Letters

Dear Aucoin Family, KISS, and KISS Army, I am saddened and shocked to hear about the one and only Bill Aucoin passing away from us as I read the news this morning. Ironically enough, it was a Tuesday morning that the word of Eric Carr's passing hit the newspapers. As I read this morning's paper, I caught the picture of Bill with KISS on the Edwin Newman show with the corner of my eye...and, as KISS is instantly identifiable, I said, "that's KISS!" I saw that Bill Aucoin was the article's subject and my heart sank. NO ONE IN THE KISS KAMP IS ALLOWED TO PASS ON EVER! I had the opportunity to meet Bill at a KISS Expo in Detroit several years ago and made a point of taking my KISSTORY book with me to get autographed because HE was influential in KISS ever having a single page of any book being printed about them. I handed Bill my KISSTORY book and said, "you're responsible for making KISS a reality and this book isn't official to me without your autograph as well." He looked at me very considerately and thanked me, as if surprised that he would even be considered for adding his autograph to it. He signed it and a couple more 8 X 10's I had and allowed me to get a picture with him. It's a very warm, sincere photo and one that I will always treasure even more so. I've always thought he was very sexy and to be able to have touched the man was a dream come true. Having met all the KISS members (barring Vinnie and Mark), it has never surprised me at how respected we fans are treated. I feel like Bill fostered that from the beginning knowing that we would ALL be family for life. And we will be. We've hung tight and we've made the news as "All For The Glory" will testify to. So, to the one and only Bill Aucoin, thank you so much for all that you gave to millions of us diehard fans---whether by financing the 1975-76 tour on your American Express or taking the hits and punches from the media about KISS---you saw the vision from God how to make KISSTORY in this world and leave a long-lasting legacy. Thank you for wishing upon a star and making all of our dreams come true. We will forever thank you, eternally miss you, and never, ever forget you. God bless your memory, your family, your husband, KISS, and the entire KISS Army. Randy McBrayer Dallas, TX