KISS has responded to accusations that the band’s lack of COVID-19 protocols led to the death of guitar tech veteran Francis Stueber.

“Our ‘End of the Road’ world tour absolutely had COVID safety protocols in place that met, but most often exceeded, federal, state, and local guidelines,” reads a statement released by the band. “But ultimately this is still a global pandemic and there is simply no foolproof way to tour without some element of risk.”

The statement comes after three unidentified roadies told Rolling Stone crew members were never tested and masks were seldom worn on the tour, which ground to a brief halt after Stueber – who’d worked with the band for 20 years – died of COVID-19.

Is it fair to blame KISS for the death when millions of Americans are walking around without masks?