The rock world lost a true visionary with the passing of Bill Aucoin yesterday of complications from prostate cancer. Though most well known for having discovered legendary rock band KISS in 1973 – and for launching the merchandising juggernaut that has come to be as associated with the band as their music – Aucoin was also the manager for Billy Squire and Billy Idol among others.
Most recently he had formed a new management company called Aucoin Globe Entertainment, which includes award winning Finnish metal band Lordi and the Louisville, Kentucky based Tantric among its roster.
Through my (then) co-ownership of the KISS Asylum website I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to interview Aucoin back in 1999. The interview coincided with the release of a 13 track interview CD called “Bill Aucoin: 13 Classic KISS Stories” and gave me a chance to put a grab bag of questions to him, many of which had been floating around KISS fandom for years but had never before been addressed to Bill directly.
Ultimately the interview is just a drop in the ocean of a life that influenced many, but I am proud to share it again now as my tiny contribution to the remembrance of a man who had an impact on the rock world that will last forever: Bill Aucoin – The KISS Asylum Interview
Elizabeth A. White
August 1, 2010 - 9:22 AM