Music

Former KISS manager Bill Aucoin dead at 66

by Ciaran Thompson

The man who discovered the band KISS and became their manager, Bill Aucoin died yesterday of surgical complications from prostate cancer at Aventura Hosptial and Medial Centre in Aventura, Florida, a family spokesperson said.

Upon finding them at a showcase gig in New York City in 1973, Aucoin financed their first tour on his credit card and helped launch the career of the band who became known for their extravagant live shows and makeup. Original drummer Peter Criss, who was very close with Aucoin said, “He was the fifth Kiss. If it wasn’t for Bill, there would be no Kiss.”

Criss also said Aucoin quickly realized the potential merchandising perks a rock band like KISS could have and was responsible for making them famous and having everything from belt buckles to action figures all bearing the band’s name. “He was a genius. Anything you could do, he could do bigger.”

Aucoin left the band in the early ’80s and managed Billy Squire and Billy Idol. He is survived by his partner Roman Fernandez and his sisters Betty Britton and Janet Bankowski. He was 66. [AP]