Vinnie Vincent (Vincent Cusano) "The Original Home Demos" [Vinnie lead vocals], 1981 (HQ)

[@RichieFriedman1]

I guess Vinnie is Back on the streets in 2018 . We recorded this in my store . I co wrote and played the drums and Vinnie sang ,played bass and guitar. This photo was taken at We Buy Guitars on 48th street. Regards , Richard Friedman

[@nameless76mozwhaz9]

who played all the keys dude?

[@kapteinrdskjegg5285]

love it, !!!! from Norway

[@robocop2283]

Can you read @@toliklisiy5868

[@attommas]

Vinnie used to hang out there.I met him one time.

[@timothyvaughn9937]

Yr a trooper Richard.

[@terrykramer4289]

MORE THAN FRIENDS, sounds a bit like my favorite Beatle. Can you guess which one?

[@bathtubgeorge]

I've never heard Gypsy in Her Eyes before, but it sounds like a song I've heard a million times and has hit written all over it, this is great stuff

[@headlesssoldier]

I’m really really impressed by Vinnie’s vocals! His guitar is great here without the over playing

[@jondunmore4268]

Amazing what being a musician in 1979 does for you. Joining KISS contributed to VV becoming a king-size egotist, turdbrain and al-round knucklehead. He should have stayed small, and have various musicians complain about him, not become famous and have EVERYONE complain about him.

[@_vixen_4504]

Jon Dunmore he should have never joined kiss cause they gave him little to No money so he couldn’t provide to his family and thats why he left them and became a Guy with a big ego

[@Arcturian1111]

Gypsy in your eyes kicks ass too.

[@sonofbarnsey]

Listening to his pre-Kiss work, its night and day. The guy's playing was just beautiful and melodic as anything. Great note choice and a wide, singing vibrato.

[@allen4659]

Vinnie was the most gifted musician, songwriter, singer, lyricist that Kiss ever realized. He sounds alot like Lou Gramm from Foreigner. Huge talent. Mega-talent. He was never given the credit he deserved.

[@JENDALL714]

Vinnie is his own worst enemy. People do give him a lot of credit as a guitar player, never anything bad to say about his ability, it's his personality that turns people off.

[@chrisretro81]

The only ones who truly know the truth were those involved in the situation. From Vinnie, you hear mostly how unfairly he was treated, then from the other camps you hear how he was given every chance. He had admitted he wanted to be the leader of KISS after he joined, not the hired gun. That wasn't going to work for KISS as a corporation. Had he been in charge, who knows if it would have been good or not. On that sense, maybe you're right that he didn't realise his full potential in the business, regardless of his talent.

[@stephenlandry9343]

You're right he does sound alot like lou gramm. I am surprised. Kiss could have gotten more out of Vinnie if they wanted to. Gene and Paul didn't get Vinnie because his ego was as big as theirs . And they just couldn't have that. Money Ho's 💰 🤑

[@lydiapawlak8564]

@@stephenlandry9343 I agree 100%

[@larryhogan3609]

@JENDALL714 so you know Vinnie personally...Gene and Paul are douchebags,seriously!!

[@foxylady9478]

It's a shame Vinnie hasn't had the career he deserves... This man is a genius, maybe too talented for us... 😕❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@kth351twinvasion5]

Sadly, too talented for his own good...mad genius.

[@monty4336]

He was given a recording contract. Couldn't sell many records, couldn't keep a line up together. We call those people failures in the music business, not geniuses.

[@MonkHoward]

@@monty4336 There are names for people like you, too. but KZbin doesn't allow us to use them anymore, you massive bundle of sticks.

[@raymondwilliams2609]

With a voice like that why bother looking for anyone else to sing your songs? Vinnie can do no wrong, he's just gifted musically. Love you Vinnie, please come back to us very soon.We miss you terribly--DON'T HIDE YOUR LIGHT UNDER A BUSHEL. Come back and show them all how it's done. Love you, Guy. 🇬🇧😤

[@javtimestwo]

he did return and once again made the fans look foolish and did not give the fans what he promised to give them. Vinnie is his own worst enemy!

