The new Vinnie Vincent album will cost $2 million.
Vincent was a guitarist in KISS from 1982 to 1984, which means he was part of the band when they took off their makeup and costumes for the first time. He's played with a bunch of other artists over the years too, but he's also led his own band, the Vinnie Vincent Invasion. The rights to their first album since 1996, Guitarmageddon, is available for purchase via Vincent's website for a mere $2,000,000.
Alternatively, each of the 10 tracks, such as "HEAVY METAL POONTANG" and "COCKTEAZER," can be acquired for $200,000. You may say that's outrageous, but it's just math.
If you buy Guitarmageddon, you're buying the right to distribute the music, pending Vincert's approval of your marketing plan. Though he hasn't specified that there is only one copy of the album, his language around the release suggests this situation is on par with Wu-Tang Clan's one-of-a-kind Once Upon A Time In Shaolin.
"If the buyer wishes to purchase any associated rights in the compositions, a separate agreement can be arranged and negotiated," Vincent explains in a statement. "The price will also include a perpetual license to use the brand name, ‘Vinnie Vincent Invasion’ and ‘Vinnie Vincent’ for the life of the album."
Per his Facebook comments, Vincent seems to think this a good way for a record label or other company to shoulder the exorbitant cost for his music, then distribute it to his fans for a more reasonable price. “I'm offering the album to a third party whatever entity that may be,” he writes on Facebook. “If it's an investment group, they may have plans that do not include release and distribution. It's the discretion of the buyer whether it remains an asset or is an income stream as a record that is distributed and released to the public.”
Late last year, Vincent announced lead single "RIDE THE SERPENT" would be able for fans to buy on CD for a mere $225 ($300 international). On Facebook today, Vincent wrote that those will still be available in case you are not a record label and need to hear this music.
If you are looking to get into the VVI business, his site says payment must be made through PayPal, and there will be no refunds. If any of you has Martin Shkreli's number, Vinnie Vincent would presumably love to get him on the line.
