I am now a member of the ILK ARMY! .Vinnie E.Coyote and his ACME podcast buster were at work there eh Tommy.That Vinnie sure is a pain in the Ankh.Bonus episode is wicked,thanks guys! What an amazing surprise.The Vinnie jar will send Mitch to KISS cruise 4!
That could have been anybody, including Cusano, claiming to be Meredith working for Vinnie Cusano. Thank you Mr. Brandvold, Mr. Lafon, and Mr. Sommers.
I'm glad that you gave the guy a forum to come on and clear the air regarding his involvement with VV. As for VV himself,he's neither a hero nor a villain, just a man who can't shake his delusions and demons.
At the Atlanta 2018 Kiss Expo he just performed and gave awesome interviews and him and original Invasion lead singer Robert Fleishman played and also announced their intention to record new Vinnie Vincent invasion music and perform again.
I think its great that you guys are letting so many people know more about Vinnie Vincent (even if it is all negative) the important thing to remember is this guys shred skills. I wish ya'll would TALK more in depth sometimes about his insane abilities. Its sad that at this point in his career the rumors (very little is really provable,which adds to the interest) completely overshadow the seemingly forgotten fact that Vinnie is/was a fusion/metal/ rock virtuoso. Vinnie seems strange.... but Vinnie still rocks.
I'm one of these few 80s guys, because I came across the band during that period. Moreover, I always thought that a bloodspitting demon does not really fit to songs like "Shandy". (It is a "Paul-Song", I know.) Well, on the other hand, I really like the old classics like "Black Diamond", "Deuce", "Strutter" or "Detroit R.C." They've gone through a lot of different periods. I always thought: no matter which period you look at, you'll always find something valuable. I always thought about Paul as the pne you can count on in terms of quality song writing. I also think that their live performance today is better than during the reunion era in the mid- and late ninetees. I saw them in Frankfurt in 1996. It was great to witness this event. But I realized things like Ace using his guitar like a grutch to get of the riser. Old guys already 18 years ago. Do we really want to see them on stage when they are in their 7th decade? I think seriously think they should retire. At last I want to say "Thank you" for the show. It's great entertainment. Mr. Sommers should say a little bit more because it appears as if he's the voice of reason among the three of you. Cheers from Germany, Uli Krell
@ huk38 Knowing now that you are from Germany makes a lot of sense as to your position. I have met many fans from Europe and South America that feel the same way you do. I can't describe to you what it was like here in America during the 1970's and seeing them for the 1st time other than to say it was magical. Glad you checked in again, thanks for sharing your thoughts.
People like you guys and the rest of the kids army me included make this band special and diffrent than any other band I love this band kiss like no other but by hair I love classic van halen as gods too I live for rock n roll
This was a nice surprise! Interesting insight from someone who's had recent direct contact with Vinnie. What a sad little man he is. Yes, I would love to hear new music from VV. I'd much rather have that than a $75 t-shirt.
At this point I would just be satisfied with hearing from the man himself. As for the new music, as long as I don't have to pay $100.00 and give him my soul, I'd love to hear new material from Vinnie.
What an eye opening episode! It's sad but a true look at the mindset of VV. But I just want to thank both Mitch and Tommy for the shout outs. It was really cool and made my day on this somewhat cold but gloomy day! As for the homework, I wouldn't purchase ANYTHING VV. I'm not a fan of his music outside of Kiss. "Creatures...", "Lick It Up" and "Revenge" are 3 of my favorite Kiss albums and VV had something to do with those albums so I don't think he's a complete waste of space and time. Thanks for the extra episode!
I would certainly love to hear new music from Mr.Vincent.....I think the online idea for the putting out of that music is a great idea for testing the waters on that I think.Oh ...I know idea topic run into ground but no I wouldn't pay 75 bucks for signed shirt.....35 or 40 bucks if reg.shirt n signed CD combo maybe...great show as usual..and thanx for letting me air my opinion
Did Ace not mention V-Vin in the film "Kiss meets the phantom of the park" ? I'm sure he shouted "ANKH" more than once ! (surely I get to be a member of the ilk for that joke!)
