Former KISS Guitarist Vinnie Vincent Defends $225 Price for New CD Single

Former KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent stands firm on selling his new CD single for $225, addressing piracy woes and the changing music market.

When Music Becomes a Rare Collectible

If you’re a longtime rock fan like me, you know how legendary KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent is. His time with the band from 1982 to 1984 left an indelible mark, and now he’s stirring the pot again—this time with a pricey limited-edition release. Vincent recently announced his new single, Ride The Serpent, priced at a staggering $225 for a CD in a world that’s mostly streaming.

At first glance, $225 for a single CD might make your jaw drop. But Vincent has made it clear that this isn’t just any run-of-the-mill release. He promises a highly limited collection piece, with only 500 copies available. Each disc comes with a handwritten autograph and an individually numbered item—in his own handwriting, no less.

Back on December 1, Vincent openly addressed the pricing strategy, initially planning to sell each single at $300 to tackle the rampant piracy problem. "Pirating entities are watching and waiting like a hawk to seize whatever I release and bootleg it," he explained, setting the stage for his pricing defense.

Fighting Piracy With Exclusivity

Vincent’s battle against bootleggers isn’t just about money—it’s about control and respect for his art. He candidly admitted the backlash he faced over the steep price but encouraged fans to understand his dilemma.

“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… 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.” – Vinnie Vincent

This transparent approach shows a musician caught between the digital age’s challenges and his desire to preserve the value and integrity of his work. It's a tough balancing act many artists face today.

Check out this video where Vincent talks about the release and his stance on pricing:

A Price Tag Like Caviar or Fine Art

Despite lowering the price from $300 to $225, Vincent didn’t back down when fans grumbled about the cost. He drew a bold comparison, likening his music single to “caviar or fine art,” something not everyone can afford.

He explained that the concept of "fair market price" feels like a thing of the past in today’s music industry. Instead, artists must now set their own standards and rules for how their art is valued.

“Welcome to the new agenda. Artists can and will set their own standards and rules for the purchase price of their art, that’s if there are any or many artists of value left aside from the standard list. We are nearing 2030. Inflation thru the roof. Homeless..etc..the horror list is endless.”

Vincent painted a bleak but relatable picture of the modern music world—a "Mad Max wasteland" where artists have little protection from digital theft and exploitation. He described artists as victims of massive ripoffs, often forced to beg for likes and subscribers from “self-entitled brats” who expect free or heavily discounted music.

He blasted the system that leaves unsigned artists virtually penniless and signed artists fighting for their royalties, with labels holding the keys to their creative output.

The Power and Value of Vincent’s Music

In closing his passionate defense, Vincent made it crystal clear how he views his music and what it’s worth.

“My music is intensely desired and worth every fucking penny. It is the best designer drug on the market, an endless high of pure fire running thru your veins.”

For fans who get it, this isn’t just a pricey CD—it’s a coveted experience, a slice of rock history wrapped in exclusivity and artistic value.

You can still snag Ride The Serpent on Vincent’s official store, available now at the $225 price point for US buyers.

What About His KISS Bandmates?

While Vincent’s stirring up discussion about his solo work, his former KISS bandmates have been making waves in other arenas. Recently, they accepted Kennedy Center Honors medals from former President Donald Trump—a move that contrasts with frontman Paul Stanley's past criticism of Trump as “abhorrent” and “a true danger” to democracy.

Meanwhile, Gene Simmons has been championing musicians’ rights before a US Senate Judiciary subcommittee, decrying how artists are “treated worse than slaves” when it comes to radio royalties. It’s a reminder that the battle for artist compensation and respect isn’t unique to Vincent; it’s a widespread struggle across the industry.

Wrapping It Up: The Price of Art in a Digital Age

Vincent’s $225 CD single is more than a collector’s item—it’s a statement about the shifting landscape of music, art, and value. In an era where digital streams dominate and piracy lurks around every corner, artists like Vincent are reclaiming control by turning their music into rare treasures rather than mass-produced commodities.

What do you think? Is this the future of music releases—exclusive, expensive, and elite? Or should artists find a way to keep their art accessible for all? Let’s chat below!

FAQ

• Why is Vinnie Vincent charging so much for the CD single?
  He’s combating piracy and bootlegging by making a limited, collectible product that holds unique value, including his handwritten autograph and numbering.
• How many copies of ‘Ride The Serpent’ are available?
  Only 500 copies have been produced, making it a highly limited edition.
• What does Vincent compare his music to regarding its price?
  He likens his music to luxury items like caviar or fine art, implying it’s a premium product not everyone can afford.
• Are other KISS members involved with this release?
  No, this is a solo effort by Vincent. However, other KISS members have been active in different ways, including public appearances and advocacy.
• Where can I buy the ‘Ride The Serpent’ single?
  It’s available through Vincent’s official online store.

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