Music Flashback: KISS

KISS is an American Rock Band first formed in New York City in 1973.

Instantly recognizable by their face paint and elaborate outfits, the group quickly rose to prominence in the mid 1970′s.

The group has sold over 100 Million Albums over the course of their career.

Twenty-Four of their albums have gone GOLD in the US, more than any other Rock Band in US History.

The “Classic” KISS lineup from 1973-1980 consisted of:

Paul Stanley (“Starchild”) – Vocals, Guitar
Gene Simmons (“The Demon”) – Vocals, Bass
Ace Frehley (“Spaceman”) – Vocals, Lead Guitar
Peter Criss (“Catman”) – Vocals, Drums

In 1980, Peter Criss left the band and was replaced by Drummer Eric Carr. His stage persona became “Fox“.

In 1982, Ace Frehley left the band. According to Gene Simmons, Eddie Van Halen very much wanted to replace Frehley in the band due to his rising tensions with bandmate David Lee Roth in his band “Van Halen“. Simmons and Alex Van Halen were able to convince Eddie to stay with Van Halen.

Guitarist Vinnie Vincent was added to the band in 1982. His stage persona was “The Wiz“.

On September 18th, 1983…the band, who had always appeared and performed in full makeup and costume, appeared live on MTV without makeup to promote the album “Lick it Up”. It was their first public appearance as a group without their stage persona makeup and costumes.

Vincent left the band in 1984 and was replaced by Guitarist Mark St. John.

St. John was quickly fired and was replaced with Guitarist Bruce Kulick in late 1984. He was the groups fourth lead guitarist in less than three years.

The Lineup of Stanley, Simmons, Carr, and Kulick would remain in place until 1991 when Drummer Eric Carr developed Cancer and died at the age of 41.

Carr was replaced by Drummer Eric Singer.

In 1996, the Original KISS lineup of Stanley, Simmons, Frehley, and Criss appeared on the Grammy Awards and performed in full makeup and outfits from their early days of the 1970′s. The group would stay together through 2001.

In 2002, Guitarist Tommy Thayer replaced Frehley and took to performing in Frehley’s signature “Spaceman” makeup and costumes.

In 2004, Peter Criss again left the group and was again replaced by Drummer Eric Singer.

The Lineup of Stanley, Simmons, Thayer, and Singer has been together since 2004.

The group has remarkably been nominated for just one Grammy Award in their career despite being one of the best selling groups in Rock History.

The group has had Nine singles reach the Top-40 of the Billboard Charts in their career and a number of other hits that have charted on the US Rock Charts.

Their top single to date was “Beth” which reached #7 on the Billboard Charts in 1976.

Their hits have included:

Rock and Roll all Nite
Shout it out loud
Beth
Detroit Rock City
Hard Luck Woman
Calling Doctor Love
Christine Sixteen
Love Gun
I was made for loving you
Shandi
Lick it Up
Heavens on Fire
Tears are Falling
Crazy Crazy Nights
Reason to Live
Forever
God gave Rock and Roll to you
Psycho Circus

The band’s newest album is due out in 2012.