I missed this one and just caught it! FANTASTIC SHOW! Brandvold Ilk is classic! Can we get an Ilk by Association shirt too? Just for knowing ya!? $75, sign me up!
I always have more questions after listening to these interviews & opinions about VV ! Interesting guy who worries too much! Vinnie, if you can read this, just be you! Play your music, and please stop worrying about every little detail ! We just want to hear you jam !!
The Brandvold Ilk strikes again lol.....I have been a kiss fan since about 76 and I will have to say that out of everybody that has ever been in this band Mr.Vincent(Meredith) has been the most strange bird in the whole group....Yes I liked Creatures and Lick,Revenge was a great album....pardon me on this tho...could someone please tell me how Mr.Vincent at that time ended up back on KISS Radar enough to co write songs with Gene and such
Sure, I'd check out new music from Vinnie just to see where his mind is musically nowadays, but it would all depend on the style and especially the singing. In the best of worlds, I think a collaboration between ex-KISS members/contributors/producers on brand new music (no more wire covers!) would be a blast. I'm talking about NEW music played and/or produced by people who were actually a part of Kisstory (Vinnie, Ace, Peter, Bruce, Bob, Anton, Eddie Cannon, Lyn Christopher, Cher, Kate Segal, heck even Wicked Lester and all ghost musicians, Eddie Kramer, Bob Ezrin, Vinnie Poncia, Michael James Jackson, etc. hell, even bring in the ex-wives!). Now THAT's something I would buy in a heartbeat. They could call it "Kicked out of KISS, but still kickin'"! If Mitch could put something like that together, he could raise enough money to get on that damn boat cruise for sure!
Great show. I never get enough of hearing about VV. When I was a kid, and lick it up came out, I thought he was the greatest guitartist of all time. (then you grow up and hear what a "great" guitarist really sounds like) The train wreck of his life and the way he conducts himself is absolutely fascinating. I always thought he'd either make a great movie topic or at least a reality show. It's probably too late for the latter though.
I know this video is three years old now, but you guys really dropped the ball with your disinterest in the VInnie/Kiss lawsuit documents. THAT WAS A GOLD MINE TO BE SCRUTINIZED UP AND DOWN. Wow, how could you guys be careless about that? You should do a whole show about it!!!
I'm a 80s kid myself I entered between animalize and crazy nights so Vinnie was never that important to me I dig creatures and lick it up is so so I love fits like a glove and young and wasted but crazy nights and the HITS era was golden for me as a kid. Things started to change for me were some people went the bon jovi route I went head first into poison open up any say Ahh and warrant DRFSR first album I think we should have topic on 1987 to 91 the golden years of pop metal
I was going to get one of those shirts,couple were pretty kool but,really $75 though.Maybe $25- $35 would be about right.Met Vinnie in 84,wish I could of got a pic with him and the band when I met them.
I propose a new tribute album. It should be nothing but Vinnie covers and the name of the band should be The Brandvold Ilk. It will sell like wildfire...like all other VV-associated material. :-P
I'm an Ace fan primarily not even a VV "acolyte", but the way these guys revel in criticizing Vinnie is kind of gross. No I wouldn't have bought a $75 shirt, obviously few would. If you don't like Vinnie, if you think he's so insignificant, don't buy his shit and don't promote him on your podcast. It's as simple as that.
If you did some research into the whole box set/1996 European KISS expo fiascos, you would realize that Vinnie Vincent as a human being is a fucking TWAT. I'm sure you heard that Vinnie's wife Diane Cusano passed away last month, well Vinnie couldn't be arsed to attend the fucking funeral.
