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Kiss (band)

From Alfawiki
Kiss
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1973 in New York City, United States
FounderPaul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, Peter Criss
Headquarters
New York City
,
United States
ProductsMusic albums, merchandise

Kiss (often presented in all caps) was a prominent American rock ensemble established in New York City in 1973 by Paul Stanley (vocals, rhythm guitar), Gene Simmons (vocals, bass), Ace Frehley (lead guitar, vocals), and Peter Criss (drums, vocals). Distinguished by their unique face paint and elaborate stage costumes, the band rose to fame during the mid-1970s with theatrical shock rock performances incorporating fire-breathing, blood-spitting, smoking guitars, rocket launches, levitating drum sets, and pyrotechnic effects. Throughout numerous lineup changes, Stanley and Simmons remained the sole constant members; the final formation featured Stanley, Simmons, Tommy Thayer (lead guitar, vocals), and Eric Singer (drums, vocals).

Each member embodied a comic book-inspired persona: Stanley as the Starchild, Simmons as the Demon, Frehley as the Spaceman or Space Ace, and Criss as the Catman. Kiss emerged as one of the most commercially successful American rock acts and a pop culture icon by the late 1970s. Following a dip in popularity in the early 1980s, they rejuvenated their image in 1983 by performing without their trademark makeup—the so-called "unmasked" period—highlighted by the platinum-certified Lick It Up album and extensive MTV rotation. The original lineup reunited in 1996 amid widespread nostalgia, reinstating their makeup and costumes. Their reunion tour from 1996 to 1997 grossed $143.7 million. Kiss embarked on their farewell global tour in January 2019 and concluded with their final concert in New York City in December 2023.

Recognized as one of rock’s most influential bands and among the best-selling worldwide, Kiss has achieved 30 Gold albums—the highest count for any U.S. band—and 14 Platinum records, including three multi-Platinum awards. The founding quartet was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. They secured ninth place on MTV's greatest metal bands list, tenth on VH1's "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock," third on Loudwires top metal and hard rock live acts ranking, and sixteenth on Classic Rocks "50 Best Rock Bands of All Time."

History

1971–1975: formative years

Kiss evolved from Wicked Lester, a New York City rock group fronted by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. After recording an unreleased album and performing limited gigs, Simmons and Stanley departed in 1972 to create a new band.

Established in 1973, Kiss recruited drummer Peter Criss after responding to his advertisement in Rolling Stone. Criss’s vocal style complemented Simmons and Stanley’s vision for a harder rock sound. By early 1973, lead guitarist Ace Frehley joined after two auditions, completing what would become the classic lineup. The group began crafting their trademark makeup designs and costumes.

The name "Kiss" was proposed by Stanley during a drive through New York City. Frehley designed the iconic logo featuring stylized "SS" resembling lightning bolts; despite slight asymmetry, this design was finalized. Due to its similarity to the Nazi SS emblem banned in Germany, the band uses an altered logo with reversed "ZZ" characters in countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Lithuania, and Hungary to avoid controversy.

Persistent rumors claiming that "Kiss" stands for sinister acronyms have been consistently refuted by Simmons.

Kiss’s inaugural performance took place on January 30, 1973, at the Popcorn Club in Queens before an audience of fewer than ten people. Early shows included makeup but had yet to introduce their signature personas; these debuted later that March at The Daisy in Amityville.

On March 13, they recorded a five-song demo with producer Eddie Kramer. Manager Bill Aucoin conditionally signed them pending a record deal within two weeks. On November 1, 1973, Kiss became the first act signed to Neil Bogart’s newly formed Casablanca Records.

Recording sessions commenced on October 10 at Bell Sound Studios in New York City. Their industry debut occurred on December 31 at Brooklyn Academy of Music opening for Blue Öyster Cult. Simmons’s fire-breathing stage act occasionally caused hair fires; his movements were inspired by Ymir from 20 Million Miles to Earth.

The band's first tour began February 5, 1974, in Edmonton as an opening act. Their self-titled debut album was released on February 18 with heavy promotion throughout spring and summer.

