Kiss
Kiss in concert in Boston, 2004; left to right: Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer, Paul Stanley and Eric Singer
Background information
Origin	New York City, New York, United States
Genre(s)	Hard rock, heavy metal, glam metal
Years active	1973 — Present
Label(s)	Casablanca, Mercury, Sanctuary, Columbia
Associated acts	E.S.P., Black 'N Blue, Frehley's Comet, Union, Vinnie Vincent Invasion, White Tiger, Wicked Lester
Website	www.kissonline.com http://kissontour.com/
Members
Paul Stanley Gene Simmons Tommy Thayer Eric Singer
Former members
Peter Criss Ace Frehley Eric Carr Vinnie Vincent Mark St. John Bruce Kulick

Kiss is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Rock music is a genre of Popular music often though not necessarily employing Electric guitar, Bass guitar, and Drums. A musical ensemble is a group of two or more Musicians who perform instrumental or vocal Music. The City of New York Easily identified by their trademark face paint and stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid-1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire-breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, and pyrotechnics. This article is about the Decade 1970-1979 For the Year 1970 see 1970. Safety While not a difficult skill to learn initially it is the most dangerous of all the fire arts and not just due to the obvious risk of serious burns The term "pyrotechnics" can also be used for Fireworks events Kiss has been awarded 34 gold albums to date. ^[1]The group's worldwide sales exceed 80 million albums. ^[2]

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) is the most successful and identifiable. Stanley Harvey Eisen (born January 20, 1952, Queens New York) known by his stage name Paul Stanley, is an American Hard rock Rhythm guitar is the use of a Guitar to provide Rhythmic chordal Accompaniment for a singer or other instruments in a Musical ensemble Gene Simmons (born Chaim Witz (pronounced Haium on August 25, 1949) is an Israeli -born American Hard rock Bass The electric bass guitar (also called electric bass, or simply bass; ˈbeɪs as in "base" is a Stringed instrument played primarily with the Paul Daniel "Ace" Frehley (born April 27 1951 is an American Guitarist best known as an original member and lead guitarist for the rock Lead guitar refers to the use of a Guitar to perform Melody lines instrumental fill passages, and Guitar solos within a song structure George Peter John Criscuola (born December 20, 1945) better known as Peter Criss, is an American Musician best known as A drum kit (also drum set or trap set) is a collection of Drums Cymbals and sometimes other Percussion instruments such as cowbells With their makeup and costumes, they took on the personae of comic book-style characters: The Demon (Simmons), Starchild (Stanley), Spaceman (Frehley), and The Catman (Criss). A comic book (often shortened to simply comic and sometimes called a comic paper or comic magazine) is a Magazine or Book of narrative The band explains that the fans were the ones who ultimately chose their makeup designs. The "Demon" makeup reflected Gene's cynicism and dark elements. Paul Stanley became the "Starchild" due to his tendency to be referred to as the "starry-eyed lover" and "hopeless romantic. " Ace Frehley's "Spaceman" makeup was a reflection of him wanting to go for a ride in a space ship and supposedly being from another planet. Peter Criss' "Catman" makeup was in accordance with the belief that Peter had nine lives due to his rough childhood in Brooklyn. Due to creative differences, both Criss and Frehley were out of the group by 1982. The band's commercial fortunes had also waned considerably by that point.

In 1983, Kiss abandoned their makeup and enjoyed a commercial resurgence throughout the rest of the decade. Year 1983 ( MCMLXXXIII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar) Buoyed by a wave of Kiss nostalgia in the 1990s, the band announced a reunion of the original lineup (with makeup) in 1996. The term nostalgia describes a longing for the past often in idealized form The 1990s collectively refers to the years between and including 1990 and 1999 The resulting Kiss Alive/Worldwide/Lost Cities/Reunion Tour was the top-grossing act of 1996 and 1997. Criss and Frehley have since left Kiss again and have been replaced by Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer, respectively. Eric Doyle Mensinger (born May 12, 1958 in Cleveland Ohio) better known as Eric Singer, is a Hard rock and Heavy Metal Tommy Thayer (born November 7, 1960 in Portland Oregon) is an American Musician and the current lead guitarist of the rock group The band continues to perform, while Stanley and Simmons have remained the only two constant members.

Contents 1 History 1.1 Early years and struggles (1971–1975) 1.2 Rise to Prominence (1975–1978) 1.3 Going solo (1978) 1.4 Late makeup years and decline (1979–1983) 1.5 Unmasking and rebound (1983–1995) 1.6 Reunion (1996–2000) 1.7 Post-reunion (2001–present) 2 Personnel 2.1 Current members 2.2 Past members 3 Makeup 4 Discography and filmography 5 Additional reading 6 Notes 7 References 8 See also 9 External links

History

Early years and struggles (1971–1975)

Kiss traces its roots to Wicked Lester, a New York City-based rock and roll band led by co-founders Gene Simmons (born Chaim Witz in Haifa, Israel on August 25, 1949) and Paul Stanley (born Stanley Harvey Eisen in Queens, New York City on January 20, 1952). Wicked Lester was a New York -based Rock and roll group The group was formed (as Rainbow in 1970 and its most notable early members were Bassist The City of New York Gene Simmons (born Chaim Witz (pronounced Haium on August 25, 1949) is an Israeli -born American Hard rock Bass Haifa (חֵיפָה; حَيْفَا) is the largest City in Northern Israel, and the third-largest city in the country with For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Israel topics. Events 1248 - The Dutch city of Ommen receives city rights and fortification rights from Otto III the Year 1949 ( MCMXLIX) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Stanley Harvey Eisen (born January 20, 1952, Queens New York) known by his stage name Paul Stanley, is an American Hard rock Events 250 - Emperor Decius begins a widespread persecution of Christians in Rome. Year 1952 ( MCMLII) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Wicked Lester, with their eclectic mixture of musical styles, never achieved any success. They recorded one album, which was shelved by Epic Records, and played a handful of live shows. Epic Records is an American Record label. It is owned and operated by Sony Music Entertainment. Simmons and Stanley, feeling that a new musical direction was needed, abandoned Wicked Lester in 1972 and began forming a new group. ^[3][4][5]

In late 1972, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley came across an ad in Rolling Stone placed by Peter Criss, a veteran drummer from the New York club scene, who was previously in bands called "Lips" and "Chelsea". Rolling Stone is a United States -based Magazine devoted to Music, Politics, and Popular culture that is published George Peter John Criscuola (born December 20, 1945) better known as Peter Criss, is an American Musician best known as A drummer is a Musician who plays a Drum or drums particularly a Drum kit ("drum set" or "trap set" Marching percussion Criss (born George Peter John Criscuola on December 20, 1945 in Brooklyn, New York City) auditioned for and joined the new version of Wicked Lester. Events 69 - Vespasian, formerly a general under Nero, enters Rome to claim the title of Emperor. Year 1945 ( MCMXLV) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar Brooklyn (named after the Dutch town Breukelen) is one of the five boroughs of New York City. The trio focused on a much harder style of rock than Wicked Lester played. Inspired by the theatrics of the New York Dolls, they also began experimenting with their image by wearing makeup and various outfits. For the self-titled debut album see New York Dolls (album The New York Dolls are an American Glam rock band formed in ^[6] In November 1972, the trio played a showcase for Epic Records A&R director Don Ellis, in an effort to secure a record deal. Artists and Repertoire ( A&R) is the division of a Record label that is responsible for talent scouting and artist development Although the performance went well, Ellis hated the group's image and music. On top of that, as he was leaving, he was vomited on by Criss's brother. ^[7][8]

In January 1973, the group added lead guitarist Ace Frehley (born as Paul Frehley on April 27, 1951 in the Bronx, New York City). Lead guitar refers to the use of a Guitar to perform Melody lines instrumental fill passages, and Guitar solos within a song structure Paul Daniel "Ace" Frehley (born April 27 1951 is an American Guitarist best known as an original member and lead guitarist for the rock Events 1124 - David I becomes King of Scotland. 1296 - Battle of Dunbar: The Scots are defeated Year 1951 ( MCMLI) was a Common year starting on Monday. Events of 1951 January According to the book Kiss & Tell by Ace Frehley's former best-friends, Gordon G. G. Gebert and Bob McAdams (who accompanied Ace Frehley to the audition) the eccentric Frehley impressed the group with his first audition, although he showed up wearing two different sneakers (one red and one orange) and began warming up on his guitar while another guitarist was being auditioned by the band. A few weeks after Frehley joined, the Wicked Lester name was dropped and the band became Kiss.

Stanley came up with the name; as he, Simmons, and Criss were driving around New York City. Criss mentioned that he was in a band called Lips, so Stanley said what about KISS (Reminisced by Simmons on the KISS video Exposed). Frehley created the now-iconic logo (making the "SS" look like lightning bolts) when he went to write the new band name over Wicked Lester on a poster outside the club where they were going to play. Wicked Lester was a New York -based Rock and roll group The group was formed (as Rainbow in 1970 and its most notable early members were Bassist ^[9] The runic letters happened to look similar to the insignia of the Nazi SS, or Waffen-SS, a symbol that is now illegal to display in Germany. The ( German for "Protective Squadron" abbreviated SS - or ( Runic)- was a major Nazi organization under Adolf Hitler and the The Waffen-SS ( German for "Armed SS" literally "Weapons SS" was the Combat arm of the Schutzstaffel ("Protective Squadron" Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. Therefore, in Germany, after 1979, all of the band's album covers and merchandise used a modified version of the logo, in which the "SS" looks like a backwards "ZZ. " Ironically, Frehley, Simmons, and Stanley are all of Jewish origin. The band's name has been rumored to have many hidden meanings, among them an acronym for Knights In Satan's Service or acronym for Keep It Simple Stupid. Acronyms, initialisms, and alphabetisms are Abbreviations that are formed using the initial components in a phrase or name Acronyms, initialisms, and alphabetisms are Abbreviations that are formed using the initial components in a phrase or name ^[10] None of these rumors have any basis in fact, and the band has consistently denied them.

