KISS Dropped From Michael Jackson Tribute Concert Over Gene Simmons Comments

KISS will no longer appear at a tribute concert in honour of Michael Jackson, organisers have announced.

On Monday (August 15), promoters Global Live Events confirmed the band's appearance, but were criticised by fans and Jackson's estate because of comments band members Gene Simmons had made about the singer in 2010.

In a statement, Chris Hunt, CEO of Global Live Events, said: “We have listened to Michael’s fans and are grateful to have been alerted to these unfortunate statements by Gene Simmons.

“Under the circumstances we fully agree that even though KISS is a band Michael admired we have no choice but to rescind our invitation to them to appear in our tribute concert.”

He went on to off his “sincerest apologies” to Jackson's family.

It is the latest embarrassing problem for Michael Forever.

When the concert was announced Jermaine and Randy Jackson called the event “inappropriate”, despite earning the support of other members of the singer's family, including his mother, Katherine.