Payday Loans News

Kiss

Kiss have been axed from the Michael Jackson tribute concert in Cardiff over comments Gene Simmons once made about Jackson being a pedophile.

Fans reacted angrily when the news was announced that the glam rockers would join Smokey Robinson, Christina Aguilera, Leona Lewis and Cee Lo Green at Cardiff Millennium Stadium on October 8.

Promoters have now apologised for their ‘oversight’ after people complained that they shouldn’t be included over remarks frontman Simmons made in interviews since Jackson’s death.

He told Classic Rock magazine in 2010 said: ‘Well, you know, where there’s smoke there’s fire. There’s no question in my mind he molested those kids. Not a doubt.’

Jackson was accused of molesting a 13-year-old boy in 2005 and eventually acquitted of all charges.

He settled a similar case out of court in 1993.

Billboard reports that Kiss have now been booted off the show as Global Live Events’ CEO Chris Hunt said: ‘We have listened to Michael’s fans and are grateful to have been alerted to these unfortunate statements by Gene Simmons.

‘Under the circumstances we fully agree that even though Kiss is a band Michael admired we have no choice but to rescind our invitation to them.

‘We offer our sincerest apologies to Mrs 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.’

Jackson’s estate said it was ‘extraordinarily embarrassing’ that Kiss had been booked for the show, Michael Forever.

The show has already sparked controversy after two of his brothers – Jermaine and Randy – branded it ‘inappropriate’.

The pair attacked plans to stage the concert in the Welsh capital as it clashes with the trial of Michael’s doctor Conrad Murray, who has been charged over the singer’s death.

But the event is supported by Jacko’s mother Katherine, Tito, Marlon, Jackie and La Toya Jackson.

metro.co.uk