Legendary rockers have been removed from the lineup for an upcoming tribute concert to legendary pop singer M9ichael Jackson after the event's organizers were heavily criticized for including the band due to disparaging comments made about Jackson by bassist Gene Simmons last year.  Simmons has been unabashed in voicing his opinion that Jackson molested children, despite his being found not guilty of such charges in a well-publicized trial.  Simmons even commented on the matter within just a few days of the iconic singer's death in June 2009. 

The Jackson tribute concert, scheduled for October 8th in Cardiff, Wales, has been endorsed by Jackson's mother and several siblings but brothers Randy and Jermaine have been critical of the planned event, as it is scheduled to occur at the same time as Jackson's doctor is on trial for involuntary manslaughter for the singer's death.

It is the latest stumble for a show that is endorsed by Jackson's mother and several siblings but is opposed by brothers Jermaine and Randy. The brothers have noted that the show is scheduled to happen during the involuntary manslaughter trial of a doctor charged in Michael Jackson's death.  With KISS removed from the lineup, the biggest stars remaining on the bill are Christina Aguilera, Smokey Robinson and Cee Lo Green.