I seriously do not understand why the three of you are so much against this Vinnie Vincent guy. I started to invade the Kiss world around 1984 when Lick It Up was released. I thought right from the getgo: Wow, that is better than most of the "Warpaint" - albums of the 70s. Therefore I would say he contributed something good to the band. The fact that he looked shitty in his stupid outfit was Stanley's and Simmons' fault. They knew how he was. If they hadn't taken him as Frehley's replacement he wouldn't have had a chance to spoil a band who had been formed around a visual concept in the first place. Maybe you can do a Vinnie Special. Interview sequences of Brandfold interviewing Vincent a few years ago shall be included.
huk38, I can't speak for Mitch or Michael only for myself. I do not view Lick It Up the same way you do. My feeling was it's over for the band when I heard it. I do not like his style of guitar playing and how it changed the sound of the band. I think his solo records are unlistenable.
Tom Sommers His songwriting was far more valuable than his guitar skills. His personality, however, is impossible to deal with ... At least that is my opinion.
Cool podcast guys keep it up. Just from a fan perspective and then from a medical professional perspective, what we see of Vinnie - literally in interviews and clips from the past and such, and even in his stage performances, one can just tell something isn't right there. Not madman crazy, just something off. When he is showing off, or coming on stage etc, he's very awkward - like a rich kid who's mom is pushing him out there going "show them how good you are son" but the kid doesn't want to - and it seems nothing just flows natural. Maybe that's the artist in the dude - aren't we all a bit left of center in our own way, but maybe like some homeschooled kid he comes off a bit socially retarded. A shy guy forced into the public eye - and he wants it - but can't function there and so it falls apart. But he seems to be as awkward with social constructs in dealing with people. Wish the dude would just give us some music and leave it at that
OMG Mike the puppet , I am so let down lmao. The day any of you guys are ever Jeff Dunham's next addition to his show , will be the day VV ( I didnt say it) will create a triple platinum album :O
Vinnie has lost it but did he ever have it to begin with I truthfully believe that Vinnie took it really personal when kiss got rid of him it affected him in a serious way then he lost his record deal and Mark slaughter picked it up that could have effected him deeper I still think kiss probably mistreated Eric Carr before he died and they prob did treat Vinnie bad in ways and also Peter n Ace wasn't only there fault it works both ways
wow is a hard low punch to VV worshipers... I'm very sorry for this things are going, it was fun first, then was horrible now is sad... But The Brandvold Ilk is so freaking hilarious, keep making noise to make VV come out from where is hidding
Hey mike not for nothing but I got a free personalized autograph shirt and pic from Vinnie just for calling him out for his past bullshit I got the e mails to prove it if you guys wanna check it out
Yeh - its hard to like Vinnie as a person I have never met - I never really liked his guitaring either - too wanky - but he is a great song writer - even if I only like 3 of his songs they are in my top 20 favorites of all time - Million to one, That time of year, Back on the streets that good enough for me - there are other really good ones too. I dont understand why he needs to hide or why he calls himself Meredith or whatever, maybe hes transexual - who gives a shit - ripping fans off though is not cool - maybe hes on hormone therapy :]
Vinnie Vincent Invasion was ok...I like All Systems Go better out of the two...everyone that has ever been in this band has talent n matter what level....but boy talk aboutbeing way out there....Vinnie needs a reality check and there are obvious issues in his personal life(the domestic abuse,the deceasd dogs in barrels??) that I will not judge about but he needs help obviously
Vinnie needs to do something special for all 12 of his fans its a shame damn a world without hero's
I'm glad you 3 are showing all this craziness with Vinnie.The man is one giant enigma.
I am now a member of the ILK ARMY! .Vinnie E.Coyote and his ACME podcast buster were at work there eh Tommy.That Vinnie sure is a pain in the Ankh.Bonus episode is wicked,thanks guys! What an amazing surprise.The Vinnie jar will send Mitch to KISS cruise 4!
you sure are mrblackwell
That could have been anybody, including Cusano, claiming to be Meredith working for Vinnie Cusano.
Thank you Mr. Brandvold, Mr. Lafon, and Mr. Sommers.
I'm glad that you gave the guy a forum to come on and clear the air regarding his involvement with VV. As for VV himself,he's neither a hero nor a villain, just a man who can't shake his delusions and demons.
