Gene Simmons refused to let Eddie Van Halen join Kiss

Gene Simmons talked Eddie Van Halen out of joining the successful band, KISS.

According to Rolling Stone, Van Halen planned to leave his own band to join Gene Simmons and the rest of Kiss in 1982. He was apparently not getting along with his own bandmate, David Lee Roth. Roth and Van Halen performed together until 1985 when Sammy Hagar replaced Roth as the lead singer for the band.

In an interview with Guitar World, Gene Simmons spilled the beans as to how Van Halen almost (not really) joined Kiss. In the interview he said that they went to lunch and Van Halen explained his frustration with Roth. Simmons explained to him that his creativity would take a back seat in Kiss, which is something Van Halen held close to him.

Both bands went on to be successful through the 80s and are still very respected in music today. Kiss is set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame this year. Unfortunately, the band won’t be performing due to a dispute within the band over which members should perform, reported the NY Daily News. The band has two previous members and the band cannot come to an agreement as to who should take the stage with the band. The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame will be held in New York City on April 10.

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