The first Kiss performance was on January 30, 1973, for an audience of three at the Popcorn Club (renamed Coventry shortly afterward) in Queens. Events 1648 - Eighty Years' War: The Treaty of Münster is signed ending the conflict between the Netherlands and Spain Year 1973 ( MCMLXXIII) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar of the 1973 Gregorian calendar. In March of that year, the band recorded a five-song demo tape with producer Eddie Kramer. A demo version or demo of a song (shortened from the word "demonstration" is one recorded for reference rather than for release Eddie Kramer (born 1941 in Cape Town, South Africa) is an Audio engineer and producer who has worked with Led Zeppelin, Triumph Former TV director Bill Aucoin, who had seen the group at a handful of showcase concerts in the summer of 1973, offered to become the band’s manager in mid-October. William 'Gui' Aucoin (also known as Bill Aucoin) is a band manager that has managed several successful bands during the course of his career Kiss agreed, with the condition that Aucoin get them signed to a recording contract within two weeks. On November 1, 1973, Kiss became the first act signed to former teen pop singer and Buddha Records executive Neil Bogart's new label, Emerald City Records (which was shortly afterward renamed Casablanca Records). Events 996 - Emperor Otto III issues a deed to Gottschalk Bishop of Freising which is the oldest known document using the name Ostarrîchi Year 1973 ( MCMLXXIII) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar of the 1973 Gregorian calendar. Buddah Records (now known as Buddha Records Neil Bogart ( February 3, 1943 – May 8, 1982) was an American record executive This article is about Casablanca the record label For other uses please see Casablanca (disambiguation. ^[11]

The band entered Bell Sound Studios in New York City on October 10, 1973 to begin recording their first album. Events 680 - Battle of Karbala: Shia Imam Husayn bin Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, is decapitated Year 1973 ( MCMLXXIII) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar of the 1973 Gregorian calendar. On December 31 the band had their official industry premier at the Academy of Music in New York City, opening for Blue Öyster Cult. Brooklyn Academy of Music ( BAM) is a major performing arts venue in Brooklyn, a borough of New York City, known as a center for progressive and avant garde Blue Öyster Cult is an American rock band formed in New York in 1967 and still active in 2008 It was at this concert that Simmons accidentally set his hair (which was coated in hairspray) ablaze for the first of many times while performing his inaugural firebreathing stunt. ^[12]

Kiss's first tour started on February 5, 1974 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Events 1576 - Henry of Navarre converts to Roman Catholicism in order to ensure his right to the throne of France. Year 1974 ( MCMLXXIV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the 1974 Gregorian calendar. Edmonton (ˈɛdmɨntɨn is the capital of the Canadian province of Alberta. Alberta (ælˈbɝtə is one of Canada's prairie provinces. It became a province on September 1 1905 Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium is a four million cubic foot (113000 m³) performing arts culture and community facility located in Edmonton Alberta. The band’s self-titled debut album, Kiss, was released on February 18. Kiss is the self-titled debut album from the American Hard rock band Kiss. Events 3102 BC - Epoch (origin of the Kali Yuga. 1229 - The Sixth Crusade: Frederick II Holy Casablanca and Kiss promoted the album heavily throughout the spring and summer of 1974. Spring is one of the four Temperate Seasons Spring marks the transition from Winter into Summer. Summer is one of the four Temperate Seasons Summer marks the warmest time of year with the longest days On February 19, the band performed "Nothin' to Lose," "Firehouse," and "Black Diamond" for what would become their first national television appearance, on ABC's Dick Clark's In Concert (aired March 29). Events 197 - Roman Emperor Septimius Severus defeats usurper Clodius Albinus in the Battle of Lugdunum The American Broadcasting Company ( ABC) is an American Television network. Events 1461 - Wars of the Roses: Battle of Towton - Edward of York defeats Queen Margaret to become King On April 29, the band performed "Firehouse" on The Mike Douglas Show. Events 1429 - Joan of Arc arrives to relieve the Siege of Orleans. The Mike Douglas Show was an American daytime Television Talk show hosted by Mike Douglas that ran from 1961 to 1982 This broadcast included Simmons's first televised interview, a conversation with Douglas in which Simmons declared himself "evil incarnate," eliciting titters from an uncomfortable and largely confused studio audience. Mike Douglas, born Michael Delaney Dowd Jr ( August 11 1925 &ndash August 11 2006) was an American Entertainer Fellow guest Totie Fields, remarked that it would be humorous if, beneath all the make-up, Simmons was "just a nice Jewish boy. Totie Fields ( May 7, 1930 &ndash August 2, 1978) was an American comedian who was not afraid to poke fun at her own weight problems " Simmons deftly parried this remark with neither a confirmation nor denial, by saying simply, "You should only know. " To which she responded, "I do. You can't hide the hook," a sly reference to Simmons's nose.

Despite the publicity and constant touring, Kiss initially sold just 75,000 copies. Meanwhile, the group and Casablanca Records were losing money quickly. The band flew to Los Angeles in August 1974 to begin recording their second album, Hotter Than Hell, which was released in on October 22, 1974. Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West Hotter Than Hell (1974 is the second Album from the rock group Kiss. Events 202 BC - Hannibal Barca, leader of the Carthaginians, is defeated by the Roman legions under Scipio Africanus Year 1974 ( MCMLXXIV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the 1974 Gregorian calendar. The only single, "Let Me Go, Rock 'n' Roll," failed to chart and the album stalled at #100. ^[13]

With Hotter Than Hell quickly dropping off the charts, Kiss was pulled from their tour to quickly record a new album. Casablanca head Neil Bogart stepped in to produce the next album, trading in the murky, distorted sound of Hotter Than Hell for a cleaner and slightly poppier sound. Dressed To Kill, released on March 19, 1975, fared slightly better commercially than Hotter Than Hell. Dressed to Kill is a 1975 album from American Hard rock group Kiss. Events 1279 - A Mongolian victory in the Battle of Yamen ends the Song Dynasty in China. Year 1975 ( MCMLXXV) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. It also contained what would later become the band's trademark song, "Rock and Roll All Nite" (sample (info)). " Rock and Roll All Nite " is a song by Kiss, often seen as a classic rock anthem originally released on their 1975 album Dressed to Kill.

Although Kiss albums had not proved to be big sellers, the band was quickly gaining a reputation as a top-flight live act. Kiss concerts featured things such as Simmons spitting "blood" (primarily yogurt and food coloring) or "breathing fire" (spitting flammable liquid at a torch); Frehley soloing as his guitar burst into flames (light and smoke bombs placed inside the guitar); Criss's elevating drum riser that emitted sparks; Stanley's Townshend-style guitar smashing; and pyrotechnics throughout the show. Peter Dennis Blandford Townshend (born 19 May 1945 in Chiswick, London) is an English rock Guitarist, Singer, ^[14]

By late 1975, Casablanca was nearly bankrupt and Kiss was in danger of losing their record contract. Both parties desperately needed a commercial breakthrough if they were to survive. That breakthrough came in an unlikely form - a double live album.

Rise to Prominence (1975–1978)

Kiss wanted to express the excitement felt at their concerts (which their studio albums had so far failed to do), with their first live album. Released on September 10, 1975, Alive!, achieved quadruple platinum status, and spawned Kiss's first top 40 single, a live version of "Rock And Roll All Nite. Events 506 - The Bishops of Visigothic Gaul meet in the Council of Agde. Year 1975 ( MCMLXXV) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Alive! was Kiss ' fourth album and is considered their breakthrough as well as a landmark for live albums. " It was the first version of "Rock and Roll All Nite" with a guitar solo, and this recording has come to represent the definitive version of the song; supplanting the studio original. In recent years the band admitted that additional audience noise had been added to the album, not to deceive fans, but to add more "excitement and realism" to the show. ^[15]

The success of Alive! not only brought Kiss the breakthrough they had been seeking, but arguably saved Casablanca, which was close to bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is a legally declared inability or impairment of ability of an individual or organization to pay their Creditors Creditors may file a bankruptcy petition against Following this success, Kiss partnered with producer Bob Ezrin, who had previously worked with Alice Cooper. Bob Ezrin (born 1949 in Toronto Ontario) is a Musician and Record producer. Alice Cooper (born Vincent Damon Furnier; February 4, 1948) is an American rock singer songwriter and musician whose career spans five The result was Destroyer (released March 15, 1976), Kiss's most musically ambitious studio album to date. Destroyer is the fourth studio album and fifth album overall by hard rock band Kiss, released on March 15, 1976 in the United States Events 44 BC - Julius Caesar, Dictator of the Roman Republic, is stabbed to death by Marcus Junius Brutus, Year 1976 ( MCMLXXVI) was a Leap year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Destroyer, with its rather intricate production (utilizing an orchestra, choir, and numerous tape effects), was a departure from the raw sound of the first three studio albums. While the album sold well initially and became the group's second gold album, it quickly dropped down the charts. Only when the ballad "Beth" (sample (info)) was released as a single did the album's sales rebound. " Beth " is a song by Kiss, originally released on their 1976 album Destroyer. "Beth" was a #7 hit for the band, and its success revived both the album (which achieved platinum status by the end of 1976) and ticket sales for Kiss. In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America awards certification based on the number of Albums and singles sold through retail and

In October 1976, Kiss appeared on the The Paul Lynde Halloween Special, lip-synching "Detroit Rock City," "Beth," and "King of the Night Time World. Lip-sync or Lip-synch (short for lip Synchronization) is a technical term for matching lip movements with voice " For many teenagers, this was their first exposure to Kiss's dramatic appearance. The show was co-produced by Bill Aucoin. In addition to the three performances, Kiss was the subject of a brief comedic "interview" conducted by Paul Lynde himself. Paul Edward Lynde ( June 13 1927 &ndash January 10 1982) was an American Comedian and Actor. This included Lynde noting, when hearing the member's first names, "Oh, I love a good religious group. "

