Described as the “hottest band in the world” by the devoted fans of the KISS Army, the guitar shredding, fire spitting, make-up wearing band known as Kiss, is often regarded as one of the most influential rock and roll bands of all-time.
The original lineup of Paul Stanley (vocals and rhythm guitar), Gene Simmons (vocals and bass guitar), Ace Frehley (lead guitar and vocals), and Peter Criss (drums, percussion and vocals) can be credited for the development and success of the band.
Tracing back to the roots of a rock and roll band under the name of Wicked Lister, we find Simmons and Stanley in New York City during the early 1970’s. Displeased with the direction of Wicked Lister, Simmons and Stanley who had co-founded the band, decided to split from the other members of the band and form a new group
In 1972, Peter Criss was discovered in a Rolling Stone ad under the description of a drummer “looking to do anything to make it.” Several months later, Ace Frehley auditioned for the band and Kiss was finally formed. Focusing on a much harder style of rock than Wicked Lester had originally played and through the theatrical inspirations of Alice Cooper, Slade, and the New York Dolls, Kiss had begun to find the sound and image they were looking for.
After signing a record deal with Casablanca Records, Kiss entered the recording studios and produced the self-entitled album “Kiss” in February of 1974. Although this album along with their seconded recorded album, “Hotter Than Hell” did not receive the commercial success that Casablanca Records was looking for, the band’s live shows had started to stir up some noise as stories of blood spitting, guitar smashing, and fire-breathing rockers were spread through word of the KISS Army.
“Rock And Roll All Night” which would soon become KISS’ trademark song was produced on their 3rd album “Dressed to Kill” in March of 1975. Unfortunately, the album had not proven much more of a success in record sales as its predecessor. Although Kiss was quickly gaining a reputation as a top-flight live act, the costs of the smoking guitars and blazing flames sent Casablanca Records towards bankruptcy. In order to survive, some sort of breakthrough was drastically in need.
Thus a double live album titled “Live!” was released on September 10, 1975. Achieving gold status and eventually platinum status, this record had finally captured the excitement and exhilaration that the studio records had been missing and sent Kiss on their way towards stardom as listeners began to realize the true sounds of Kiss.
Between the years of 1976 and 1979, Kiss produced 6 platinum records featuring songs such as, “Detroit Rock City,” “Shout It Out Loud,” “Love Gun,” and “Beth”. Sadly however, towards the end of the decade the once heavy metal sound and image of Kiss began to fade. Tension began to grow between Criss and the rest of the group and left the band for a solo career. The drummer Eric Carr filled Criss’ shoes and strummed away into the 90’s.
From 1980 to 1998 Kiss produced 11 more albums of which 5 went gold and 3 platinum and still continue to rock into the 21st century remaining in the eys of some as the “hottest band in the world.”
More detailed history of Kiss can be found here
Kiss logo can be found here
Awesome overview of KISS. They're one of the bands who've made an impression over the years that won't go away for awhile-- even if their music is not played 24/7 on the radio, they are still well-known (even if it's only sometimes for their crazy pictures and the singer's ridiculously long tongue). They still appear as icons today, including in movies such as Role Models (2008).
ReplyDeleteTo me, they paved the way for other out-there bands... imagine the reception bands like Slipknot (who light themselves on fire at concerts and do anything else to get a reaction) would receive! Honestly, any band who can release 6 platinum albums in 3 years has worked hard for it and I'm sure their name will be known for decades to come.
gene simmons is a wanker.
ReplyDeleteOn what Amy said; Gene Simmons hosts his own TV show "Rock School" whereby he goes an teaches a music class at an exclusive private school. the students know he is, even though none of them were born when KISS reigned.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, Gene Simmons can is quoted as saying (talking about Marilyn Manson) "wears girls clothing with make-up, and controversal on stage, how original".