KISS Producer's Kin Sets Record Straight About Upcoming Autobiography

John Nichols, a nephew of late Prentice "Sean" Delaney, who is credited with signing KISS to their first recording contract and shaping their unique stage presence, has contacted BLABBERMOUTH.NET to set the record straight with regards to Delaney's upcoming autobiography, "Hell Box" (cover image).

Commented Nichols: "Along with my sister and my cousin we are the executors of our late uncle's estate.

"In the months leading up to my uncle's death, he had been working with a man named Brian Kinnard on what was to be an intimate story about his life and the truth behind his time with the rock group KISS. Brian wrote this book with my uncle and has released it as a final tribute. This way my uncle's final wish was to let everyone know who he was and what he did.

"Some have said that it is all lies and others have tried to talk us out of having it published. All I know is from the time my uncle died until now this book has been stopped from being published 3-4 times. I am not sure who or what were the reasons — all I can think of is someone or something wants to hide.

"I have read many postings that talk about the gay issue [Delaney led an openly homosexual lifestyle—Ed.]. This is not a book promoting or putting down. It is a book that gives you the opportunity to hear for yourself what it was like and what really happened to my uncle in the '70s and '80s.

"So in closing I would like to say thanks to Brian and all of the KISS fans for your remarks and prayers. I hope that this will lay to rest any confusion surrounding my late uncle and 'Hell Box'.

"I would think that any person who accually met my uncle would know right away if this book is worthy of being in their collection. And for the rest of you, I can only say that if you are a true KISS fan then you can not pass up the opprotunity to find out what has been silenced. No one who is associated with the band KISS has any ties to this and they never will.

"My sister and I are in the process of putting a web site together that will let you view some never before seen photos and also talk between yourselves. God Bless."

Delaney, a songwriter and producer, died on April 13, 2003 after suffering a stroke in Orem, UT.

He was partially responsible for signing KISS to their first six-month contract with business partner Bill Aucoin. Delaney was KISS' first road manager and has often been called the band's fifth member.

"Sean Delaney was there at the beginning with us. He believed when few others did. He was a pivotal figure in KISS' formation and we miss him," Gene Simmons said in a statement shortly after Delaney's death.

"He was responsible for helping to choreograph the band's legendary stage show, lending his unique creative vision in the development of the four larger than life characters of KISS," said a release from Kayos Productions, which represents KISS member Ace Frehley.

Delaney also co-wrote a number of KISS songs including "Rocket Ride", "All American Man" and "Living In Sin".

More information on "Hell Box" is available at this location.