Paul Stanley tells Nikki Sixx to keep out of Kiss battle

Nikki Sixx and Paul Stanley
Nikki Sixx and Paul Stanley (Image credit: Getty)

Kiss frontman Paul Stanley has told ex Motley Crue leader Nikki Sixx to keep out of the war of words with Gene Simmons over his Prince comments.

And he’s described Sixx’s contribution to the argument as an “unimportant but annoying squeak.”

Simmons last week branded Prince’s death as self-inflicted and “pathetic” – even though the facts surrounding his passing in April haven’t been confirmed.

That led Stanley to apologise for his bandmate’s “cold” and “clueless” words, hours before Simmons said sorry himself. His wife Shannon Tweed then slammed Stanley for getting involved.

Sixx later called Simmons a “bully,” adding: “We have no respect for Gene Simmons any more – nobody in rock does. I think Gene should call it a day.”

Now Stanley has retaliated. He says: “Jesus Christ Nikki Sixx! Would you please shut up, find another way to be in the news and get off your self-inflated pedestal?

“Regardless of some things Gene has said that I may take issue with, his influence on musicians, you included, is undeniable and will continue.

“More importantly, his work, generosity and monetary contributions to numerous causes and charities makes your ongoing rant the unimportant but annoying squeak it truly is. Move on.”

Sixx has responded to Stanley’s words by saying: “I will give him a standing ovation for calling out Gene himself publicly, then trying to hold my feet to the same fire. But you can’t save him.

“I have to admit calling the next Kiss album ‘Move On’ would be a clever idea, though. Love to the Starchild.

“We all give to charities and support our troops because that’s the right thing to do with our success. Telling a depressed kid to kill themselves etc is not, so don’t confuse issues.”

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Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.