[@jondunmore4268]

He wanted to wank on guitar more.

[@sylviagarcia6880]

I love you too Vinnie!💖

[@FreeMTrider]

@@javtimestwothat was the promoter. Derek something who sold tickets and ran with the money when the shows were postponed and then canceled when the guy didn't produce a contract.

[@javtimestwo]

@@FreeMTrider 🤣😂 so the old dog ate the homework excuse. Vinnie either tends to work with the worst promoters or Vinnie is fleecing the fans. Either way Vinnie takes advantage. The guy charged $500 a ticket. Who does he think he is?

[@foxylady9478]

Vinnie has so many qualities... The way he plays, the way he sings, the way he writes... ❤️ He is so talented... Love you so much, Vinnie !!!

[@vandeIa]

Vinnie's vocals are one of a kind I can't believe he didn't use his talent on a solo project he would of been successful without kiss but he's still a great guy and has a talent.

[@rockingguitarlessons]

wow this reminds me of old Lou Gramm Foreigner stuff from the 80s..Vinnie was a talented dude.

[@anzornos]

Gypsy In Her Eyes, I love that song and especially Vincents tone of his voice, sounds strongly like life.

[@larryhogan3609]

Listen to maybe it's the rain.AMAZING!!

[@L.A.Tex_Norway]

Every single song here deserves to be done properly in the studio. This is just amazing 💕

[@blackmoonnekro8855]

Vinnie's vocals rules supreme.

[@fortj3]

Don't forget his guitar work

[@blackmoonnekro8855]

Never.

[@27clubband74]

complete genius

[@jimilove7773]

Amen!

[@friedricengravy6646]

They certainly r better than the squaking from both singers later in VV Invasion. I think he could have had a better career if he had avoided the ridiculous shredding & the chipmunks.

[@daveredfern8258]

WOW, impressive Vinnie.

[@janolavkartveit5489]

Vinnie is a great guitarist, on of the best that have been in KISS. Gratitude from Norway 🇳🇴

[@myvibebeats]

Vinnie you are a super talented and gifted man, unmatched at that!!!!..God bless you my friend...

[@christianw.9058]

Back on the streets is one of the best song I've heard

[@kevinprowse406]

Solos sound like Steve Lukather. Music ahead of it’s time.

[@ian2lorimer]

These songs are pure magic.. say what you want about Vinnie but this is pure magic. Pop Idols and fake stars people this is real emmotion and real talent....wow!

[@ConnieinVirginia]

Here I am listening to these old recordings or demos again. Vinnie's singing voice is wonderful.

[@AlejandrxVV]

Hay demasiados demos de el amigo!!!

[@foxylady9478]

I don't care about what some say, you are so good !! You deserve our love, Vinnie !! And what a voice !! Love from France !! 😘🇫🇷

[@louisdimov8956]

OUR LOVE!!!!! OUR

[@jamesmichaelfrank]

A testament to this man's talent as a songwriter beyond the shred guitar he is known for. This really shows another side of Vincent's abilities as a brilliant quality writer.

[@michaelolz]

My goodness! How amazing would this be if he could re-record this? Gosh. I’m stunned at the non-events that are associated with Vinnie’s name. He’s AMAZING! I’d ten to one rather hear him sing than just about anyone he’s played with.

[@jsblack7398]

We don't have enough from Vinnie. Awesome guitarist and musician. Great vocals here too! I want this on CD and in my collection where it should be. Love it. 🌹

[@lisawhite1028]

The best singer kiss ever had

[@lanceraustin]

Cusano's singing these himself??

