that just goes with the flow. However, you can't deny the guy has one of the best set of pipes in rock and it's a damn shame we didn't get to enjoy more of those pipes on quality-releases of VV songs! (I know he's on GFH, but those mixes are completely butchered.)

doublev2 · Post by **doublev2** » Thu Jan 05, 2012 3:49 am

Robert is the only one who doesn't look like a transvestite show girl.

Post by **Genebaby** » Thu Jan 05, 2012 6:34 am

Dana does not look happy or comfortable.

metatron · Post by **metatron** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 5:25 am

Genebaby wrote:Dana does not look happy or comfortable.

Post by **Genebaby** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 7:25 am

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

metatron · Post by **metatron** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 4:08 am

Genebaby wrote:LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Her name is Jaffa.

PinkWiz · Post by **PinkWiz** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 4:55 am

Robert would've fit in with the stripped down ASG image... but he didn't fit at all with the VVI debut image.

poserboy71 · Post by **poserboy71** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 7:40 am

PinkWiz wrote:Robert would've fit in with the stripped down ASG image... but he didn't fit at all with the VVI debut image.

Yes.

doublev2 · Post by **doublev2** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 7:48 am

i couldn't imagine Robert singing on ASG however.

erg2 · Post by **erg2** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 11:27 am

doublev2 wrote:i couldn't imagine Robert singing on ASG however.

I can...but one could assume that in alterna-world, there would've been different songs and/or differently arranged versions.

doublev2 · Post by **doublev2** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 11:43 am

i love Robert but some songs I think would be better with Mark like all the ballads and Ashes to Ashes. The other tunes like Burn, Breakout, Let Freedom Rock i would hear Robert for sure.