Their initial television exposure came on February 19 via ABC's In Concert, performing three songs. On April 29 they appeared on The Mike Douglas Show, delivering "Firehouse" alongside a provocative interview from Simmons that generated mixed reactions.

Despite touring efforts and publicity campaigns, their debut sold approximately 75,000 copies with financial losses for both band and label. Recording for their sophomore album Hotter Than Hell began August 1974 in Los Angeles; released October 22 it reached No.100 on charts while its single failed to chart.

Casablanca head Neil Bogart produced their third album Dressed to Kill released March 19, 1975; it slightly improved sales and featured their now-classic track "Rock and Roll All Nite".

Although initial album sales were modest, Kiss built a reputation for dynamic live shows featuring Simmons’s blood-spitting and fire-breathing stunts; Frehley’s flaming guitar solos; Criss’s spark-emitting drum riser; Stanley’s guitar smashing; complemented by extensive pyrotechnics throughout performances.

By mid-1975 Casablanca faced near bankruptcy putting Kiss’s contract at risk; both parties required a commercial breakthrough—achieved unexpectedly through a live album release.

1975–1978: breakthrough years

Kiss sought to capture their concert energy with their first live record. Released September 10, 1975, Alive!, compiled from performances in Wildwood, Detroit, and Cleveland achieved Gold certification and yielded their first Top 40 single: a live rendition of "Rock and Roll All Nite" featuring an extended guitar solo. This version became definitive and inspired covers such as Poison's 1987 version. The band later admitted adding crowd noise and overdubs to enhance excitement rather than deceive listeners.

Alive! not only marked Kiss’s commercial breakthrough but also rescued Casablanca Records from financial collapse. Following this success, Kiss collaborated with producer Bob Ezrin, noted for work with Alice Cooper, yielding Destroyer released March 15, 1976. This ambitious project incorporated orchestral arrangements, choirs, tape effects diverging from earlier raw sounds. Cover art was created by fantasy artist Ken Kelly. Although initially achieving Gold status with solid sales, interest waned until ballad "Beth" received FM radio airplay; reissued as an A-side single it peaked at No.7 on Billboard Hot 100—the band's first US Top Ten hit.

In October 1976 Kiss appeared on The Paul Lynde Halloween Special, performing three songs while comedic sketches broadened their mainstream appeal.

Two studio albums followed within twelve months: Rock and Roll Over (November 11, 1976) and Love Gun (June 30, 1977), along with a second live album Alive II (October 14, 1977). Each quickly achieved Platinum certification. Between 1976–78 Kiss earned $17.7 million from royalties and publishing rights. A Gallup poll in 1977 named them America’s most popular band. In Japan they equaled The Beatles’ record by selling out five concerts at Tokyo's Budokan Hall.

In May 1977 Kiss made their comic book debut appearing in Marvel Comics’ Howard the Duck #12.

Their initial compilation album Double Platinum, released April 2, 1978 featured remixed hits plus "Strutter '78," a disco-influenced re-recording requested by Casablanca's Neil Bogart.

During this era merchandising became a significant revenue source including Marvel comics (one containing ink mixed with members' blood), pinball machines, dolls, makeup kits, Halloween masks, board games, lunch boxes and trading cards among others. The fan club Kiss Army reached six-figure membership totals. Between 1977–79 merchandise sales worldwide were estimated at $100 million.

1978: solo albums and film endeavor

File:Kiss - Peter Criss (1977).jpg
File:Kiss - Ace Frehley (1977).jpg
(Left): Criss performing "Beth" in 1977; (right): Frehley demonstrating pyrotechnics integral to Kiss's live shows.

Alive II became Kiss's fourth Platinum album within two years; its supporting tour recorded highest average attendance figures yet. Gross income for the band reached $10.2 million during 1977 while manager Aucoin pursued an aggressive strategy for subsequent years.

This plan included simultaneous release of four solo albums—one per member—in September 18, 1978 framed as easing internal tensions but contractually required under their five-album deal where each solo record counted as half an album toward completion. Each effort was purely individual without cross-band collaboration but marketed uniformly under the Kiss brand—a historic first where all current members released solo albums concurrently.

