Mobile UPI  |   About UPI  |   UPI en Español  |   UPI Arabic  |   UPIU  |   My Account
Search:
Go

KISS dropped from Jackson tribute concert

|
|
 
  
American singer/bass player Gene Simmons and singer/guitarist Paul Stanley perform with Kiss at Wembley Arena in London on May 12, 2010. UPI/Rune Hellestad 
License photo
Published: Aug. 18, 2011 at 2:04 PM

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- U.S. rock band KISS has been dropped from the lineup of an upcoming concert honoring late pop icon Michael Jackson, organizers said.

Jackson died June 25, 2009, at the age of 50. His doctor is awaiting trial for involuntary homicide for allegedly administering lethal levels of sedatives and anesthesia to the singer in an effort to help him sleep.

Katherine, Jackson's mother, announced KISS's participation in "Michael Forever: The Tribute Concert" this week.

However, the group was subsequently dropped from the lineup for the Oct. 8 show in Cardiff, Wales, after fans complained about how KISS front man Gene Simmons called Jackson a child molester shortly after his death, CNN said.

Although dogged by allegations for years, Jackson had never been convicted of any crimes against children.

"We have listened to Michael's fans and are grateful to have been alerted to these unfortunate statements by Gene Simmons," Global Live Events Chief Executive Officer Chris Hunt told CNN Tuesday.

Topics: Gene Simmons, Michael Jackson
Recommended Stories
© 2011 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Any reproduction, republication, redistribution and/or modification of any UPI content is expressly prohibited without UPI's prior written consent.

Order reprints
  
Join the conversation
Most Popular Collections
Protesters, police clash at NATO summit Notable deaths of 2012 2012 Billboard Music Awards
The 137th Preakness Stakes Annual Solar eclipse occurs in U.S. Chen Guangcheng arrives in the U.S.
Additional Music Stories
1 of 29
Members of the Army's Old Guard place flags at Arlington National Ceremtery
View Caption
U.S. flags are seen in the rucksack of a soldier with the Army's 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard, as he places flags at gravesites in Arlington National Cemetery as part of the Flags-In Memorial Day ceremony on May 24, 2012 in Arlington, Virginia. American flags were placed at each of the more than 220,000 grave markers in honor of those who served and Memorial Day. UPI/Kevin Dietshc
fark
Canada's national archives is being dismantled and scattered, who needs to remember the history...
Man disappears in Niagara Falls whirlpool; presumed to be spinning in his grave
Woman swallows toothbrush while brushing her teeth. Surgeons remove it before Oral B becomes Anal...
MSNBC Host Chris Hayes: I'm 'Uncomfortable' calling fallen military 'Heroes'
What do you REALLY know about the Queen?
A survey reveals that one-third of British pet owners would rather go away with their pet on vacation...