Two more highly successful studio albums were released in less than a year—Rock and Roll Over (November 11, 1976) and Love Gun (June 30, 1977). Rock and Roll Over is the fifth Studio album and sixth overall by hard rock band Kiss. Events 308 - The Congress of Carnuntum: Attempting to keep peace within the Roman Empire, the leaders of the Tetrarchy declare Year 1976 ( MCMLXXVI) was a Leap year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Love Gun is an album by the American Hard rock band Kiss. Love Gun was the second Kiss album to ship platinum, and would Events 350 - Roman usurper Nepotianus, of the Constantinian dynasty, is defeated and killed by troops of the Usurper Also 1977 (album by Ash. Year 1977 ( MCMLXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays A second live album, Alive II, was released on November 29, 1977. Alive II is a 1977 live album from Kiss. It is the group's eighth album and second live album Events 1777 - San Jose California, is founded as el Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe Also 1977 (album by Ash. Year 1977 ( MCMLXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays All three albums were certified platinum upon or soon after their release. Between 1976 and 1978, Kiss earned $17. 7 million from record royalties and music publishing. ^[16] A 1977 Gallup poll named Kiss the most popular band in America. The Gallup Poll is the division of Gallup that regularly conducts public Opinion polls in the United States and more than 140 countries around the world In Japan, Kiss performed five sold-out shows at Budokan Hall, breaking the previous record of four held by The Beatles. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. The, often shortened to just "Budokan" is an arena in central Tokyo, Japan The Beatles were a pop and rock band from Liverpool, England formed in 1960

The first of what is now many Kiss greatest hits albums, Double Platinum, was issued on April 2, 1978. A greatest hits album (sometimes referred to as a " best of " album is a Compilation album of successful previously released Songs by a particular Double Platinum is the first greatest hits album by the American Hard rock band Kiss. Events 68 - Galba, Governor of Hispania, names himself legatus senatus populique Romani, breaking the line of Year 1978 ( MCMLXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar) This double album included many remixed versions of their hits, as well as "Strutter '78," a re-recorded version of one of the group's signature songs. Per Neil Bogart's request, the song was played in a style similar to the then-popular disco music. Disco is a Genre of dance-oriented music whose origins are hard to define ^[17]

During this period, Kiss merchandise became a substantial source of income for the group. Some of the products released included a pair of comic books issued by Marvel (the first one of which contained ink mixed with actual blood donated by the group), a pinball machine, Kiss dolls, "Kiss Your Face Makeup" kits, Halloween masks, board games, and many other pieces of memorabilia. A comic book (often shortened to simply comic and sometimes called a comic paper or comic magazine) is a Magazine or Book of narrative Marvel Comics is an American comic book company owned by Marvel Publishing Inc Pinball is a type of coin-operated Arcade game where a player attempts to score points by manipulating one or more Metal balls on a playfield inside a Glass Halloween, or Hallowe’en, is a Holiday celebrated on the night of October 31. Membership in the Kiss Army, the band's fan club, was in the six figures. The Kiss Army is the official Fan club for the American rock band Kiss, as well as the unofficial name used to refer to Kiss fans in general Between 1977 and 1979, worldwide merchandise sales (in-store and on tour) reached an estimated $100 million. ^[18]

Going solo (1978)

Kiss were at their commercial peak by 1978—Alive II was the band's fourth platinum album in just under two years, and the ensuing tour had the highest average attendance (13,550) in the group's history. In addition, Kiss's gross income for 1977 was US$10. 2 million. The group, along with creative manager Bill Aucoin, sought to take the band to the next level of popularity. To that end, an ambitious, two-pronged strategy was devised for 1978. ^[19]

The first part involved the simultaneous release of four solo albums from the members of Kiss. Although Kiss has claimed that the solo albums were intended to ease rising tensions within the band, their 1976 record contract did in fact call for four solo records, with each of them counting as half an album toward the group's five-record commitment. ^[20] While each album was very much a solo effort (none of the group appeared on another's album), they were all released and marketed as Kiss albums (with similar cover art and poster inserts). It was the first time that all current members of a rock band had released solo albums on the same day. ^[21]

For the band members, it was a chance to showcase their individual musical styles and tastes outside of Kiss, and in some cases to collaborate with contemporary artists (Simmons's album featured appearances by the likes of Aerosmith's Joe Perry, Cheap Trick's Rick Nielsen, disco diva Donna Summer, Bob Seger, and then-girlfriend Cher). Aerosmith is an American Hard rock band sometimes referred to as "The Bad Boys from Boston " and "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band" Anthony Joseph "Joe" Perry (Born September 10, 1950 in Lawrence Massachusetts) is the lead Guitarist, backing and occasional Cheap Trick is an American rock band from Rockford Illinois, that gained popularity in the late 1970s Rick Nielsen (born December 22, 1946 in Rockford Illinois) is the lead Guitarist, Backing vocalist, and primary songwriter of Donna Summer (born LaDonna Adrian Gaines December 31, 1948) is an American Singer-songwriter and Musician who gained Robert Clark "Bob" Seger (born May 6, 1945) is an American Rock and roll Singer-songwriter and Musician. Cher ( IPA: /ʃɛr/ born Cherilyn Sarkisian, May 20 1946 Stanley's and Frehley's albums stuck pretty closely to the successful hard rock style that Kiss had utilized, while Criss's album featured an R&B style and was loaded with ballads. Simmons's was the most eclectic of the four—it featured hard rock, ballads, Beatles-influenced pop, and ended with a straight cover of "When You Wish upon a Star" (from the movie Pinocchio). The Beatles were a pop and rock band from Liverpool, England formed in 1960 In Popular music, a cover version, or simply cover, is a new rendition ( Performance or Recording) of a previously recorded commercially released " When You Wish upon a Star " is a popular song written by Ned Washington and Leigh Harline and introduced in the 1940 Walt Disney movie Pinocchio is the second Animated feature in the Walt Disney Animated Classics.

The Kiss solo albums were released on September 18, 1978. Events 96 - Nerva is proclaimed Roman Emperor after Domitian is assassinated Year 1978 ( MCMLXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar) The marketing blitz behind the albums was unprecedented—Casablanca announced it was shipping five million total copies of the albums (guaranteeing instant platinum status), and they spent US$2. 5 million marketing them. ^[22] Despite all four solo albums making it into the Top 50 of the Billboard album chart, the massive preorder for these albums was soon followed by an equally enormous attempt to ship them back to the record company, followed by the subsequent discounting of these albums once sales had (very quickly) peaked. See Billboard (Turkish magazine Billboard is a weekly American Magazine devoted to the Music industry The albums were also the first Kiss albums to be seen in the "bargain bins" of many record stores, and it was the first clear harbinger of Kiss's waning popularity. All four solo albums combined sold about as many copies as Love Gun alone. Of the four, Frehley's album was the most successful (although not by a huge margin) and spawned the only radio top 20 hit (Russ Ballard's composition "New York Groove", originally performed by Hello). Russ Ballard (born 31 October 1945 Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, England) is an English Singer-songwriter and Musician "New York Groove" is a song written by Russ Ballard. Hello Its first version had been a 1975 hit in the UK and Germany for UK Hello was a Bell Records label, teen appeal Glam rock band, based in England. ^[23]

The second part of Kiss's and Aucoin's plan called for the band to appear in a movie that would cement their image as larger than life superheroes. Filming for the movie commenced in the spring of 1978. Although the project was proposed to the band as a cross between A Hard Day's Night and Star Wars, the final results fell far short of those expectations. A Hard Day's Night is a 1964 British Comedy film written by Alun Owen starring The Beatles — John Lennon, Paul McCartney Star Wars Episode IV A New Hope (originally released as Star Wars) is a 1977 Space opera The script underwent numerous rewrites, and the band (particularly Criss and Frehley) grew increasingly frustrated with the film making process. Criss refused to take part in post-production, and so his entire voice track was completely over-dubbed by another actor. ^[24]

Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park, produced by Hanna-Barbera, aired on NBC on October 28, 1978. Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park is a 1978 Television movie, starring American hard rock band Kiss. The National Broadcasting Company ( NBC) is an American Television network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Events 306 - Maxentius is proclaimed Roman Emperor. 312 - Battle of Milvian Bridge: Constantine Year 1978 ( MCMLXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar) Despite scathing reviews, it was one of the highest-rated TV movies of the year, and saw theatrical release outside the U. S. in 1979 under the title Attack of the Phantoms. While later interviews with band members would have them talk about their movie making experience with a mix of humorous embarrassment and regret as to the finished product, their unhappiness with the final product was well-known to those around them. They felt that the movie ended up portraying them more as clowns than superheroes. The artistic failure of the movie led to a rift between the band and Aucoin, on whom they laid the blame. ^[25]

Late makeup years and decline (1979–1983)

The band's first album of new material in two years, Dynasty (May 23, 1979), continued their platinum streak. Dynasty is a studio album by the American hard rock band Kiss. Events 1430 - Siege of Compiègne: Joan of Arc is captured by the Burgundians while leading an army to relieve Compiègne Year 1979 ( MCMLXXIX) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1979 Gregorian calendar) The album contained what would become the biggest single in the history of the band, "I Was Made For Lovin' You. " I Was Made for Lovin' You " is a song by the American Hard rock band Kiss, originally released on their 1979 album Dynasty " The song, which combined elements of hard rock with disco, was a top ten hit throughout the world (peaking at #11 in the U. Disco is a Genre of dance-oriented music whose origins are hard to define S. ). ^[26] Dynasty was recorded using session drummer Anton Fig, at the request of producer Vini Poncia, who felt that Criss's drumming skills were not adequate. Anton Fig (born August 8 1952 in Cape Town South Africa) known as "The Thunder from Down Under" Vincent Poncia Jr (b April 29, 1942) better known as Vini Poncia, is an American musician Songwriter and Record producer The only contribution made by the increasingly discontented Criss to Dynasty was "Dirty Livin'," which he co-wrote and sang. ^[27]

