First "KISS" Manager Bill Aucoin Dies from Cancer

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KISS former manager William "Bill" Aucoin, who also credited in discovering the band has passed away due to surgical complications from his prostate cancer in Aventura, Florida. He was 66.

William managed KISS from 1973-1982 but he quit citing creative and directional differences.
KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley released a statement at the band’s site KISSOnline:

Bill Aucoin, our irreplaceable original manager, mentor and dear friend has died of complications arising from his ongoing battle with prostate cancer. He was instrumental in guiding us from the beginning and without his vision, leadership and unending dedication, we could never have scaled the heights we have reached.

Bill loved life and lived it to the fullest. Words can never convey his impact on us or those close to him.

Over all the years, he never missed an opportunity to be with us at our shows near his home or fly in for special concerts, including our most recent Madison Square Garden show. He had hoped to attend our London show earlier this month but his illness prevented it. He still planned to visit us upon the start of our upcoming US tour.

We loved him, told him and have peace that he knew it.

We will grieve and celebrate all he was and did.

We have lost a part of us.

Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons

He is survived by partner Roman Fernandez, and two sisters, Betty Britton and Janet Bankowski.

Posted in: Gene Simmons, KISS, Paul Stanley, William Bill Aucoin