William ‘Bill’ Aucoin, the man credited with discovering KISS and who was their manager from 1973-1982, has passed away at the age of 66 from complications from prostate cancer surgery in Aventura, Florida.

Founding KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley left the following message and tribute on the front page of the band’s site KISSOnline.com today:

Bill Aucoin, our irreplaceable original manager, mentor and dear friend has died of complications arising from his ongoing battle with prostate cancer. He was instrumental in guiding us from the beginning and without his vision, leadership and unending dedication, we could never have scaled the heights we have reached.

Bill loved life and lived it to the fullest. Words can never convey his impact on us or those close to him.

Over all the years, he never missed an opportunity to be with us at our shows near his home or fly in for special concerts, including our most recent Madison Square Garden show. He had hoped to attend our London show earlier this month but his illness prevented it. He still planned to visit us upon the start of our upcoming US tour.

We loved him, told him and have peace that he knew it.

We will grieve and celebrate all he was and did.

We have lost a part of us.

Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons

Original guitarist Ace Frehley chimed in on his Facebook page with his respects for Aucoin:

Bill Aucoin 1943-2010 — Billl was a very gifted guy with a great eye for talent! Through all the ups and downs, he never lost his big smile and sense of humor… We remained friends till the end… I’m gonna miss him…
– Ace

Original drummer Peter Criss left the following on his official website PeterCriss.net:

Our sympathy and love go out to Bill Aucoin’s family and friends. If not for Bill Aucoin there would not be a Rock group called Kiss today. He was the fifth Kiss, and always will be. I loved the man and will miss him deeply. See you in heaven Gui .

Love always,
Peter Criss

KISS and Aucoin reunited down the road to work together on various projects.  KISS is currently on tour in Europe and will be in the USA later this year for their fall North American tour.

Aucoin also managed Billy Idol for a period in the early 80′s.

He is survived by his partner of 15-years Roman Fernandez and two sisters.

Live Video Stream of rock legends KISS performing their ‘ALIVE at 35′ concert from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Ustream feed will go live at 7:30pm PST/10:30 EST. Watch it above as it happens live in L.A.

KISS is currently made up of original members Paul Stanley (lead vocals), and Gene Simmons (bass), along with Eric Singer (drums) and Tommy Thayer (guitar).

KISS is currently on tour celebrating their 35th anniversary as a band in support of their new album ‘Sonic Boom.’

If you have ever wanted Gene Simmons Family Jewels then you likely know the the U.S. military means a lot to Simmons and his KISS bandmates.

The 35-yr old dynamic rock band continues to honor troops after their shows in meet-n-greets and on military bases when time allows.

In this clip KISS is doing just that with a nice bit with Simmons speaking Hungarian with a U.S. soldier.

The current lineup of KISS includes original members Simmons along with Paul Stanley. They are joined by Eric Singer on drums and Tommy Thayer on guitar.