Billed as "The Return of Kiss," the Dynasty Tour was expected by Kiss and their management to build on the success of previous tours. The Dynasty Tour was a Concert tour by the rock band Kiss. It was their first tour since the Alive II tour ended in early April in Japan Plans were drawn up for a Kiss-themed traveling amusement park, called Kiss World, but were abandoned due to the immense costs involved. Theme park is the generic term for a collection of rides and other Entertainment attractions assembled for the purpose of entertaining a large group ^[28] Rather than being the band's biggest and most successful tour, "The Return of Kiss" saw a marked decline in attendance. ^[29]

One very public indication of the heightened friction within the group was an infamous October 31, 1979 interview on Tom Snyder's late-night The Tomorrow Show. Events 445 BC – Ezra reads the Book of the Law to the Israelites in Jerusalem (see Nehemiah 91 NLTse Year 1979 ( MCMLXXIX) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1979 Gregorian calendar) Tom Snyder ( May 12, 1936 - July 29, 2007) was an American television personality, News anchor and Tomorrow (also known as The Tomorrow Show and after 1980, Tomorrow Coast to Coast) was an American During the episode, a visibly irritated Simmons and Stanley try to contain the bombastic (and inebriated) Frehley, whose non-stop laughter and joking overshadowed the content and conversation that takes place between Snyder and the rest of the band. Drunkenness or inebriation is the state of being intoxicated by consumption of Alcoholic beverages to a degree that mental and physical faculties are noticeably Criss made repeated references to his large gun collection, to the chagrin of Simmons. ^[30]

By the conclusion of the Dynasty tour in December 1979, tensions between Criss and the rest of the band were at an all-time high. His drumming skills had noticeably eroded, and he even intentionally slowed down or stopped playing altogether during some concerts. The final show of the tour (December 16, 1979) was the last time Criss performed with the group, although he remained an official member for nearly six more months. Events 755 - An Lushan revolts against Chancellor Yang Guozhong at Fanyang, initiating the An Shi Rebellion Year 1979 ( MCMLXXIX) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1979 Gregorian calendar) ^[31][32]

Yet the disagreements were hardly noticed by Kiss's new fan base. The crowds were very much younger than previous audiences had been, with many pre-adolescent children in Kiss makeup with their mothers and fathers (who were sometimes wearing the makeup themselves) in tow at most concerts. Kiss themselves did little to dissuade this new fan base, donning colorful costumes that reinforced a cartoonish image for these younger fans. ^[33]

With Criss' involvement in Kiss at an end, the group recorded the followup to Dynasty in early 1980. As with Dynasty, this album was recorded with session drummer Anton Fig, although at the time his performance was uncredited. Showcasing a slick, contemporary pop sound, Unmasked (May 20, 1980) had the dubious distinction of being the first Kiss album since Dressed to Kill to fail to achieve platinum sales. Unmasked is an album by the American band Kiss released in 1980 Events 325 - The First Council of Nicaea &ndash the first Ecumenical Council of the Christian Church is held Year 1980 ( MCMLXXX) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar) Soon after the album's release, Criss' departure was officially announced, as was the announcement that the band would be auditioning his replacement. ^[34][35]

Kiss's first-ever replacement member, Eric Carr (born Paul Caravello on July 12, 1950 in Brooklyn, New York City) was announced in late July 1980. Paul Charles Caravello ( July 12 1950 - November 24 1991) better known as Eric Carr, was an American musician best known as Events 1191 - Saladin 's garrison surrenders ending the two-year Siege of Acre. Year 1950 ( MCML) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. He debuted with the group on July 25 at New York's now-defunct Palladium Theatre. Events 285 - Diocletian appoints Maximian as Caesar, co-ruler The Palladium was a concert hall and later a nightclub in New York City. Due to disappointing domestic sales of Unmasked, this was Kiss's only U. S. show in support of the album. The band's 1980 tour of Australia and New Zealand, on the other hand, was one of the biggest in their history, as they played to sold-out crowds and received overwhelmingly positive press coverage. The Unmasked Tour is a 1980 Concert tour by the hard rock group Kiss. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island ^[36][37]

For their next album, the band once again approached Bob Ezrin, with whom Kiss had found success on Destroyer. Bob Ezrin (born 1949 in Toronto Ontario) is a Musician and Record producer. Early press reports indicated that the new album would be a return to the hard rock style that had originally brought the band success. What was released instead was 1981's Music from "The Elder", a concept album featuring medieval horns, strings, harps, and synthesizers. Music from "The Elder" is a 1981 Concept album released by the American Hard rock band Kiss. In Popular music, a concept album is an Album which is "unified by a theme which can be instrumental compositional narrative or lyrical" The harp is a Stringed instrument which has the plane of its strings positioned perpendicular to the soundboard. ^[38]

The album was presented as a soundtrack to a film that was never made, making it difficult (if not impossible) to follow the storyline. To make matters worse, having received negative feedback following their record company's preview of the album, Kiss altered the record's track sequence in most countries to emphasize potential singles "The Oath" and "A World Without Heroes," which all but guaranteed the inability of listeners to understand the already muddled storyline. Once released, fan reaction to The Elder was harsh; it failed to achieve gold status and peaked at #75 on the Billboard Album Chart. ^[39]

The commercial failure of Music from "The Elder" forced Kiss to forego a supporting tour completely. The band made only two appearances for the album, both in January 1982. One was a performance on the ABC late-night variety program Fridays, while the second was a lip-synched performance that was broadcast via satellite during Italy's Sanremo Festival. The American Broadcasting Company ( ABC) is an American Television network. ^[40] Kiss also performed "I", and "A World Without Heroes" on Solid Gold.

Absent from the second performance was Frehley, who had become increasingly frustrated with Kiss's new musical direction. Upset with the band's decision to record a concept album (Music from "The Elder"), he did not actively participate in the album's creation, only providing lead vocals to one track, "Dark Light". He recorded his guitar parts at his home studio in Wilton, Connecticut and mailed them to Ezrin. Wilton is a town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, in the United States. Another source of frustration for Frehley was that with the departure of Criss, and with Carr not being an equal partner in the band, he was often outvoted 2-to-1 on group matters. In June 1982, Frehley's departure from the band was negotiated, although he did not officially leave until December. In Gene Simmons autobiography Kiss and Make-Up, Simmons states that Eddie Van Halen, of the heavy metal band Van Halen wanted to fill Frehley's spot after he was officially out of the band, due to rising tensions with lead singer David Lee Roth. Edward Lodewijk "Eddie" Van Halen (born January 26 1955 is a Dutch Guitarist, Keyboardist, Songwriter and producer Van Halen is a Hard rock band formed in in 1972 They enjoyed success from the release of their self titled debut album in 1978 David Lee Roth (often referred to as "Diamond Dave" (born October 10 1954 Bloomington Indiana) is an American rock Vocalist Simmons also states that he convinced Eddie to remain with Van Halen. ^[41][42]

Soon after, Kiss made major changes to their business dealings – chief among them was severing ties with their manager of nine years, Bill Aucoin, and cutting back on their unwieldy organizational tree. Although Frehley had already decided to leave the band, Simmons and Stanley needed for their record company to believe that Frehley was still in Kiss in order for the band to keep its newly renegotiated contract. So to keep up appearances, Frehley was pictured on the covers of 1982's Killers and Creatures of the Night, although he did not participate in the recording of either album. Kiss Killers is the 2nd Greatest hits album by American hard rock group Kiss. Creatures of the Night is a 1982 Album from US Hard rock / Heavy metal band Kiss. ^[43]

Creatures of the Night (October 13, 1982) was Kiss's heaviest album to date, and although it fared better than Music from "The Elder", it peaked at #45 on the charts and was not certified gold until 1994. Events 54 - Nero ascends to the Roman throne 409 - Vandals and Alans crossed the Pyrenees Year 1982 ( MCMLXXXII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar) In Frehley's absence, Kiss utilized a number of guitarists for the recording of the album, including Vinnie Vincent (born Vincent John Cusano on August 6, 1952). Vincent John Cusano (born August 6, 1952, in Bridgeport Connecticut) better known as Vinnie Vincent, is a guitarist and songwriter most Events 1538 - Bogotá, Colombia, is founded by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada. Year 1952 ( MCMLII) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Vincent officially replaced Frehley as lead guitarist in December 1982, as the band embarked on its 10th Anniversary Tour. ^[44][45]

Vincent was brought in as an uncredited studio replacement for Ace Frehley, who later went on to form Frehley's Comet, during recording for Creatures of the Night. Paul Daniel "Ace" Frehley (born April 27 1951 is an American Guitarist best known as an original member and lead guitarist for the rock Creatures of the Night is a 1982 Album from US Hard rock / Heavy metal band Kiss. He contributed to a few songs on the album including, "I Love It Loud" and "I Still Love You". " I Love It Loud " is a song by the American Hard rock band Kiss, released on their 1982 album Creatures of the Night. Vincent was subsequently chosen to replace Frehley permanently.

Vincent originally wanted to use his birth name in the band but this was vetoed by Gene Simmons on the grounds that it sounded "too ethnic" being that Vinnie is Italian. Gene Simmons (born Chaim Witz (pronounced Haium on August 25, 1949) is an Israeli -born American Hard rock Bass Vincent then suggested the name "Mick Fury" but this was also disallowed. Simmons later suggested the name change to Vinnie Vincent. Vincent started actively pushing to join KISS as a full member. Despite misgivings Simmons and Paul Stanley harbored about his personality, Vincent was taken into the band and Stanley designed an "Ankh Warrior" persona and make-up for Vincent. Stanley Harvey Eisen (born January 20, 1952, Queens New York) known by his stage name Paul Stanley, is an American Hard rock

From 1982-1983, the new line-up of KISS became Simmons (the Demon), Stanley (the Starchild), Eric Carr (the Fox), and Vincent (the Ankh Warrior). Paul Charles Caravello ( July 12 1950 - November 24 1991) better known as Eric Carr, was an American musician best known as This incarnation of KISS was to be the last incarnation of the original make-up era. At the end of the Creatures Of The Night tour, the band removed their make-up.

