Music News

Jackson family not big fans of KISS, band off tribute tour

By April MacIntyre Aug 16, 2011, 20:12 GMT

08/14/2011 - Gene Simmons - 2011 VH1 Do Something Awards - Arrivals - Hollywood Palladium - Hollywood, CA, USA © Tina Gill / PR Photos

The Jackson family are not big KISS fans, apparently.

KISS was asked to leave the Michael Jackson tribute concert, according to the Associated Press.

The divide was over some old comments about Michael Jackson made by KISS bandmember Gene Simmons.

After Jackson's 2009 death, Simmons was quoted saying "no question in my mind he molested those kids. Not a doubt," referring to the numerous allegations leveled at the pop star.

The AP reported that Howard Weitzman, a lawyer for Jackson's estate, sent a letter to the organizers of the Oct. 8 concert in Wales, complaining about the inclusion of KISS.

"Global Live Events has pulled them from the lineup.We have listened to Michael's fans and are grateful to have been alerted to these unfortunate statements by Gene Simmons," said CEO Chris Hunt.

"Under the circumstances we fully agree that KISS is a band Michael admired we have no choice but to rescind our invitation to them to appear in our tribute concert. we offer our sincerest apologies to Mrs. [Katherine] Jackson and the family for this oversight. Our primary concern must be to do justice to Michael's memory, and to put on a tribute that the family and the fans will find suitable and fit for a King, our King of Pop."

Booked to perform are pop star and NBC "The Voice" mentors Christina Aguilera and Cee-Lo Green, plus R&B singer Leona Lewis and pop and Alien Ant Farm, with more expected to join.