[@domenicodesimone7313]

Amazing, and "Maybe it's the rain" is an absolute masterpiece

[@Telecaster70]

Wow...his vocals are sure great....with this album alone he should have made it big. I am truly amazed

[@SteveBello]

"Maybe It's The Rain" should have been a big hit. I really like that song the most.

[@TotalSinging]

Listen to "Back On the Streets". Not many people were writing songs like that in 1979. The fact that other guitar players have covered the song proves his talent was genuine. Shame.

[@brightbite]

Agreed. Innovative songwriter. I don't like all of his lead guitar styles but you have to give the guy credit for his ability to come up with great songs. I don't know what did or did not happen in his personal life, but it did not sound good.

[@GorditoCrunch343]

It was John Norum's only hit too, that alone says everything. Same thing with Tears when Peter Criss and John Waite covered it. If the songs weren't good, people wouldn't have bought them.

[@hirskdubbi]

He's still a thief, and an all around goofy bastard.

[@ІгорМолодецький-д8е]

@@GorditoCrunch343 Is original "Back on the streets" Vincent's song? I didn't know that. I've heard Norum's cover too.

[@GorditoCrunch343]

@@ІгорМолодецький-д8е Yes, Vincent wrote it with Richard Friedman back in the late 70's.

[@fernandobenavidez4060]

Vinnie is and always a top shredded in my book🤟he is just such a versatile musician! Can play anything!!👍👍👍

[@foxylady9478]

I love this man so much !! He is so talented !! Music needs him, he must come back !! Vinnie, we love you !! ❤️❤️❤️

[@angelicac5543]

Omgggg I had no idea he could siiiing 😮. His voice is soooo hypnotizing 🤍

[@ifuwontmakemestarve5975]

This is f****ng masterpiece! Love you Vincent Cusano, very much!!

[@tonysmith8379]

Absolutely fantastic. Great songs sung with such emotion.

[@donaldpantoliano8016]

Hello Everyone that has replied to this post. The demos that were done in Richard Friedman's small studio in the back of We Buy Guitars were done in an effort to get a record deal for Vinny. Richard new a lot of people in the business and helped Vinny use it to market himself and eventually got himself into Kiss. As I read that some people are saying that they played on the demo on 48th street, this is incorrect. As Richard states, Vinny Cusano sang, played all guitars and solos, and bass. Richard Friedman played drums. I, Don Pantoliano engineered and recorded all of these basic track sessions at the 48th Street studio. All the keyboard tracks and different guitar solos were done in California. What a shame as to what has transpired to such a talented and musical person.

[@donaldpantoliano8016]

@@toliklisiy5868 I am sorry but I have no idea. Thanks, Don

[@donaldpantoliano8016]

@@toliklisiy5868 Sorry, I do not. Thanks, Don

[@RichieFriedman1]

Hi Donald, Danny and I have been trying to reach out to you. Jimmy C and Peter G. I will call you.

[@RichieFriedman1]

@@toliklisiy5868 I will ask Vinnie.

[@RichieFriedman1]

@@toliklisiy5868 I asked Vin. Randy Nichols from Eddie Money's Group

[@pheonixmjs]

Vinny is a writing Genius..So many great songs left unrecorded..What a shame..

[@tradbowseven]

Kiss- we need a lead guitar player cause Ace left us. Vinnie- hey I can do it! Kiss- Vinnie has more talent than we do, people might like him better than us. Vinnie- it’s okay guys, I’ll just play great lead guitar and do my best to make the group sound good. Kiss- just do what we tell you, sign the contract, drink the kool-aid.

[@mikeward1872]

So well said. Kudos to you sir. Couldn't have said it better

[@mikeward1872]

Vinnie, I hope you read ^^ this

[@vaneipontes3279]

Vincent Cusano 🎵🎼🎶🎤🎸😎👊 Vinnie Vincent Invasion 🎵🎼🎶🎸😎👊

[@doublejake.4846]

Vinnie was from a musical family, he has it all, great song writer, fantastic guitar player, composer, producer, singer and frontman. But something was off in his life, that side railed all this talent later in his life.