Aside from songwriting credits under his birth name, Vincent's involvement with the recording of Creatures Of The Night was not widely-publicized for several years. Simmons and Stanley were not sure they wanted to let fans know that Space "Ace" Frehley had left the band. For this reason, Frehley still appeared on the cover of the original album artwork as well as in the music video for I Love It Loud. When the album was re-mixed and re-released in 1985 with a non-makeup cover and a slightly different song order, to reflect the band's roster change and abandonment of their make-up and costuming, Vincent was again absent from the album cover as then-current lead guitarist, Bruce Kulick, appeared there instead. Bruce Howard Kulick (born on December 12, 1953 in Brooklyn, New York) is an American Guitarist and a member of the The liner notes accompanying the re-mixed LP, however, have credited both Ace Frehley and Vinnie Vincent with lead guitar performances on the Creatures of the Night album. Creatures of the Night is a 1982 Album from US Hard rock / Heavy metal band Kiss.

Lick It Up is the only instance of Vincent appearing on a KISS album by actual image. Lick It Up is an Album by the US Hard rock / heavy metal band Kiss. It is also the only KISS album where Vincent receives unambiguous and exclusive lead guitar credit. Except for "Fits Like A Glove" and "Dance All Over Your Face", written solely by Simmons, Vincent was co-writer in 8 of the 10 songs on the album for "Lick It Up". It is rumored that Vincent recorded every lead for the album's songs in their entirety and that Simmons went on to choose the parts of those leads that he liked best to fit the songs shortening Vincent's creative abilities. Apparently, Simmons wanted more of a melodic sound and feel which KISS fans had always heard and were accustomed to in Frehley's guitar solos. Additionally, Vincent would get "cut off" during his guitar solos live because both Stanley and Simmons felt that Vincent's leads went on too long.

Vincent's personality did not mesh well with either Stanley or Simmons and he was dismissed from KISS at the end of the Creatures tour. He was re-hired before recording started for Lick It Up because Simmons and Stanley could not find a new lead guitarist on such short notice. Lick It Up is an Album by the US Hard rock / heavy metal band Kiss. Personality issues arose once again and Vincent was fired following the Lick It Up tour and was replaced by Mark St. John (birth name Mark Norton). Mark Leslie Norton ( February 7, 1956 – April 5, 2007) better known as Mark St Vincent's work on Creatures of the Night continued to not be officially recognized until the album was remastered in 1997.

Vincent was later utilized by KISS as a songwriter on the 1992 album Revenge, contributing to the songs "Unholy", "Heart Of Chrome" and "I Just Wanna". Before long however, Vincent, Simmons and Stanley fell out with each other for a third time permanently severing their musical ties.

Persistent rumors have circulated for years amongst KISS fan circles regarding the true reason (or reasons) for Vincent's dismissals from KISS with at least one band member refusing to comment except to say that legally it wasn't up for discussion. Simmons stated in an interview several years later that Vincent's firing was for "unethical behavior" but he did not elaborate by going into any great detail.

"I named Vincent Cusano, "Vinnie Vincent. " That's the only gift he's allowed. It's interesting that Vinnie hasn't changed his name back to Vinnie Cusano. Vinnie, for the record, was fired for unethical behavior, not because of lack of talent. The guy is very talented. He was unethical. He was fired. " -Gene Simmons

Unmasking and rebound (1983–1995)

Sensing it was time for a change, Kiss made the decision to abandon their trademark makeup and costumes. They officially appeared in public without makeup for the first time on a September 18, 1983 appearance on MTV, which coincided with the release of the band's new album, Lick It Up. Events 96 - Nerva is proclaimed Roman Emperor after Domitian is assassinated Year 1983 ( MCMLXXXIII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar) MTV ( Music Television) is an American Cable television network based in New York City. Lick It Up is an Album by the US Hard rock / heavy metal band Kiss. ^[46]. The tour showing off the new album and the unmasked band members started off at Lisbon, Portugal, on the 11th of October, 1983, at Pavilhão de Cascais, their first concert ever without makeup.

Lick It Up became Kiss's first gold record in three years, but the tour was even more sparsely attended than the one for Creatures of the Night. Due to quickly rising tensions between Vincent and the rest of Kiss (particularly Simmons and Stanley), Vincent was fired at the conclusion of the tour in March 1984 - he was never even made an official member of Kiss to begin with, as a contract making his employment official was never signed. His replacement was Mark St. John (born Mark Norton on February 7, 1956 in Hollywood, California), a session player and guitar tutor. Mark Leslie Norton ( February 7, 1956 – April 5, 2007) better known as Mark St Events 457 - Leo I becomes emperor of the Byzantine Empire. 1074 - Battle of Montesarchio in which the Prince Year 1956 ( MCMLVI) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. ^[47]

With St. John on board, Kiss released Animalize on September 13, 1984. Animalize is an Album by the American Hard rock / heavy metal band Kiss. Animalize followed the success of Lick It Up, and with the video for Heaven's on Fire being played often on MTV, Animalize was the band's best-selling record in America, during the decade. "Heaven's on Fire" is a song by the American hard rock band Kiss, first released on their 1984 album Animalize. MTV ( Music Television) is an American Cable television network based in New York City. With the success of the album and subsequent tour, Kiss had recaptured some of their earlier glory (though not to the level of their '70s heyday). St. John, however, was soon taken ill with Reactive arthritis during tour rehearsals, and only performed at a handful of shows. Reactive arthritis (ReA is an Autoimmune condition that develops in response to an infection in another part of the body He was fired from Kiss in December 1984 and replaced by Bruce Kulick (born December 12, 1953 in Brooklyn), making him Kiss's fourth lead guitarist in three years. Bruce Howard Kulick (born on December 12, 1953 in Brooklyn, New York) is an American Guitarist and a member of the Events 627 - Battle of Nineveh: A Byzantine army under Emperor Heraclius defeats Emperor Khosrau II 's Persian Year 1953 ( MCMLIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. ^[48] One of the first concerts Bruce played was in Detroit, Michigan's Cobo Hall. It was filmed for the MTV special Animalize Live. This was later released as the band's first home video (Animalize Live: Uncensored).

The lineup of Stanley, Simmons, Carr, and Kulick turned out to be the most stable since the original, and for the rest of the 1980s Kiss released a series of platinum albums—1985's Asylum, 1987's Crazy Nights and the 1988 greatest hits compilation Smashes, Thrashes & Hits. Asylum is an album by the American Hard rock band Kiss. It features the debut of lead guitarist Bruce Kulick, who played with the Crazy Nights is the 21st album by American Hard rock band Kiss. Smashes Thrashes & Hits is a Greatest hits album by the American Hard rock band Kiss. Crazy Nights, in particular, was one of Kiss's most successful albums overseas. The single "Crazy, Crazy Nights" (sample (info)) reached #4 on the singles chart in Britain, the highest showing to date for a Kiss song. ^[49]

Kiss ended the '80s with the 1989 release Hot in the Shade. Hot in the Shade is a Kiss album released in 1989 It was certified Gold by the RIAA. Although the album failed to achieve platinum status, it spawned the early 1990 hit ballad "Forever," co-written by Michael Bolton. " Forever " is a Kiss song from the Hot in the Shade album Michael Bolton (born Michael Bolotin on February 26, 1953) is an American Singer-songwriter, best known for his Soft rock Peaking at #8, it was the group's highest-charting single since "Beth" and was to be the band's second and last Top 10 single. ^[49]

During these non-makeup years, Kiss struggled with their identity and fan base. Simmons, arguably the dominating force in Kiss during the '70s, became less involved with the group in the '80s as he pursued outside interests; most notably, a film career. After the band's unmasking, he struggled with the loss of the Demon persona. During this time, Stanley became the driving force in Kiss, as well as their most prominent member. ^[50][51]

The band decided to once again enlist Bob Ezrin to produce their first album of the 1990s. Before recording could begin in earnest, however, tragedy struck. In March 1991, it was discovered that Eric Carr had a tumor on his heart. See also Cancer A tumor or tumour is the name for a swelling or lesion formed by an abnormal growth of cells (termed neoplastic It was successfully removed in an April surgery, but more tumors were soon discovered in his lungs. Carr received chemotherapy and was pronounced cancer-free in July. Chemotherapy, in its most general sense refers to treatment of disease by chemicals that kill cells specifically those of micro-organisms or Cancer. In September, he was hospitalized after suffering the first of two cerebral hemorrhages. A cerebral hemorrhage (or intracerebral hemorrhage, ICH) is a subtype of Intracranial hemorrhage that occurs within the Brain tissue itself He died on November 24, 1991 at the age of 41 (the same day as Freddie Mercury). Events 380 - Theodosius I makes his adventus, or formal Year 1991 ( MCMXCI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar. Freddie Mercury (born Farrokh Bulsara; 5 September 1946 – 24 November 1991 was a Zanzibar -born British Musician, best known as the lead ^[52][53]

Though devastated, Kiss continued, bringing in former Black Sabbath, Gary Moore, Lita Ford, and Alice Cooper drummer Eric Singer (born Eric Mensinger on May 12, 1958 in Cleveland, Ohio). Black Sabbath are an Gary Moore (born Robert William Gary Moore, 4 April 1952, Belfast, Northern Ireland) is a Northern Irish Guitarist. Lita Ford (born September 19, 1958) is an American rock Musician and Singer who was the lead guitarist for The Runaways Alice Cooper (born Vincent Damon Furnier; February 4, 1948) is an American rock singer songwriter and musician whose career spans five Eric Doyle Mensinger (born May 12, 1958 in Cleveland Ohio) better known as Eric Singer, is a Hard rock and Heavy Metal Events 1191 - Richard I of England marries Berengaria of Navarre. Year 1958 ( MCMLVIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Cleveland is a City in the US state of Ohio and the County seat of Cuyahoga County, the most populous county in the state Ohio ( is a Midwestern state of the United States. As part of the Great Lakes region, Ohio has long been a cultural and geographical crossroads Singer has a connection with the group, having played in Paul Stanley's backing band during his 1989 club tour.

