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KISS

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Band Timeline

1973

Formation of Kiss and Classic Lineup Established

Kiss was formed in New York City in 1973 by Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss. This classic lineup was solidified in early 1973 after Simmons and Stanley left their previous band Wicked Lester and met drummer Peter Criss through an ad, then added lead guitarist Ace Frehley following auditions. The band set out with a harder rock style and created their signature makeup and comic-book character personas, which helped them stand out.
1974

Debut Album and Early Struggles

Kiss released their eponymous debut album in 1974, which initially had no hit singles and modest chart performance, peaking at 87 on the Billboard charts. Despite significant touring and promotion, the band struggled commercially but laid the groundwork for their distinct sound and theatrical stage presence that would soon define their identity as performers.
1975

Breakthrough with Alive! and Increased Popularity

In 1975, Kiss released the double live album Alive! which became their commercial breakthrough. The album went top 10 and featured the hit song "Rock and Roll All Nite," which became an anthem and widely recognized Kiss signature. This release was pivotal as it coincided with their growing reputation for elaborate live shows, featuring fire-breathing, blood-spitting, and pyrotechnics, which gained them a growing fanbase and solidified their place in rock history.
Late 1970s

Successful Studio Albums and Global Popularity

Following Alive!, Kiss released a string of successful studio albums including Destroyer, Rock and Roll Over, and Love Gun. These albums achieved platinum status and produced popular singles such as "Beth," their highest-charting US single. The band became a major pop culture phenomenon in America, recognized for their music as well as their distinctive stage personas and makeup characters - the Starchild, the Demon, the Spaceman, and the Catman.
1980

Lineup Changes Begin

The original drummer Peter Criss left the band in 1980, initiating several lineup changes over the ensuing years. This affected the band's dynamic but Stanley and Simmons remained the core consistent members. The band continued performing and recording with new members stepping into the classic roles, though these changes would have significant impacts on the band's future direction and sound.
1983

Makeup Removed and Unmasked Era Begins

In 1983, Kiss removed their iconic makeup and costumes, marking a new phase known as the "unmasked" era. The album Lick It Up was their first without makeup, achieving platinum certification and helped the band regain popularity through MTV exposure and videos reaching a new generation of fans. This strategic move revitalized Kiss during a period of declining commercial success in the early 1980s.
1996-1997

Original Lineup Reunion and Highly Successful Reunion Tour

Responding to a wave of nostalgia, the original 1970s lineup reunited in 1996, and the band resumed their makeup and stage costumes. This reunion culminated in a highly successful tour from 1996 to 1997 which became their most lucrative, grossing $143.7 million. The reunion reestablished Kiss as major players in rock, reigniting interest in the band's classic era among old and new fans alike.
2014

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

In April 2014, the four original members of Kiss were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing their significant influence on rock music and popular culture. This accolade formally acknowledged their impact and legacy as one of the most influential and commercially successful American rock bands of all time.
2019-2023

Final Worldwide Tour and Retirement

Kiss began their final worldwide tour in January 2019, marking the end of their career as a touring band. After decades of influence and performance, the band retired following their final show in New York City in December 2023. This farewell tour celebrated their legacy, delivering their signature theatrical rock experience one last time to fans globally.

Albums

kiss_1st_album
KISS
10 tracks
1974
kiss_2nd_album
Hotter Than Hell
10 tracks
1974
kiss_3rd_album
Dressed to Kill
10 tracks
1975
kiss_4th_album
Destroyer
10 tracks
1976
kiss_5th_album
Rock and Roll Over
10 tracks
1976
kiss_6th_album
Love Gun
10 tracks
1977
kiss_7th_album
Dynasty
9 tracks
1979
kiss_8th_album
Unmasked
11 tracks
1980
kiss_9th_album
Music From “The Elder”
11 tracks
1981
kiss_10th_album
Creatures of the Night
9 tracks
1982
kiss_11th_album
Lick It Up
10 tracks
1983
kiss_12th_album
Animalize
9 tracks
1984
📷
No Image
Asylum
10 tracks
1985
kiss_14th_album
Crazy Nights
11 tracks
1987
kiss_15th_album
Hot in the Shade
15 tracks
1989
kiss_16th_album
Revenge
12 tracks
1992
kiss_17th_album
Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions
12 tracks
1997
kiss_18th_album
Psycho Circus
11 tracks
1998
kiss_19th_album
Sonic Boom
11 tracks
2009
kiss_20th_album
Monster
12 tracks
2012
📷
No Image
Solos
4 tracks
1970
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Members

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Mark St. John

1984
1984

Guitar

Ace Frehley

1973
1982

Background vocals

Guitar

Eric Singer

2004
2023

Background vocals

Percussion

Drums (drum set)

Eric Singer

1991
1996

Percussion

Background vocals

Drums (drum set)

Eric Carr

1980
1991

Background vocals

Drums (drum set)

Percussion

Peter Criss

2002
2004

Background vocals

Drums (drum set)

Percussion

Eric Singer

2001
2002

Percussion

Drums (drum set)

Background vocals

Ace Frehley

1996
2002

Guitar

Background vocals

Vinnie Vincent

1982
1984

Guitar

Background vocals

Peter Criss

1996
2001

Drums (drum set)

Background vocals

Percussion

Paul Stanley

1973
2023

Guitar

Lead vocals

Peter Criss

1973
1980

Background vocals

Percussion

Drums (drum set)

Bruce Kulick

1984
1996

Guitar

Background vocals

Gene Simmons

1973
2023

Bass guitar

Lead vocals

Tommy Thayer

2002
2023

Guitar

Background vocals

Story of KISS

Kiss: The Unmasking of Rock's Greatest Showmen

Kiss, often stylized as KISS, emerged from the gritty streets of New York City in 1973. The band's founding members, Paul Stanley (vocals, rhythm guitar), Gene Simmons (vocals, bass guitar), Ace Frehley (lead guitar, vocals), and Peter Criss (drums, vocals), were driven by a vision: to create a spectacle that would redefine rock 'n' roll.

Their trademark face paint and outrageous stage costumes, combined with their explosive, "shock rock" live performances, quickly propelled them to stardom in the mid-1970s. Their iconic characters – The Starchild (Stanley), The Demon (Simmons), The Spaceman (Frehley), and The Catman (Criss) – captured the imaginations of a generation, cementing Kiss' status as one of America's most successful and influential rock bands.

However, creative differences eventually led to the departure of Criss in 1980 and Frehley in 1982. Their replacements, Eric Carr (the Fox) and Vinnie Vincent (the Ankh Warrior), injected fresh energy into the band, but the early 1980s saw their commercial success wane.

In a bold move, Kiss decided to shed their masks and costumes in 1983, entering a new "unmasked" era. This period, which lasted until 1996, saw the band's musical style evolve while still retaining their signature hard rock sound. Despite numerous lineup changes, with Tommy Thayer (lead guitar, vocals) and Eric Singer (drums, vocals) taking the stage later, Kiss continued to tour and record, proving their enduring legacy.

From their early days as a glam rock phenomenon to their later hard rock evolution, Kiss has always pushed boundaries and challenged the status quo. Their impact on music and pop culture remains undeniable, inspiring generations of artists and fans alike. Kiss stands as a testament to the power of spectacle, innovation, and the enduring spirit of rock 'n' roll.

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