These projects allowed exploration of diverse musical styles: Stanley's and Frehley's aligned with hard rock roots; Criss explored R&B ballads; Simmons incorporated varied genres including hard rock tracks alongside Beatles-inspired pop covers like "When You Wish Upon a Star." Simmons collaborated with artists such as Aerosmith's Joe Perry and Cheap Trick's Rick Nielsen among others.

Despite Casablanca investing $2.5 million marketing these albums shipping five million units aiming for Platinum certification sales fell short leaving many copies unsold or discounted. Simmons's album peaked at No.22 US charts while Frehley's produced the only Top Forty single "New York Groove." Since Soundscan tracking began in ’91 Frehley's remains best-selling among these releases.

The second element involved producing a feature film reinforcing Kiss’s larger-than-life image blending elements akin to A Hard Day's Night with sci-fi themes like Star Wars. Filmed spring ’78 it failed critically or commercially leading to dissatisfaction among band members who felt it portrayed them more clownishly than heroically contributing to tensions between Kiss and manager Aucoin.

The movie titled Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park aired on NBC October 28th ’78 then released internationally theatrically as Attack of the Phantoms (’79).

1979–1983: last era with makeup

The ’79 album Dynasty continued Platinum streak featuring disco-flavored hit "I Was Made for Lovin' You" reaching No.11 US charts; session drummer Anton Fig performed most percussion due to Criss recovering from injury who played only on "Dirty Livin'". Frehley sang lead vocals on three tracks reflecting newfound confidence post-solo success.

The accompanying Dynasty Tour dubbed “The Return of Kiss” sought to capitalize on momentum but attendance declined leading to cancellation of ambitious plans like “Kiss World” traveling amusement park concept aimed at enhancing brand presence among younger audiences often donning Kiss makeup reinforcing cartoonish image perception.

Public tensions surfaced notably during October ’79 interview on Tom Snyder’s The Tomorrow Show, highlighting erratic behavior from Frehley alongside controversial remarks from Criss foreshadowing internal discord culminating with Criss’s final performance after December ’79 tour though officially remaining member months beyond.

Criss appeared on cover of next album Unmasked (1980) but drumming duties were uncreditedly handled by Anton Fig marking first non-Platinum release since ’75′s Dressed To Kill signaling declining fortunes alongside confirmed departure of Criss soon after who briefly replaced by Fig before dismissal due to poor fit leading Fig later joining David Letterman’s house band.

In June ’80 following multiple auditions including Tico Torres, Brooklyn multi-instrumentalist Paul Charles Caravello joined adopting stage name Eric Carr. Initially rejected over costume color he developed “Fox” persona debuting live July ’80 at New York Palladium club contributing positively during Australian/New Zealand tours drawing sold-out crowds receiving favorable press coverage.

Returning producer Ezrin shaped next effort ‘’Music from “The Elder”’’ (’81), a concept record incorporating orchestral arrangements/synthesizers intended as soundtrack for unmade film project but hindered by confusing narrative/track order peaking only No.75 failing Gold certification marking commercial low point.

Supporting ‘’The Elder’’ included brief TV appearances January ’82 without Frehley who grew frustrated limiting participation recording remotely contributing only one lead vocal track before negotiating exit June ’82 officially departing December amid management shakeups ending long association with Bill Aucoin while streamlining operations though appearing visually on covers for subsequent releases ‘’Killers’’ & ‘’Creatures of the Night’’ without recording involvement.

‘’Creatures of the Night’’ represented heaviest sound yet peaking No.45 eventually achieving Gold status years later featuring multiple guitarists replacing absent Frehley notably Vinnie Vincent contributing six tracks co-writing ‘’I Love It Loud’’ video track while original cover featured Frehley replaced by Bruce Kulick post-’85 remix credited both players officially joining December ’82 for anniversary tour introducing Vincent’s “Wiz” persona Egyptian ankh-inspired makeup designed by Stanley despite personality conflicts leading to eventual dismissal/reinstatement prior to ‘Lick It Up’.