Kiss released Revenge on May 19, 1992. Revenge is a studio album by Kiss, released in 1992 It was the band's first album after the death of long-time drummer Eric Carr in November 1991 Events 1535 - French explorer Jacques Cartier sets sail on his second voyage to North America with three ships 110 men and Year 1992 ( MCMXCII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar) It featured a leaner, harder-edged sound, as indicated by the first single, "Unholy" (sample (info)). In a surprise move, Kiss enlisted the aid of Vinnie Vincent for songwriting duties. The album debuted in the Top 10 and went gold. Kiss embarked on a brief club tour of the U. S. in the spring of 1992, before beginning an American arena tour in September 1992. Kiss followed with the release of Alive III (May 14, 1993), which was recorded during the Revenge tour. Alive III is a live album released by the American Hard rock band Kiss in 1993 and certified gold in 1994 Events 1264 - Battle of Lewes: Henry III of England is captured in France making Simon de Montfort the Year 1993 ( MCMXCIII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1993 Gregorian calendar) Four days later, KISS was inducted into the RockWalk of Fame in Hollywood. ^[54]

During this period, Kiss nostalgia started to pick up steam. June 1994 saw the release of Kiss My Ass: Classic Kiss Regrooved, a compilation album featuring popular artists of the era putting their own spin on Kiss songs. Kiss My Ass Classic Kiss Regrooved is a 1994 Tribute album, featuring a variety of artists covering songs by the American rock band Kiss. The result was an eclectic mix, featuring Lenny Kravitz's funky version of "Deuce" (with Stevie Wonder on harmonica), a ska punk version of "Detroit Rock City" by the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and Garth Brooks' straightforward take on "Hard Luck Woman," with Kiss as his backup band. Leonard Albert "Lenny" Kravitz (born May 26, 1964) is an American Singer-songwriter, Multi-instrumentalist, Record Stevie Wonder (born Stevland Hardaway Judkins on May 13 1950 name later changed to Stevland Hardaway Morris) is an A harmonica is a free reed Wind instrument which is played by blowing air into it or drawing air out by placing lips over individual holes (reed chambers or Ska punk is a fusion Music genre that combines Ska and Punk rock. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones are a Ska-core band from Boston, Massachusetts. Troyal Garth Brooks, known professionally as Garth Brooks (born February 7, 1962) is an American Country music Singer-songwriter. In 1995, the group released Kisstory, a 440-page, nine-pound, detailed chronicling of the group's history to that point. That same year, the band embarked on a unique and well-received Worldwide Kiss Convention Tour. The conventions were all-day events, featuring displays of vintage Kiss stage outfits, instruments, and memorabilia, performances by Kiss cover bands, and dealers selling Kiss merchandise from every stage of the band's career. Kiss appeared live at the conventions, conducted question and answer sessions, signed autographs and performed a two-hour acoustic set composed mostly of spontaneous fan requests. On the first U. S. date (June 17, 1995) Peter Criss appeared onstage with Kiss to sing "Hard Luck Woman" and "Nothin' to Lose. Events 1462 - Vlad III the Impaler attempts to assassinate Mehmed II ( The Night Attack) forcing him to retreat Year 1995 ( MCMXCV) was a Common year starting on Sunday. Events of 1995 " It was the first time Criss had performed publicly with the band in nearly 16 years. ^[55][56]

On August 9, 1995, Kiss joined the long line of musicians to perform on MTV Unplugged. Events 48 BC - Caesar's civil war: Battle of Pharsalus - Julius Caesar decisively defeats Pompey at Pharsalus Year 1995 ( MCMXCV) was a Common year starting on Sunday. Events of 1995 MTV Unplugged is a series showcasing popular musical artists playing Acoustic instruments It was produced by Viacom and was directed by Beth The band contacted Criss and Frehley and invited them to participate in the event. Both joined Kiss on stage for several songs at the end of the set–"Beth," "2000 Man," "Nothin' to Lose," and "Rock and Roll All Nite. "^[57] The Unplugged appearance set off months of speculation that a possible reunion of the original Kiss lineup was in the works. In the weeks following the Unplugged concert, however, the band (with Kulick and Singer), returned to the studio for the first time in three years to record a followup to Revenge. Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions was completed in February 1996, but its release was delayed for almost two years. Carnival of Souls The Final Sessions is Kiss' last album produced before the reunion of the original Kiss members Bootleg copies of the album circulated widely among fans. A bootleg recording is an audio and/or Video recording of a performance that was not officially released by the artist or under other legal authority ^[58]

While Kiss continued to exist publicly as Simmons, Stanley, Kulick, and Singer, arrangements for a reunion of the original lineup were in the works. These efforts culminated with a public event as dramatic as any the band had staged since their 1983 unmasking on MTV.

Reunion (1996–2000)

You know how the Grammys used to be, all straight-looking folks with suits. Everybody looking tired. No surprises. We tired of that. We need something different . . . something shocking. . . so let's shock the people!

– Tupac Shakur

With that statement on February 28, 1996, Tupac Shakur introduced the original Kiss lineup (in full makeup and Love Gun-era stage outfits), to a rousing ovation at the 38th Annual Grammy Awards. Events 202 BC - coronation ceremony of Liu Bang as Emperor Gaozu of Han takes place initiating four centuries of the Han Dynasty 's rule Year 1996 ( MCMXCVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar) Tupac Amaru Shakur (June 16 1971 &mdash September 13 1996 also known by his Stage names 2Pac and Makaveli, was an American rapper The Grammy Awards (originally called the Gramophone Awards)—or Grammys —are presented annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences ^[59] On April 16, the band held a press conference aboard the USS Intrepid in New York, where they announced their plans for a full-fledged reunion tour, with the help of new manager Doc McGhee. Events 1178 BC - A Solar eclipse may have marked the return of Odysseus, legendary King of Ithaca, to his kingdom Launch and commissioning The USS Intrepid was launched on April 26, 1943 by Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co "Doc" McGhee is an American music manager, best known for working with KISS, Bon Jovi and Mötley Crüe. The conference, emceed by Conan O'Brien, was simulcast to 58 countries. Conan Christopher O'Brien (born April 18, 1963) is an Emmy Award -winning American Television host and Comedian, best known On April 20, nearly 40,000 tickets for the tour's first show sold out in 47 minutes. Events 1303 - The University of Rome La Sapienza is instituted by Pope Boniface VIII. ^[60]

The first public concert featuring the newly reunited Kiss was an hour-long warm up show on June 15 for the annual KROQ Weenie Roast in Irvine, CA, during which the band nearly ignited the stage of the Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre. Weenie Roast is a multi-artist Alternative rock concert presented annually by the Los Angeles California, USA radio station KROQ, beginning Irvine ( is an incorporated city in Orange County California, United States ^[61] On June 28, the Kiss Alive/Worldwide Tour began at Tiger Stadium in Detroit, Michigan in front of a sold-out crowd of 39,867 fans. The Alive/Worldwide Tour was a 1996-1997 Concert tour by Kiss. Tiger Stadium (formerly Navin Field then Briggs Stadium is a Stadium located in the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit, Michigan. The tour lasted for 192 shows over eleven months and earned $43. 6 million, making Kiss the top-drawing concert act of 1996. ^[62] The average attendance of 13,737 is the highest in the group's history. ^[63]

In September 1998, the reunited group issued Psycho Circus. Psycho Circus is a 1998 album by the American Hard rock band Kiss. Despite its appearance as the first album with the original lineup since 1977's Love Gun, the contributions of Frehley and Criss were minimal. While the images of Frehley and Criss are featured prominently on the album, most of the lead guitar work was later revealed to have been performed by future band member Tommy Thayer and former member Bruce Kulick. Tommy Thayer (born November 7, 1960 in Portland Oregon) is an American Musician and the current lead guitarist of the rock group Most drum duties were handled by session musician Kevin Valentine. Despite the controversy, the album achieved a #3 chart debut, the highest ever position for a Kiss album. The title track received a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance. "Psycho Circus" is a song by the American Hard rock band Kiss. ^[64] The Psycho Circus Tour opened at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California on Halloween night 1998, and was simulcast on FM radio across the U. Psycho Circus Tour was a Kiss concert tour in 1998 - 1999. It was the first concert tour in history to have 3-D visual effects Dodger Stadium is a large outdoor ballpark in Los Angeles California at Chávez Ravine. Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West Halloween, or Hallowe’en, is a Holiday celebrated on the night of October 31. S. It proved to be another success, and was historic for being the first to ever incorporate 3-D visuals into a stage show. In mathematics the dimension of a Space is roughly defined as the minimum number of Coordinates needed to specify every point within it ^[65][66]

On August 11, 1999, Kiss was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in the "Recording Industry" category. Events 2492 BC - Traditional date of the defeat of Bel by Hayk, progenitor and founder of the Armenian nation Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a Sidewalk along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Hollywood Los Angeles California, USA, that August 13 saw the nationwide premiere of a Kiss-themed motion picture, titled Detroit Rock City. Events 3114 BC - According to the Lounsbury correlation the start of the Maya calendar. Detroit Rock City is a 1999 Cult film about four teenagers in a Kiss Cover band who try to see their idols in Detroit in 1978 The movie takes place in 1978, and focuses on four teenagers (featuring Edward Furlong) willing to do anything to score tickets for a sold-out Kiss show in Detroit. Edward Walter Furlong (born August 2, 1977) is a Saturn Award -winning American Actor, best known to film audiences as John Connor

