Parade Magazine did a story on Rock Legends birthday

[SerpentRider]

https://parade.com/news/80s-rock-legend ... e-turns-74



parade.com
'80s Rock Legend and Member of Iconic Rock Band KISS Turns 74
Lila Parks
3–4 minutes

Vinnie Vincent spent only a few years with KISS, but they came during one of the biggest turning points in the band’s history.

The guitarist and songwriter turns 74 on Aug. 6. Born Vincent John Cusano in Bridgeport, Conn., in 1952, Vincent became known for his fast, technically demanding guitar work and his contributions to several important KISS albums.

His place in the group’s history carries particular weight decades later. KISS ranked No. 16 on Louder’s list of the 50 best rock bands of all time, with the publication praising the band’s music, influence and unforgettable live shows.

Vincent joined KISS in 1982 as Ace Frehley’s replacement. Before officially becoming a member, he played lead guitar on six songs from Creatures of the Night and helped write “I Love It Loud,” “Killer” and “War Machine.” He then toured with the group as the Ankh Warrior, becoming the final member to receive an original makeup persona.

His arrival also came just before KISS removed its famous makeup. Vincent appeared on 1983’s Lick It Up, the band’s first album cover without the look that had helped make its members famous. He co-wrote eight of the record’s 10 songs, including its title track, and played lead guitar throughout most of the album.

Vincent left KISS following the Lick It Up tour in 1984, but his career continued with the formation of Vinnie Vincent Invasion. The group released its self-titled debut in 1986 and followed it with All Systems Go in 1988, further establishing his reputation among the era’s prominent hard rock guitarists.

He later reunited with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley as a songwriter on KISS’ 1992 album Revenge. Vincent helped write three songs for the record, including “Unholy” and “I Just Wanna,” giving him another lasting connection to the band’s catalog.

After spending more than two decades away from public appearances, Vincent returned for the Atlanta KISS Expo in 2018. Looking back on his time in the group, he said, “I think everything that happened was very special, and I think the fans know it. I think it was a great chapter in the band’s career,” during an interview with Eddie Trunk.

Vincent is still working on music. This year, he made headlines by offering his 10-song album Guitarmaggedon to a single buyer for $2 million, with individual songs available for $200,000 each. The unusual offer followed the release of the album’s first single, “Ride the Serpent,” earlier in the year.

As Vincent celebrates his 74th birthday, his guitar work and songwriting remain tied to a pivotal period for KISS, when the band changed its image and found a new path through the 1980s.

[Genebaby]

I'm not sure I would agree that Ride the Serpent was released as a single.....

I do wonder what would happen if someone bought a single song for 20K, the album offer would have be taken off the table as the 10 songs would no longer be available.

Clearly there's pretty much zero chance of either happening so we'll never know, but it would be interesting to see what happens if it did occur.

Happy birthday Vinnie, there during the end of one KISS era and the beginning of another. Very unique position.