I think what may be behind VV's actions is possibly undiagnosed Borderline Personality Disorder.
randall floyd There's some narcissistic tendencies there too obviously
At the Atlanta 2018 Kiss Expo he just performed and gave awesome interviews and him and original Invasion lead singer Robert Fleishman played and also announced their intention to record new Vinnie Vincent invasion music and perform again.
I think its great that you guys are letting so many people know more about Vinnie Vincent (even if it is all negative) the important thing to remember is this guys shred skills. I wish ya'll would TALK more in depth sometimes about his insane abilities. Its sad that at this point in his career the rumors (very little is really provable,which adds to the interest) completely overshadow the seemingly forgotten fact that Vinnie is/was a fusion/metal/ rock virtuoso. Vinnie seems strange.... but Vinnie still rocks.
Vinnie put out a greatest hits bootleg cd
Love you guys.. Love KiSS... got my 3 sides T... reunion at hand. All's good.
KISS was what is was with Vinnie,Some great tunes came from it and I was glad to see the band on both the tours with VV.I like all eras of KISS.
I'm one of these few 80s guys, because I came across the band during that period. Moreover, I always thought that a bloodspitting demon does not really fit to songs like "Shandy". (It is a "Paul-Song", I know.) Well, on the other hand, I really like the old classics like "Black Diamond", "Deuce", "Strutter" or "Detroit R.C." They've gone through a lot of different periods. I always thought: no matter which period you look at, you'll always find something valuable. I always thought about Paul as the pne you can count on in terms of quality song writing. I also think that their live performance today is better than during the reunion era in the mid- and late ninetees. I saw them in Frankfurt in 1996. It was great to witness this event. But I realized things like Ace using his guitar like a grutch to get of the riser. Old guys already 18 years ago. Do we really want to see them on stage when they are in their 7th decade? I think seriously think they should retire.
At last I want to say "Thank you" for the show. It's great entertainment. Mr. Sommers should say a little bit more because it appears as if he's the voice of reason among the three of you. Cheers from Germany, Uli Krell
@ huk38 Knowing now that you are from Germany makes a lot of sense as to your position. I have met many fans from Europe and South America that feel the same way you do. I can't describe to you what it was like here in America during the 1970's and seeing them for the 1st time other than to say it was magical. Glad you checked in again, thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Love Tommy reaction when James mentions the t shirts for 140 bucks
People like you guys and the rest of the kids army me included make this band special and diffrent than any other band I love this band kiss like no other but by hair I love classic van halen as gods too I live for rock n roll
This was a nice surprise! Interesting insight from someone who's had recent direct contact with Vinnie. What a sad little man he is. Yes, I would love to hear new music from VV. I'd much rather have that than a $75 t-shirt.
I heard Vinnie was 'back on the streets' 'burning bridges' ?
I would buy any new music Vinnie Vincent produces. Yes, because he is the best guitarist ever.
At this point I would just be satisfied with hearing from the man himself. As for the new music, as long as I don't have to pay $100.00 and give him my soul, I'd love to hear new material from Vinnie.
What an eye opening episode! It's sad but a true look at the mindset of VV. But I just want to thank both Mitch and Tommy for the shout outs. It was really cool and made my day on this somewhat cold but gloomy day! As for the homework, I wouldn't purchase ANYTHING VV. I'm not a fan of his music outside of Kiss. "Creatures...", "Lick It Up" and "Revenge" are 3 of my favorite Kiss albums and VV had something to do with those albums so I don't think he's a complete waste of space and time. Thanks for the extra episode!
I would certainly love to hear new music from Mr.Vincent.....I think the online idea for the putting out of that music is a great idea for testing the waters on that I think.Oh ...I know idea topic run into ground but no I wouldn't pay 75 bucks for signed shirt.....35 or 40 bucks if reg.shirt n signed CD combo maybe...great show as usual..and thanx for letting me air my opinion
@ psykodj67- That is exactly the point and well stated. Make it reasonable for the fans and they will buy from you.
Thank you Tom....you would think that this would be a standard in music biz for all but oh well..
