Former Kiss guitarist Vinnie Vincent has unveiled his first original music in over 20 years, the single 'Ride the Serpent,' available exclusively as a limited-edition CD for $200 plus shipping. The release, part of his upcoming album Judgement Day Guitarmageddon, aims to prevent piracy through a unique sales model requiring all 1,000 copies to sell before shipping. Vincent defended the high price amid fan criticism, urging detractors to 'grow the fuck up.'
Vinnie Vincent, known for his tenure as Kiss's guitarist in the 1980s, announced the release of 'Ride the Serpent' on December 1, 2025, via a Facebook post and his official website. This nearly eight-minute track features Vincent on guitars and bass, vocals by Robert Fleischman, and drums by Keary Jordan. It marks the inaugural single from his long-awaited album Judgement Day Guitarmageddon and is the first new material from Vincent in more than two decades.
The single is produced in a limited run of 1,000 numbered and signed CDs—500 for the U.S. and 500 internationally—priced at $200 each, with $25 shipping in the U.S. and $100 abroad. Sales are preorder-only through PayPal, and the CDs will ship only if all 1,000 units sell by February 28, 2026; otherwise, purchases will be refunded. Vincent explained this structure protects against 'premature pirating,' stating, 'I understand the bitching, the moaning, the whining about price, but you must also understand that my situation is as such that my music is so desired that it will be targeted and taken from me immediately, which I cannot/will not allow.'
Fan backlash focused on the cost amid economic hardships. One supporter wrote on Facebook, 'I fear though, that this price will deter people from truly enjoying your beautiful art in this horrendous economy... it's a bit much for us devoted fans who are struggling to justify our electric bills.' Vincent responded sharply in a rebuttal, comparing his work to 'caviar or fine art' and dismissing calls for a standard $18.99 price: 'Fair market price? Lol. That was yesteryear. Welcome to the new agenda.' He added, 'Grow the fuck up! My price protects me from people like "you" who will buy cheap from the theft of bootleggers,' and suggested critics 'stay with your Kiss records' since 'my music is not for you.'
Vincent plans to release subsequent tracks like 'Invincible' and 'Heavy Metal Poontang' in the same Vinnie Vincent Invasion Master Series format, with more specials for patient fans. He lamented the challenges for independent artists, calling the industry a 'Mad Max wasteland of survival' and advocating for creators to set their own prices after years of exploitation. 'My price is my compensation for my talent and the music that fans want and wait for,' he concluded, describing it as 'the best designer drug on the market—an endless high of pure fire running through your veins.'
