Former Kiss guitarist Vinnie Vincent has announced the completion of his new album, "Guitarmageddon," which he is offering for sale at an astonishing $2 million. This release marks his first new music in three decades, following his departure from Kiss in 1984. Vincent highlights the album's exceptional nature, allowing the buyer extensive control over its distribution, while he retains approval rights for marketing strategies.
The price tag of $2 million for the entire album covers 10 mixed and mastered songs, along with all master artwork files, posters, and individual vinyl and CD packaging art for each track. This allows the purchaser complete discretion in how they wish to release the music, whether as a full album or individual songs, across any format.
However, Vincent's unique sales proposition comes with specific conditions. While the buyer gains significant control over the album's release, Vincent will still need to approve all marketing plans. Additionally, the initial purchase does not include rights to his name or likeness, though these can be negotiated for an additional cost.
For those unable to afford the full album, Vincent is making individual tracks available for $200,000 each. This means that songs such as "Heavy Metal Poontang" and "Cockteazer" can be acquired separately, with the same terms and conditions applied as for the complete album package.
Vincent is no stranger to unconventional sales tactics. Last year, he drew attention for selling CD singles of his song "Ride the Serpent" for $225 apiece. In response to criticism about the pricing, he asserted that his single was worth more than many full albums and encouraged fans to support artists through direct purchases, noting that he had already reduced the price due to economic conditions.
The musician’s career includes uncredited lead guitar work on Kiss' 1982 album, "Creatures of the Night," and an official role on their 1983 release, "Lick It Up," before embarking on his solo journey. His asking price for "Guitarmageddon" is comparable to the $2 million paid by Martin Shrkelli for the Wu-Tang Clan's "Once Upon a Time in Shaolin" in 2015, although unlike the Wu-Tang album, Vincent's release appears to permit copying and distribution.
The tracklist for "Guitarmageddon" includes: 1. “Invincible”, 2. “Heavy Metal Poontang”, 3. “Cockteazer”, 4. “Rocks on Fire”, 5. “Youngblood”, 6. “Euphoria”, 7. “Full Shredd”, 8. “Get the Led Out”, 9. “Wild Child”, 10. “Ride the Serpent.” Vincent stated in the past that if fan support was insufficient, this album, which he considers the "greatest of all time," might never see the light of day. Nevertheless, his website indicates high demand, with “few left” copies of "Guitarmageddon" remaining.
Vinnie Vincent, known for his time as a guitarist for Kiss, is offering his new album, "Guitarmageddon," for an extraordinary $2 million. This marks his return to new music after three decades, following his previous EP "Euphoria" in 1996. The steep price allows the buyer full control over the album's release and format, with individual tracks also available for purchase. Vincent maintains certain approval rights and has previously defended his high pricing for other releases, emphasizing direct artist support. This unique offering highlights an evolving approach to music distribution and artist-fan interaction.