Steve Appleford at The LA Times recently caught with KISS legends Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons in the wake of the controversy surrounding the band's upcoming induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame:

"I still believe the heart and soul of this is a band. The music is imperative," says Stanley, who has produced the last two KISS albums and next month releases an autobiography, Face The Music: A Life Exposed. "Maybe our horizons are broader because we have an opportunity to go other places. Why not? Whether it's a football team or restaurants, people say that's not rock 'n' roll. Let me tell you what's rock 'n' roll: Winning is rock 'n' roll."

Being voted into the Hall of Fame is a victory that comes 15 years after the band's initial eligibility and annual outrage from fans. But next month's ceremony at Barclays Center in Brooklyn also means dealing with old wounds and complications that began with the final exit of founding guitarist Ace Frehley and drummer Peter Criss more than a dozen years ago. In their place ever since are lead guitarist Tommy Thayer, 53, and drummer Eric Singer, 55, who both wear the makeup designs of their predecessors (designs owned by Simmons and Stanley).

"The naysayers, and some of them are loud, talk about Tommy or Eric being impostors. I think an impostor is a guy up there doing it for a paycheck," says Stanley, back in his trailer and now dressed in his full stage regalia, with black feathers on his shoulders and medallions over his chest of a guitar pick, a feather, a star. "We've never been happier."

Go to this location for the complete story.

On the February 21st installment of Eddie Trunk Rocks, which airs on New York's Q104.3 FM, former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley confirmed that he and ex-KISS drummer Peter Criss will NOT be performing at the band's upcoming induction at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Both Frehley and Criss have called the situation "upsetting" and "disgraceful."

In damage control mode, KISS founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons issued the following statement:

"Out of respect, Ace and Peter's recent statements demand a quick response to you, our fans.

Our intention was to celebrate the entire history of KISS and give credit to all members including present long time present members Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, and additionally Bruce Kulick and Eric Carr all who have made this band what it is, regardless of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame's point of view.

Although KISS has moved forward far longer without them, Ace and Peter are at the very foundation of what we have built and this would all be impossible had they not been a part of it in the beginning.

It is over 13 years since the original lineup has played together in make-up and we believe the memory of those times would not be enhanced. Contrary to claims made through the media we have never refused to play with Ace and Peter. We have spent 40 years dedicated to building KISS without quitting or wavering as the band has moved forward with huge tours and platinum albums through different important lineups for forty years, to this day.

KISS has always been a band unlike any other. That is why we started KISS. That is why we continue KISS. Being unlike other bands also means making choices and decisions unlike other bands. This is understandably an emotional situation where there is no way to please everyone.

To bring this to a quick end, we have decided not to play in any line-up and we will focus our attention on celebrating our induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

We are excited and are looking forward to seeing you all on the KISS 40th Anniversary worldwide tour."

Go to this location for the original comments from Frehley and Criss.

Joining KISS in the 2014 class of inductees are NIRVANA, PETER GABRIEL, HALL AND OATES, CAT STEVENS, LINDA RONSTADT, ANDREW LOOG OLDHAM, BRIAN EPSTEIN, and THE E STREET BAND.

Paul Stanley commented: "The spirit of rock and roll for me has always meant following the paths I choose regardless of what my critics or my peers think. For 40 years KISS has built an army that apologizes to no one and I'm honored to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame knowing we have remained true to ourselves and our fans."

Said Gene Simmons: "To the KISS Army, Ace, Peter, Eric Carr, Vinnie, Mark, Bruce, Tommy and Eric Singer, Bill Aucoin, Doc McGhee and to my partner of 40 years, the ever youthful Paul Stanley... and all the members of the KISS Family. This honor is for you. 40 years of Rockin' and still going strong."

Former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick states: "I woke up today with the amazing news that KISS has been inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame! Well it's about time! I know the fans spoke, and they listened. When you think of how influential this band has been, and how KISS is so strongly loved by fans all around the world, those who run the R n R Hall of Fame finally got it right! Fans of KISS, this award is about you as much as the band. You could no longer be ignored! Now go crank up your favorite KISS album right now!"

The artists' induction ceremony into the Hall Of Fame will take place April 10th at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Complete details at this location. Check out a video report from Artisan News below:

(Thanks: KISSOnline)