Ex-KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent responds to criticism over $225 single

Vinnie Vincent addresses fans questioning the $225 price of his new single, Ride The Serpent

Former KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent has responded to fans criticising the $225 price of his new single, Ride The Serpent. The 73-year-old musician released a limited edition of 1,000 autographed CD singles, with international orders costing $300, according to his online store.

Vincent announced the release earlier this month and told fans to “expect” the high price if they wished to support his music.

“I understand the bitching, the moaning, the whining about price, but you must also understand that my situation is as such that my music is so desired that it will be targeted and taken from me immediately, which I cannot/will not allow,” he wrote on Facebook on December 1.

He added, “I wish it was not this way, but I'm honoured that it is..It's a double-edged sword for me, but I sincerely hope that when you think it through you will understand the dilemma I face.”

The announcement sparked strong reactions on social media, with some users questioning the cost of an eight-minute single. One Instagram user wrote, “Legendary guitarist? You were with KISS for two years and now you’re charging $300 for one song get over yourself dude.” Another on X described him as “delusional” and warned others to spend at their own risk.

Vincent replied by disabling comments on his posts and wrote, “I disconnected the comments because of the whining b****ing immature ‘I want it for free babies.’ It's just too tiresome to deal with this type of imbecile who's still unfortunately thinks that someone owes them something.”

He added, “I am the manufacturer. I produce high end product. I set the price accordingly. It's that simple. there's no argument here. there's no discussion. I've created an elite product for elite taste.”

Vincent, who replaced Ace Frehley in KISS from late 1982 until mid-1984, co-wrote many songs and performed on the Creatures of the Night and Lick It Up albums before leaving due to contract issues.