Did Ace not mention V-Vin in the film "Kiss meets the phantom of the park" ? I'm sure he shouted "ANKH" more than once ! (surely I get to be a member of the ilk for that joke!)
Vinnie had never been in KISS or had any connection to KISS when that film came out
I know, it was a joke.
I missed this one and just caught it! FANTASTIC SHOW! Brandvold Ilk is classic! Can we get an Ilk by Association shirt too? Just for knowing ya!? $75, sign me up!
Just went to the Vinnie Cusano FB page.. The profile pic is VV with his flying v guitar.. maybe it really is him..
I always have more questions after listening to these interviews & opinions about VV ! Interesting guy who worries too much! Vinnie, if you can read this, just be you! Play your music, and please stop worrying about every little detail ! We just want to hear you jam !!
great stuff from the Brandvold Ilk!
The Brandvold Ilk strikes again lol.....I have been a kiss fan since about 76 and I will have to say that out of everybody that has ever been in this band Mr.Vincent(Meredith) has been the most strange bird in the whole group....Yes I liked Creatures and Lick,Revenge was a great album....pardon me on this tho...could someone please tell me how Mr.Vincent at that time ended up back on KISS Radar enough to co write songs with Gene and such
Sure, I'd check out new music from Vinnie just to see where his mind is musically nowadays, but it would all depend on the style and especially the singing. In the best of worlds, I think a collaboration between ex-KISS members/contributors/producers on brand new music (no more wire covers!) would be a blast. I'm talking about NEW music played and/or produced by people who were actually a part of Kisstory (Vinnie, Ace, Peter, Bruce, Bob, Anton, Eddie Cannon, Lyn Christopher, Cher, Kate Segal, heck even Wicked Lester and all ghost musicians, Eddie Kramer, Bob Ezrin, Vinnie Poncia, Michael James Jackson, etc. hell, even bring in the ex-wives!). Now THAT's something I would buy in a heartbeat. They could call it "Kicked out of KISS, but still kickin'"! If Mitch could put something like that together, he could raise enough money to get on that damn boat cruise for sure!
Great show. I never get enough of hearing about VV. When I was a kid, and lick it up came out, I thought he was the greatest guitartist of all time. (then you grow up and hear what a "great" guitarist really sounds like) The train wreck of his life and the way he conducts himself is absolutely fascinating. I always thought he'd either make a great movie topic or at least a reality show. It's probably too late for the latter though.
I didn't even know that VV had a page.
I know this video is three years old now, but you guys really dropped the ball with your disinterest in the VInnie/Kiss lawsuit documents. THAT WAS A GOLD MINE TO BE SCRUTINIZED UP AND DOWN. Wow, how could you guys be careless about that? You should do a whole show about it!!!
(15:46) "only 12 reservations...the fan support just isn't there..." VV has fans?
I'm a 80s kid myself I entered between animalize and crazy nights so Vinnie was never that important to me I dig creatures and lick it up is so so I love fits like a glove and young and wasted but crazy nights and the HITS era was golden for me as a kid. Things started to change for me were some people went the bon jovi route I went head first into poison open up any say Ahh and warrant DRFSR first album I think we should have topic on 1987 to 91 the golden years of pop metal
I was going to get one of those shirts,couple were pretty kool but,really $75 though.Maybe $25- $35 would be about right.Met Vinnie in 84,wish I could of got a pic with him and the band when I met them.
I propose a new tribute album. It should be nothing but Vinnie covers and the name of the band should be The Brandvold Ilk. It will sell like wildfire...like all other VV-associated material. :-P
I wouldn't buy it either. It was sarcasm.
I'm an Ace fan primarily not even a VV "acolyte", but the way these guys revel in criticizing Vinnie is kind of gross. No I wouldn't have bought a $75 shirt, obviously few would. If you don't like Vinnie, if you think he's so insignificant, don't buy his shit and don't promote him on your podcast. It's as simple as that.
If you did some research into the whole box set/1996 European KISS expo fiascos, you would realize that Vinnie Vincent as a human being is a fucking TWAT. I'm sure you heard that Vinnie's wife Diane Cusano passed away last month, well Vinnie couldn't be arsed to attend the fucking funeral.