From ’82–’83 lineup consisted Simmons (“Demon”), Stanley (“Starchild”), Carr (“Fox”), Vincent (“Wiz”) until Vincent fired post-tour over conflicts replaced briefly then reinstated co-writing majority material ‘Lick It Up’ before final dismissal replaced by Mark St. John continuing songwriting contributions later cited dismissed due to unethical behavior rather than talent issues per Simmons statements.

1983–1996: unmasked era

In ’83 Kiss abandoned signature makeup officially appearing unmasked September during MTV appearance coinciding with release of ‘’Lick It Up’’ launching supporting tour October marking first concert without makeup since formation though attendance lagged earning eventual Gold certification over three years while Vinnie Vincent departed March ’84 replaced initially by session musician Mark St John who soon developed reactive arthritis dismissed after limited shows replaced permanently by Bruce Kulick beginning longest tenure outside founding members lasting until surpassed mid-2010s era.

Kulick’s early official performance filmed Detroit Cobo Hall MTV special ‘’Animalize Live’’ stabilizing lineup through late ‘80s releasing multiple Platinum albums including ‘Asylum’, ‘Crazy Nights’, ‘Smashes Thrashes & Hits’ achieving UK chart success notably single ‘Crazy Crazy Nights’ reaching No.4 highest there while closing decade with ‘Hot In The Shade’ featuring hit ballad ‘Forever’ co-written Michael Bolton peaking No.8 US marking second Top Ten single amidst identity shifts seeing Simmons reduce activity pursuing film projects elevating Stanley role prominently.

Early ‘90s saw return of producer Bob Ezrin delayed due to Eric Carr diagnosed with heart tumor March undergoing treatment dying November aged forty-one replaced by veteran Eric Singer formerly working with Stanley solo tours delivering harder-edged ‘Revenge’ (‘92) featuring single ‘Unholy’ co-written Vincent debuting Top Ten Gold certified followed by extensive touring documented on ‘’Alive III’’ (‘93) coinciding Hollywood RockWalk induction highlighting career milestones including comprehensive history ‘’Kisstory’’ (‘95) accompanied Worldwide Convention Tours featuring memorabilia Q&A sessions autograph signings acoustic performances culminating June ‘95 surprise appearance Peter Criss joining stage first time nearly sixteen years fueling speculation original lineup reunion plans progressing publicly amid ongoing studio work involving Kulick/Singer versions continuing until official announcement April ‘96 reunion tour generating massive ticket sales grossing $43+ million becoming top concert act that year averaging highest attendance ever noted by Stanley describing magical moments building upon peak past performances without mere replication strategy.

1996–2001: reunion tour & remasking

August ‘95 MTV Unplugged appearance reunited original members igniting reunion rumors while studio recording continued under existing lineup delaying release until public focus shifted towards reunion plans announced April ‘96 aboard USS Intrepid NYC simulcast worldwide generating overwhelming ticket demand launching Alive/Worldwide Tour June Detroit Tiger Stadium spanning nearly two hundred shows grossing $43+ million securing top-grossing act status highlighted extensive production values praised widely revitalizing brand presence through late ‘90s culminating September ‘98 release Psycho Circus first original lineup studio effort since '79 albeit minimal contributions from Criss/Frehley mostly replaced by Tommy Thayer/Kevin Valentine session musicians debuting No.3 highest chart position until surpassed later plus Grammy nomination title track supported by innovative Halloween stadium tour incorporating advanced visual effects marking resurgence phase further acknowledged August ‘99 Hollywood Walk of Fame induction collaborating briefly with World Championship Wrestling creating themed wrestler “the Demon” appearing live Nitro show earning substantial appearance fee extending Farewell Tour March ‘00 through April '01 responding to fan demand emphasizing celebratory closure described by Stanley focusing on legacy appreciation despite internal member changes including January '01 departure Peter Criss replaced again by Eric Singer assuming Catman persona continuing tour commitments amidst evolving dynamics reflecting transitional era balancing nostalgia with future directions.



External links

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