The next month, the group worked in collaboration with World Championship Wrestling to produce a Kiss-themed wrestler known as The Kiss Demon whose face was painted to resemble Simmons. Dale "the Demon" Torborg (born October 24 1971) is an American Baseball trainer and former professional wrestler. The group performed "God of Thunder" live on WCW Monday Nitro to debut the character. WCW Monday Nitro was a weekly Professional wrestling program produced by World Championship Wrestling. The band got $500,000 for the one-night, one-song performance. ^[67] The character was short-lived, as all ties to Kiss were cut by WCW when its head, Eric Bischoff was relieved of his duties in September of that year. Eric Aaron Bischoff (born May 27 1957) is an American Entrepreneur and former Professional wrestling booker, producer

Kiss announced in early 2000 that they would be launching a U. S. Farewell Tour in the summer, which was to be the band's last; the tour kicked off on March 12, 2000. The Kiss Farewell Tour was a Concert tour performed by the rock group Kiss. ^[68] The group quickly added dates to the tour, which ran through April 2001. 2001 also saw the release of a computer game, Kiss: Psycho Circus: The Nightmare Child. KISS Psycho Circus - The Nightmare Child is a First person shooter computer game developed by Third Law Interactive and published by Gathering

Post-reunion (2001–present)

On the eve of the Japanese and Australian leg of the Farewell tour on January 31, 2001, Criss suddenly left the band once again, reportedly unhappy with his salary. Taking his place was previous Kiss drummer Eric Singer who, in a controversial move among longtime fans, assumed Criss' Cat Man persona as the Farewell Tour continued. Eric Doyle Mensinger (born May 12, 1958 in Cleveland Ohio) better known as Eric Singer, is a Hard rock and Heavy Metal ^[69] Simmons and Stanley own Criss' makeup designs (as well as Frehley's), so there was no way for Criss to prevent this.

With the band scheduled to call it a day supposedly by early 2001, a career-encompassing collection entitled The Box Set (94 tracks on five CDs) was released in November of that year, while the summer saw perhaps the most outrageous item of Kiss merchandise yet – the Kiss Kasket. The Kiss Kasket is an item of merchandise licensed by the rock band Kiss. In introducing the Kiss Kasket, Simmons quipped, "I love livin', but this makes the alternative look pretty damn good. "^[70]

On December 4, 2001, KISS was one of the honorees at the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences("The Recording Academy") Heroes Award ceremony, at the NARAS New York Chapter. NARAS has 12 chapters throughout the United States, hence 12 ceremonies throughout the year, with the honorees each being honored by the chapter closest to their residence. By receiving this honor, which NARAS has renamed the "Recording Academy Honors," KISS effectively received NARAS' second-highest career honor, right behind the Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award. ^[71][72]

Kiss was relatively quiet through the rest of the year, but 2002 started with some controversy as Simmons took part in a controversial interview on National Public Radio, where he criticized NPR and berated host Terry Gross with sexual comments and condescending answers. Terry Gross (born 1951 is the host and co-executive producer of Fresh Air, an interview format Radio show produced by WHYY-FM in Philadelphia ^[73] In February 2002, Kiss (with Singer on drums and Frehley on lead guitar) performed during the Closing Ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. The 2002 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XIX Olympic Winter Games were a Winter Multi-sport event which was celebrated in 2002 Salt Lake City is the Capital and the most populous city of the U This was Frehley's last performance with Kiss to date.

On March 6, 2002, Kiss performed a private concert at a resort in Trelawny, Jamaica. Events 1079 - Omar Khayyám completes the Iranian calendar. 1454 - Thirteen Years' War: Delegates of See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Jamaica (ˈdʒəˈmeɪkə} is an Island nation of the Greater Antilles, in length and as much as in width situated in the Caribbean Sea. Frehley, who was no longer under contract, did not play with the group. He was replaced by Tommy Thayer, who donned Frehley's Spaceman makeup and costume for his first live appearance with Kiss. ^[74] That month, the band (with Thayer) taped an appearance on the American sitcom That '70s Show. That '70s Show is an American television sitcom that centered on the lives of a group of teenagers living in the fictional town of ^[75] The episode, "That '70s Kiss Show," aired in August 2002. Thayer again performed with the group in April 2002, when Kiss performed "Detroit Rock City" (with pre-recorded music and live vocals) for an appearance on Dick Clark's American Bandstand 50th Anniversary show, which aired on May 3. ^[76]

In February 2003, Kiss traveled to Australia and recorded Kiss Symphony: Alive IV with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at the Telstra Dome in Melbourne. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. Kiss Symphony Alive IV is a 2003 live album from Kiss performing with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra ( MSO) is an Orchestra based in Melbourne, Australia Docklands Stadium, known as Telstra Dome, and originally as Victoria Stadium and Colonial Stadium, is a multi purpose sports and entertainment Melbourne ( is the second most populous city in Australia, with a Metropolitan area population of approximately 3 Thayer once again replaced Frehley, while Peter Criss returned to the group. This album was the first released on Sanctuary Records, which has since been sold to Universal Music Group - owners of the rest of Kiss's catalog. Sanctuary Records is a Record label based in the United Kingdom and a subsidiary of Universal Music Group. Universal Music Group (UMG is the largest Business group and family of Record labels in the Recording industry.

Despite claims made prior to the Farewell Tour that it would be the group's last, Kiss announced a co-headlining tour with Aerosmith in 2003. The Rocksimus Maximus Tour was a North American concert tour co-headlined by Aerosmith and Kiss. Frehley announced that his departure from the band was permanent, stating that he believed the Farewell Tour would be Kiss's last,^[77] and that he did not want to open for Aerosmith, a band who in the past had opened for Kiss. ^[78] He was permanently replaced by Thayer. On this tour the group introduced the "Platinum" tickets package, with the most expensive packages costing USD $1,000. This package included a seat in the first five rows, a meet-and-greet with Kiss after their performance, and a photograph with the band. ^[79] The tour earned more than US$64 million in 2003, which ranked #7 for the year. ^[80]

Simmons and Stanley did not renew Criss's contract when it expired in March 2004. Criss, on his website, stated that "No one, again no one has called me, or my attorney about an extension for future touring. As a founding member I find this to be disrespectful to me, and to the fans that have made us one of the biggest bands in the world. "^[81] Criss stated in a radio interview in 2004 with Eddie Trunk that Simmons and Stanley were going to start a new Kiss, and thought he was getting to old to play for two hours (even though Criss is only 4 years older than Simmons),Criss was replaced for the second time by Singer. Eddie Trunk is the host of the nationally syndicated radio show "Eddie Trunk Rocks

During the summer of 2004, Kiss headlined the Rock the Nation 2004 World Tour, with Poison as the opening act. Poison is an American Hard rock band that achieved great success and popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s The tour ended in August with a sold-out show in Mexico City. Mexico City (in Spanish: Ciudad de México, México DF, México or simply Méjico) is the Capital city of Mexico Selected dates on the tour were filmed for the Rock the Nation Live! concert DVD, released on December 13, 2005. Events 1294 - Saint Celestine V abdicates the papacy after only five months Celestine hoped to return to his previous life Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. ^[82] Stanley, who had been experiencing increasing difficulty with his hip, had his mobility limited during the tour. He has already had two hip surgeries performed, with more likely in the future. ^[83]

Since the conclusion of the Rock the Nation Tour, Kiss has performed only sporadically. The group played two shows in 2005, and another six in 2006. Four of the 2006 shows were July concerts in Japan, including two dates (July 22 and 23) as a headlining act at the 2006 Udo Music Festival. More recently, Kiss performed four July 2007 concerts, three of which were dubbed the Hit 'N Run Tour. Prior to the final show on July 27, Stanley was hospitalized with an extremely rapid heartbeat. In his absence, Kiss performed in concert as a trio for the first time ever. It is the first Kiss concert Stanley has missed during his 33-year tenure with the group. ^[84]

Despite the relative lack of concert activity since 2004, the group has remained visible. Kiss (along with Queen, Def Leppard, and Judas Priest) were honored at the first annual "VH1 Rock Honors" event, held May 25, 2006 in Las Vegas. Queen were an English rock band formed in 1970 in London by guitarist Judas Priest are an English heavy metal band formed in 1970 in Birmingham. Events 1085 - Alfonso VI of Castile takes Toledo Spain back from the Moors. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Las Vegas ( Spanish: "The Meadows" is the most populous City in the state of Nevada, the seat of Clark County, and an internationally On April 9, 2006, the Associated Press announced the event by saying "the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame looks to be getting some competition. Events 193 - Septimius Severus is proclaimed Roman Emperor by the army in Illyricum (in the Balkans) Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. The Associated Press ( AP) is an American News agency. The AP is a Cooperative owned by its contributing Newspapers radio "^[85] A tribute band, consisting of Rob Zombie (vocals), Slash (guitar), Scott Ian (bass), and Supernova bandmates Tommy Lee (drums) and Gilby Clarke (guitar), performed "God of Thunder" with Ace Frehley. Robert Bartleh Cummings (born January 12, 1965) better known by his Stage name, Rob Zombie, is an American Musician Saul Hudson (born 23 July 1965 more widely known by his stage name Slash, is an English - African American Guitarist best known as the former Scott Ian Rosenfeld (born December 31, 1963) is the rhythm Guitarist for the metal band Anthrax who uses the stage name Scott For the TV series through which the band was created see Rock Star Supernova. Tommy Lee (born Thomas Lee Bass; October 3, 1962) is an American Musician. Gilby Clarke is a Guitarist and Record producer, born in Cleveland Ohio, on August 17, 1962.

