A fan comes up with the idea, Gene capitalizes.
Mid 1970's---


Mid 1990's merchandise---

That's cool! I'm not surprised with him doing that considering ge has built a career from taking ideas

Amazing HUH??? Today is the first day I've ever seen that picture from the 1970's.

Is it brains, plain thievery , or a good combo???

It's a combo, Gene would never let a merchandising opportunity pass by... I feel bad for the guy that created that fan piece in the mid 70's...a labor of love for a rock star who stole the idea and make $$$ from it...

The Paul one has a look like someone is using his butt has a carrot holder.

I guess if you take too long to copyright, then you can't do shit when someone else does it!!!

I don't know, that's pretty flimsy to me:
1) It was 30 years before the reunion merchandise. Do you think Gene really remembered that one piece of fan art and said, "Someday when manufacturing method catches up we'll build and sell these!"?

2) If it was 30 years, I think Gene & KISS gave the guy plenty of time to monetize the idea himself.

3) Though similar, they are significantly different.

4) More likely, during the reunion, a manufacturer that produces those kinds of sculptures approached KISS and said, "Let us manufacture these and we'll give you 15% of each one that sells."

- - - - - - - - - -

Don't get me wrong. I ABSOLUTELY believe that Gene would & has used his position and power to squeeze every last penny out of every person he has ever made a deal with, but I doubt this was a blatant rip off.

I'm not accusing Gene of being a jerk . Just showing the cool possibility of him using an idea from 30 years prior.

Remember guys, Gene kept all if the fan made items that he liked so there is a possibility he came across it in the 90's and decided to use the idea...it's too coincidental, they look very similar to be an accident...

poserboy71 wrote:I'm not accusing Gene of being a jerk .

He does seem like a jerk, though...or at least someone I wouldn't want to spend any real time with.

Still love the music and the show.

The only members of KISS that I think I would (or would've) enjoyed actually having a real conversation: Ace Frehley, Eric Carr or Bruce Kulick.

i dont think its ripped off. The Ace one looks so bad to me.

Bruce is a very likeable guy . Very friendly.

Bruce is so nice. Actually he is a better player than I thought too.