[@perrycosby5674]

True, I think it was the death of his first wife.

[@christianw.9058]

Vinnie is really an artist and he knows perfectly how to send his message and love. Its a pity I discovered him a year ago (listening Jhon Norum´s back in the streets) but now I have to recover lost time

[@joerevere937]

I believe the best (2) albums Kiss did are with Vinnie on guitar, 'Creatures of the Night' and 'Lick It Up'.

[@gep2771]

Such a great songwriter and singer, these tunes are phenomenal and if he has the master reel should redo these.

[@markusantonio4866]

Great voice, I hear a little bit of Billy Joel, Springsteen at certain times. He even wrote songs for Happy Days.

[@booshting3520]

Some great songs here. Maybe it's the rain is beautiful, sung with passion.

[@sweetsatan6667]

Boon Doggle agree!

[@endoau]

Vinnie should’ve been an major songwriter of the 80s creating mega hits, also sounds like Toto’s , Steve Lukather.

[@ian2lorimer]

Wow......so much passion in the vocals from Vinnie. Such a heartache. Vinnie is a tortured genius.

[@jimilove7773]

Back Again!

[@ian2lorimer]

This is fuckin awesome holy shit Kiss with heart. Ffs Vinny what a fuckin talent. You're breaking my heart over you're talent.

[@tod3msn]

This is really good. An excellent display of talent. Extremely high quality.

[@RokDAWG1]

Such amazing music. What the fuck was he thinking in getting others to sing?

[@sixslinger9951]

I had no clue he could sing and write music this well? he should have never joined KISS! what a talent!

[@skatermdq]

Cusano rocks !

[@johngerardmusic7761]

Amazing voice!

[@leokimvideo]

Vinnie was screwed over by Kiss. He deserved his own band. Such a talented player and performer.

[@monty4336]

Um, he did have his own band, it failed miserably. So much for his 'great' talent. 😆

[@nebbyscumbold]

He couldn't have been screwed over by KISS as he never even signed a contract with them, so it was more the other way around. He had the Vinnie Vincent invasion, and the members of that band found out, just as KISS did, that he was impossible to work with. It seems that Vinnie Vincent screwed himself over.

[@Soldano88]

@@monty4336 Failed? I don’t think so.

[@HeelsFan1967]

He refused to sign his contract. And he refused to play like he was asked. He played solos that he couldn't duplicate. Need any more info?

[@HeelsFan1967]

​@@nebbyscumboldCouldn't agree more. He was his own worst enemy.

[@nahomislater6039]

Very nice vocals Vinnie!!

[@robertlawson2608]

Geez when he stays under control his playing style is 100% original. Love it. Probably why his Lick it up solos are favorites

[@vaneipontes3824]

Mr. Vinnie "Vincent Cusano" Vincent 🔥🎸🤘😎

[@_vixen_4504]

Vinny is so talented and i love that the last song more than friends sounds like a Beatles song

[@jimilove7773]

777

[@j.erniegutti8568]

Aguante Vinnie!!! Ya vuelve la VV este año...

[@rc24888]

One listen and the DUDE deserves major chance. Weird or not, God loves the disenfranchised, the loners, the dreamers, the man who takes on untrod path. Walk on VV, we will follow......

[@frostedhead]

Vinnie is the coolest dude! met him several times in the 80s

[@fitnessguru8012]

Even back then he had that singing tremolo vibrato. I read that he took jazz theory, like all of us, I'm sure he was a Holdsworth fan too.

[@joehodgsonmusic2764]

Superb

[@RavnerRavner]

the Back on The Streets vocal reminds me of Lou Gramm and More Than Friends Vinnie is channeling his Lennon/McCartney

[@vaneipontes3279]

🎵🎼🎶🎤🎸😎👊🎵🎼🎶🎤🎸😎👊

[@mducrocq68]

I must admit he has a Powerful voice....