Merideth Baxter...VV's cross dressing alter ego.
I seriously do not understand why the three of you are so much against this Vinnie Vincent guy. I started to invade the Kiss world around 1984 when Lick It Up was released. I thought right from the getgo: Wow, that is better than most of the "Warpaint" - albums of the 70s. Therefore I would say he contributed something good to the band. The fact that he looked shitty in his stupid outfit was Stanley's and Simmons' fault. They knew how he was. If they hadn't taken him as Frehley's replacement he wouldn't have had a chance to spoil a band who had been formed around a visual concept in the first place.
Maybe you can do a Vinnie Special. Interview sequences of Brandfold interviewing Vincent a few years ago shall be included.
huk38, I can't speak for Mitch or Michael only for myself. I do not view Lick It Up the same way you do. My feeling was it's over for the band when I heard it. I do not like his style of guitar playing and how it changed the sound of the band. I think his solo records are unlistenable.
Tom Sommers His songwriting was far more valuable than his guitar skills. His personality, however, is impossible to deal with ... At least that is my opinion.
Tiggeribby
I agree with that statement 100%
All the haters are just saying about the ilk is that they still think we stink
Cool podcast guys keep it up. Just from a fan perspective and then from a medical professional perspective, what we see of Vinnie - literally in interviews and clips from the past and such, and even in his stage performances, one can just tell something isn't right there. Not madman crazy, just something off. When he is showing off, or coming on stage etc, he's very awkward - like a rich kid who's mom is pushing him out there going "show them how good you are son" but the kid doesn't want to - and it seems nothing just flows natural. Maybe that's the artist in the dude - aren't we all a bit left of center in our own way, but maybe like some homeschooled kid he comes off a bit socially retarded. A shy guy forced into the public eye - and he wants it - but can't function there and so it falls apart. But he seems to be as awkward with social constructs in dealing with people. Wish the dude would just give us some music and leave it at that
OMG Mike the puppet , I am so let down lmao. The day any of you guys are ever Jeff Dunham's next addition to his show , will be the day VV ( I didnt say it) will create a triple platinum album :O
The Brandvold ilk summer tour
Vinnie Vincent was the best guitarist in Kiss ever. Way better than any of the others.
Is Meredith a 'Milk'?
Vinnie has lost it but did he ever have it to begin with I truthfully believe that Vinnie took it really personal when kiss got rid of him it affected him in a serious way then he lost his record deal and Mark slaughter picked it up that could have effected him deeper I still think kiss probably mistreated Eric Carr before he died and they prob did treat Vinnie bad in ways and also Peter n Ace wasn't only there fault it works both ways
wow is a hard low punch to VV worshipers... I'm very sorry for this things are going, it was fun first, then was horrible now is sad...
But The Brandvold Ilk is so freaking hilarious, keep making noise to make VV come out from where is hidding
Hey mike not for nothing but I got a free personalized autograph shirt and pic from Vinnie just for calling him out for his past bullshit I got the e mails to prove it if you guys wanna check it out
Yeh - its hard to like Vinnie as a person I have never met - I never really liked his guitaring either - too wanky - but he is a great song writer - even if I only like 3 of his songs they are in my top 20 favorites of all time - Million to one, That time of year, Back on the streets that good enough for me - there are other really good ones too. I dont understand why he needs to hide or why he calls himself Meredith or whatever, maybe hes transexual - who gives a shit - ripping fans off though is not cool - maybe hes on hormone therapy :]
hiliarious
Vinnie Vincent Invasion was ok...I like All Systems Go better out of the two...everyone that has ever been in this band has talent n matter what level....but boy talk aboutbeing way out there....Vinnie needs a reality check and there are obvious issues in his personal life(the domestic abuse,the deceasd dogs in barrels??) that I will not judge about but he needs help obviously
Oh my God, Bruce is a great guy, but his playing sucks compared to Vinnie.
93mustang Uhm.....you're not a musician are you