Former KISS Guitarist VINNIE VINCENT Sues Band For Using His Image Without Permission

August 24, 2009

According to TMZ.com, former KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent — who has sued the band several times since he left the group back in 1984 — has filed another complaint, but this time he's thrown a cable network into the mix.

Vincent is suing the band, along with A&E Television Networks, for using his image without his permission. According to a lawsuit filed earlier this month, Vincent claims his image was used in a DVD boxed set called "Kissology: Volume 2 1978-1992". In addition, Vincent claims his image was used as part of the "roast" episode of A&E's show "Gene Simmons Family Jewels", the "reality"-TV program featuring KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons and his family.

Vincent also claims Simmons defamed him on an A&E show called "Private Sessions", though he doesn't specify what defamatory statements were made.

Vincent is seeking unspecified damages.

Vincent, whose real name is Vincent Cusano, played with KISS from 1982 to 1984, co-writing "I Love it Loud", "Lick it Up" and other songs.

Back in October 2006, Vincent lost a Supreme Court appeal in a dispute over royalties with his former KISS bandmates. (See Vincent's petition in PDF format at this location.)

Justices declined to consider lower court rulings dismissing Vincent's claim that he is owed royalties for his contributions to the band's 1983 album "Lick It Up".

Video footage of Vinnie Vincent talking about leaving KISS can be viewed below.

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