[@Aeonblade10]

Now that Vinnie has reappeared I really hope he gets his shit together and at least cleans up and releases some of this old demo stuff. His vocals were killer and there are some seriously good songs here.

[@TheJimbo1791]

Not sure if it is actually good that they made him reappear. Maybe he was happy and more getting his shit together mentally. Now folks seem to be taking advantage of him. Not sure if this is good at all. Maybe the guy should´ve been left alone like he wanted it.

[@jondunmore4268]

He hasn't gotten his shit together since your comment. He's had his dash - now he's dead to music. This sorta stuff is ALIEN to him. He can't play anymore, can't communicate with others, can't keep contracts, promises, event dates, etc. He's a washout burnout. I have no sympathy - he had his chance - He actually had his 15 minutes in KISS, and he didn't leapfrog off that to other things - he just ma de a mess of his playing and life.

[@mdub2000]

is this really Vinnie's voice....if it is he was amazing....dude could have just led his own band with his own singing instead of getting someone else......damn just makes me shake my head when i know he could have just been a guitar God and vocalist on his own even without kiss if he just knew how to manage the business side of it all or if he had someone who he trusted to do it way back when.

[@skyboxsportsnews9323]

Love Vinny! Real talent. Hope he gets the success he deserves on his comeback tour.

[@maxheadroom1837]

His writing style is awesome. This is a great fucking album. Was this ever released in better quality?

[@RichieFriedman1]

When I was in Nashville last year with Vin at SIR Sound studios he told me Paul Stanley did the vocals along with the rest of Kiss when Vin was still in the group but it was never released.

[@jimmyc.1947]

This is really beautiful

[@anthonyiannacone1739]

The best, an amazingly talented musician

[@landofgoshenstudios6402]

Great Ballads!!

[@lanceraustin]

I just discovered why Cusano was so problematic in Kiss: He should have never NEEDED them; this music is awesome! Except for the Beatlesque More Than Friends. Well written, almost brilliantly so, but what the world needs more of is his hard rocking Foreigner-esque tunes, IMHO.

[@nickliveseyphotographingth5050]

Wow, 'More then friends', a lost George Harrison song perhaps! I've just been rediscovering Vinnie of late, what a hugely talented songwriter...

[@nickliveseyphotographingth5050]

No confusion Tolik, I just think it sounds incredibly like George Harrison, the voice, arrangement and the song itself..a great piece of work :)

[@freddyspin8705]

Peter and Ace have many chances to come back,but Vinnie didnt,such a shame.Lets hope that all the living ex Kiss members,will be invited for the real farewell tour. The fans deserve that.

[@felinefanII]

Vinnie should clean up these recordings and release them, the songs are amazing - remember what Kiss were doing in '79, musically at their all-time low despite the charts success. He kind of reminds me of Todd Rundgren, another guy who can write melodic pop/AOR tunes in his sleep.

[@GorditoCrunch343]

Vinnie could have been on that Desmond Child level if things had worked out. I'd kill to be able to write songs like these.

[@johnmcminn9455]

Vinnie is one of those yeah it was good, but i didn't like it guys He is stuck in the creative process. Of i could write something better next time i pick up the guitar He is so prolific He probably. Has thousands of unreleased ideas 90 percent developed

[@teoortega4061]

These are good awesome songs i like this even if it not redone or recorded i like i like it Vinnie rocks

[@rockmatersforeverallnitean3210]

I agree with you brother !!! The only virtuoso in KISS was Vinnie Vincent !!!! Algo saved KISS he came into the band in the right moment!!!!

[@williamdon3442]

RockMatersForever All nite and party all day!! Algo????

[@YouTube.Algorithmic.Nonsense]

Man, this definitely has a distinct Foreigner vibe to it, especially Back on the Streets.

