Vinnie Vincent defends $200 price for new CD single, saying “this one song is worth more than most albums”
By Website Content Manager
Ex-Kiss guitarist Vinnie Vincent responds to critics of his business approach, calling them “emotionally disturbed trolls”
Former Kiss guitarist Vinnie Vincent has defended the high price of his new single, Ride The Serpent, following complaints from fans.
The single-track CD, which comes in a simple envelope and is personally autographed by Vincent, was announced earlier this month as a limited edition. Initially, Vincent stated that only 500 copies would be available at $300 each. A later post on his website, however, indicated a total of 1,000 copies priced at $225 with shipping included ($300 for international orders), reflecting the listing in his online store.
Vincent revealed that the single is the first from a forthcoming Vinnie Vincent Invasion album titled Judgment Day Guitarmageddon, marking the band’s first new music since their 1996 Euphoria EP. He described a plan to release the album through a series of “collector’s singles.”
“If the fan support is there, this is what to expect for these private recording collection pieces,” Vincent said. “I have a vault of recordings ready to be released — the time is almost here. I understand complaints about price, but my music is so in demand that I can’t risk it being taken or copied illegally.”
The singles will only be released once the pre-order target of 500–1,000 copies is reached.
In response to a fan questioning the pricing, Vincent issued a lengthy and profane explanation of his approach, emphasizing the value of his work and the challenges artists face today. He noted that rising costs, piracy, and a changing music industry require artists to set their own pricing standards.
Vincent criticized fans who expect free or cheap music while paying exorbitant amounts for trivial memorabilia from other performers. He insisted his pricing protects against theft and bootlegging, adding that the single — at $200 — is actually a bargain considering its rarity and the fact that it’s autographed.
“Consider yourself lucky it’s only $200,” he said. “This one song is worth more than most entire albums. If you don’t like it, that’s your problem, not mine.”
He concluded by warning detractors to leave his fan site alone, describing them as “emotionally disturbed trolls” and emphasizing that his space is meant for supporters of his work.