HYDROGYN guitarist/founder Jeff Westlake has weighed in on the controversy surrounding KISS' upcoming induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, caused by the news that former members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss won't be performing with the band on the night.

Westlake: "So I see all kinds if people commenting on the KISS induction to the Hall Of Fame. At first it was all great and positive but now it is a bunch of bashing on Gene and Paul.

I like a lot or most love the original KISS because of what it was and has meant to a lot of things and not just music. Being older now and seeing the obvious I understand why Criss and Frehley are not in the band. I will say that since the band moved on from them musically, live they have never been better and especially with Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer.

We as fans only hear and read what is put on the table for us and it is obvious the downfalls of all four of the original guys. With that said, Stanley and Simmons treat the band like a business and not a support for my habit and ego platform. Not saying that the two S's don't have them as well, but for over 40 years they have kept it in check and kept the brand alive. Could Ace or Peter have done that? Absolutely not.

So the fact that the original four may or may not play at the HOF event doesn't bother me a bit because I look at the situation realistically and not with colored glasses. KISS is what it is and that's that. I personally think live they have been better the last decade than ever. Wouldn't be that way if with Criss and Ace that's for sure."

For information on Hydrogyn go to this location.

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."

Now in damage control mode, KISS founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons have 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)