[@ConnieinVirginia]

Vinnie had a great singing voice, who knew? Wish he had used it more & a very talented song writer.

[@user-wg8yk4do3l]

very good singer+++!!!

[@mysisterscross]

Wow, thanks for posting this!

[@stevemora7845]

Love his George Harrison..esque song!

[@PlayerToBeNamedLater1973]

Well this seems like strong material to me and he sings better than I expected. It's a shame someone with obvious talent , who can actually write would lose his way . I have to think he'd have had a better chance at long term success if he'd avoided the whole Kiss circus . I think Kiss threw him off course and distracted him from doing what he was good at , which apparently is writing adult contemporary ( as of early 1980s ) rock music with decent hooks

[@JimmyAyele]

"Maybe it's the rain" could've been a huge hit if a band like The Eagles released it in the eighties.

[@markusantonio4866]

Bolton, Lou Graham, power singers, Luther Vandross, Roberta Flack

[@JimmyAyele]

@@markusantonio4866 True! 👍🏼

[@jimhouston1510]

Sounds like what KISS should sound like today, extra smooth ages with real feeling like a great meatball with ravioli too! Should make cd with extras and Paper package. Plastic boxes suck bad these days. Thank the Lord for excellent song writers like him. I'm hooked on these tracks great late night soft & sweet.

[@mumu-ib5vk]

so different his guitar playing 😎👍

[@samright4661]

If Vinnie didn’t self destruct he could have been a huge star

[@THECLARENCES]

Say what you will about Vinnie however, KISS released SEVEN singles co-written by him. That says it all!!! xoxo The Clarences

[@mbaraldao]

GREAT TALENT! ;)

[@toma.4808]

This dude was an extremely talented guy. He didnt need a singer, he had a decent voice. Shame he let his demons get the better of him, granted not all of his troubles could be blamed on him. What couldve been...

[@jondunmore4268]

Maybe he was bi-polar, or had some form of Meneares Disease, or slightly autistic. He's exhibited symptoms of all three, through my experience. His product is fantastic. And even his work with KISS was stellar. His original output after being booted from KISS is the work of an insane person who was let off the leash to let his demons run crazy in his head.

[@billmohelsky7812]

Vinnie's 'Maybe it's the Rain' is great song and stellar vocals. Hear a bit of Biily Joel in his voice on that one. His musical range is impressive, to say the least. Too bad he couldn't keep it together.

[@sjdrummerboy]

This version of Tears… is the best version of the song. John Waite did a great cover. But Vinnie’s emotional presence just does this version justice

[@MikeUIibarri]

Wow. Had no idea this existed.

[@3e593]

I luv u Vinnie!!! Yes

[@danschreffler1280]

"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent." Calvin Coolidge

[@klistarf]

Jeez! I've been reading a lot recently how good of a singer Vinnie is, and my god, it's true! Always loved the guy and his talent. I love shredding, but i have to say that i really think Vinnie actually over-shredded on his Invasion albums (as much as i do love them!). Never heard these demos before. Gotta say i am loving them! Vinnie, you goddamn muthafucka, would you please get back in the saddle and do what you were born to do! I really don't care about the politics of KISS and what went down between you etc. blah, blah, blah. I just love them, and i love you and this shows why they took you on board. You're far too talented to just go by the wayside until you die, Man! Please, sort it out... \m/ (:o)

[@V3ntilator]

Awesome. I wish Vinnie singed on his own albums.

[@jimilove7773]

Amazing!

[@shawnwomack9562]

Very nice guy he kick ass ye 🤘🎸🤘

[@arielgomez4464]

Muy muy bien 👏sorprendido . Muy bien canta y buena voz tiene. Un maestro. Que bueno que apareció . Y dentro de poco tocara la trilogía de Kiss, ACE , Vinnie y Bruce kulick en un evento que organiza kiss

[@arielgomez4464]

@@toliklisiy5868 yes👏👏👏💪