(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Kiss frontman Gene Simmons has been axed from the lineup of the upcoming Michael Jackson tribute concert.

Fans of the King of Pop voiced their anger yesterday after Michael's mother Katherine told CNN that Gene was among the acts set to perform in Wales in October.

TMZ posted a story questioning the decision because Gene has said last year that he thought Michael had "molested" children.

But the promoters have now backtracked and have taken the rocker off the guest list.

"We have listened to Michael's fans and are grateful to have been alerted to these unfortunate statements by Gene Simmons," the statement read.

"Under the circumstances we fully agree that even though Kiss is a band Michael admired we have no choice but to rescind our invitation to them to appear in our tribute concert."

Executors of Michael's estate had apparently sent a letter to the promoters yesterday expressing their unhappiness that Kiss was billed to perform.

Gene had been vocal about his views on Michael's relationships with young boys and last year said he believed his behaviour was untoward.

"There is no question in my mind he molested those kids. Not a doubt," he said.

"The only sexual references ever made about Michael Jackson that were made by anyone, anywhere around the world, have always been made by kids.

"And specifically males usually ten to 14 years of age; never females, that age or older, and never grown men." (C) Cover Media