In June 2006, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley attended the opening of the Kiss Coffeehouse in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Kiss Coffeehouse is a specialty coffee retailer operating at Broadway at the Beach, an entertainment complex at Myrtle Beach SC On October 15, 2006, Simmons, Stanley, and Criss were inaugural inductees into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame, along with performers such as Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, Louis Armstrong, The Ramones and Tony Bennett. Events 533 - Byzantine General Belisarius makes his formal entry into Carthage, having conquered it from the Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. The Long Island Music Hall of Fame is an organization located in Lake Grove New York. Neil Leslie Diamond (born January 24, 1941) is an American Singer-songwriter and occasional Actor. William Martin Joel (born May 9 1949 is an American Pianist and Singer-songwriter. Louis Armstrong (August 4 1901 &ndash July 6 1971 nicknamed Satchmo or Sachimo and Pops, was an American Jazz Trumpeter The Ramones were an American rock band often regarded as the first Punk rock group Tony Bennett (born Anthony Dominick Benedetto; August 3 1926) is an American Singer of popular music, standards ^[86] Stanley released a solo album, Live to Win, on October 24 and undertook a brief solo tour in support. Live to Win is the second solo album from KISS vocalist guitarist and co-founder Paul Stanley, released on October 24, 2006. On October 31, the group released Kissology Volume One: 1974–1977, the first of ten possible DVD sets featuring concert footage, interviews, and never-before-seen clips. Kissology Volume One 1974–1977 is a DVD / Home Video released by Kiss on October 31, 2006. ^[87] As of January 2007, the set is certified quintuple platinum in the United States. ^[88] A second volume was released on August 14, 2007. Kissology Volume Two 1978–1991 is a DVD / Home Video that was released by Kiss on August 14, 2007. On October 24, Kissology Volume Two: 1978–1991 was certified 6X Platinum by the R. Kissology Volume Two 1978–1991 is a DVD / Home Video that was released by Kiss on August 14, 2007. I. A. A. Kissology Volume Three: 1992–2000 was released on December 18, 2007. Kissology Volume Three 1992–2000 is a DVD / Home Video released by Kiss and VH1 Classic Records.

In April 2007, tragedy struck KISS again. Their former guitarist, Mark St. John, died from an apparent cerebral hemorrhage at age 51. ^[89] After being fired from Kiss in 1984, St. John formed the short-lived glam metal group White Tiger. Post- KISS Glam metal band of former KISS guitarist Mark St John. In 1990 he briefly collaborated with Peter Criss in a band called The Keep, which only performed once and released no recordings. St. John largely dropped out of public view in later years, but did make occasional appearances at Kiss fan conventions.

Though Kiss has been eligible for enshrinement in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (whose rules state that an act is eligible 25 years after its first release) since 1999/2000, they have not been nominated. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is a Museum located on the shores of Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland Ohio, United States While this snub displeases some fans, Stanley and Simmons maintain that it is meaningless to them. Nevertheless, a group of about 200 Kiss fans held a protest rally in front of the Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio on August 5, 2006. Cleveland is a City in the US state of Ohio and the County seat of Cuyahoga County, the most populous county in the state Events 642 - Battle of Maserfield - Penda of Mercia defeats and kills Oswald of Bernicia. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. It was the first known organized demonstration seeking the induction of a band into the Hall. ^[90]

In 2007, a new comic book series featuring the band was released by the Kiss Comics Group in association with Platinum Studios. Platinum Studios, Inc is a comic book publishing company based in the United States Entitled "Kiss 4K: Legends Never Die," the first issue came out in a regular size and a giant 1. 5' x 2. 5' size, dubbed the Destroyer edition. The third installment of the series is due to come out the first week of August. Also, KISS was scheduled to play in Whistler in mid September. The concert plans were cancelled late August due to a passport problem. Kiss have been confirmed to headline the opening night of 2008's Download Festival at Donington, England.

On January 30, 2008, guitarist and vocalist Paul Stanley confirmed that Kiss will begin the KISS Alive/35 World Tour, playing arena and stadium shows in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Events 1648 - Eighty Years' War: The Treaty of Münster is signed ending the conflict between the Netherlands and Spain 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common A guitarist is a Musician who plays the Guitar. Guitarists may perform solo pieces or play with ensembles and bands of a wide variety of genres Stanley Harvey Eisen (born January 20, 1952, Queens New York) known by his stage name Paul Stanley, is an American Hard rock The KISS Alive/35 World Tour is a Concert tour by Kiss to celebrate Kiss' 35th anniversary

On March 16, 2008, Kiss closed the Formula 1 ING Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit - Melbourne, Australia as well as performing in Sydney and Brisbane part of this tour. The Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit is a street-based circuit around Albert Park Lake, only a couple of kilometres south of central Melbourne. Melbourne ( is the second most populous city in Australia, with a Metropolitan area population of approximately 3 Sydney (ˈsɪdniː is the most populous city in Australia, with a Metropolitan area population of approximately 4 Brisbane ( is the state capital of Queensland. Brisbane is the third most populous city in Australia and the most populous city of Queensland

Kiss played at the Rock2Wgtn two day festival held in Wellington, New Zealand on the 22nd and 23rd March 2008; which also featured Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Poison, Alice Cooper, Lordi, Sonic Altar and Symphony of Screams with special effects by WETA Workshop of Lord of the Rings and King Kong fame. Wellington (ˈwælɪŋtən is the Capital of New Zealand, the country's second largest urban area, the New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne (born December 3 1948) is a British singer Whitesnake are an English Hard rock band founded in 1977 by David Coverdale (formerly of Deep Purple) Poison is an American Hard rock band that achieved great success and popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s Alice Cooper (born Vincent Damon Furnier; February 4, 1948) is an American rock singer songwriter and musician whose career spans five Lordi is a heavy metal quintet from Finland. The concept for Lordi was devised in 1992 however the band was not formed until 1996 by Tomi Putaansuu (known Weta Workshop is a Physical effects company based in Miramar New Zealand, producing effects for Television and Film. The Lord of the Rings film trilogy consists of three Live action Fantasy Epic films The Fellowship of the Ring ( 2001 King Kong is a 2005 Remake of the 1933 film of the same name about a fictional giant ape called Kong.

Personnel

For more details on this topic, see Kiss band members. The following is a complete chronology of the various lineups of KISS, from the group's inception in 1972 until the present

Current members

• Paul Stanley - rhythm guitar, lead vocals (1973-present)
• Gene Simmons - bass guitar, lead vocals (1973-present)
• Tommy Thayer - lead guitar (2002-present)
• Eric Singer - drums, vocals (1991-1996, 2001-2002, 2004-present)

Past members

• Peter Criss - drums, vocals (1973-1980, 1996-2001, 2002-2004)
• Ace Frehley - lead guitar, vocals (1973-1982, 1996-2002)
• Eric Carr - drums, vocals (1980-1991)
• Vinnie Vincent - lead guitar, backing vocals (1982-1984)
• Mark St. John - lead guitar (1984)
• Bruce Kulick - lead guitar, vocals (1984-1996)

Makeup

Starchild - Paul Stanley	The Demon - Gene Simmons	Spaceman - Ace Frehley and Tommy Thayer	The Catman - Peter Criss and Eric Singer
The Ankh Warrior - Vinnie Vincent	The Fox - Eric Carr

Discography and filmography

See Kiss discography and Kiss filmography. Stanley Harvey Eisen (born January 20, 1952, Queens New York) known by his stage name Paul Stanley, is an American Hard rock Gene Simmons (born Chaim Witz (pronounced Haium on August 25, 1949) is an Israeli -born American Hard rock Bass Tommy Thayer (born November 7, 1960 in Portland Oregon) is an American Musician and the current lead guitarist of the rock group Eric Doyle Mensinger (born May 12, 1958 in Cleveland Ohio) better known as Eric Singer, is a Hard rock and Heavy Metal George Peter John Criscuola (born December 20, 1945) better known as Peter Criss, is an American Musician best known as Paul Daniel "Ace" Frehley (born April 27 1951 is an American Guitarist best known as an original member and lead guitarist for the rock Paul Charles Caravello ( July 12 1950 - November 24 1991) better known as Eric Carr, was an American musician best known as Vincent John Cusano (born August 6, 1952, in Bridgeport Connecticut) better known as Vinnie Vincent, is a guitarist and songwriter most Mark Leslie Norton ( February 7, 1956 – April 5, 2007) better known as Mark St Bruce Howard Kulick (born on December 12, 1953 in Brooklyn, New York) is an American Guitarist and a member of the Stanley Harvey Eisen (born January 20, 1952, Queens New York) known by his stage name Paul Stanley, is an American Hard rock Gene Simmons (born Chaim Witz (pronounced Haium on August 25, 1949) is an Israeli -born American Hard rock Bass Paul Daniel "Ace" Frehley (born April 27 1951 is an American Guitarist best known as an original member and lead guitarist for the rock Tommy Thayer (born November 7, 1960 in Portland Oregon) is an American Musician and the current lead guitarist of the rock group George Peter John Criscuola (born December 20, 1945) better known as Peter Criss, is an American Musician best known as Eric Doyle Mensinger (born May 12, 1958 in Cleveland Ohio) better known as Eric Singer, is a Hard rock and Heavy Metal Vincent John Cusano (born August 6, 1952, in Bridgeport Connecticut) better known as Vinnie Vincent, is a guitarist and songwriter most Paul Charles Caravello ( July 12 1950 - November 24 1991) better known as Eric Carr, was an American musician best known as The following is the complete discography of the American rock band Kiss, excluding bootlegs, unauthorized releases and releases available only as imports The following is a complete filmography of the American rock band Kiss.

Additional reading

• Gebert, Gordon G. G. and McAdams, Bob (1997). Kiss & Tell. Pitbull Publishing LLC. ISBN 0-9658794-0-2.
• Gebert, Gordon G. G. (1999). Kiss & Tell More!. Pitbull Publishing LLC. ISBN 0-9658794-1-0.
• Gill, Julian (2005). The Kiss Album Focus (3rd Edition), Volume 2. Xlibris Corporation. ISBN 1-59926-358-0.
• Gill, Julian (2005). The Kiss & Related Recordings Focus: Music! the Songs, the Demo, the Lyrics And Stories!. Xlibris Corporation. ISBN 1-59926-360-2.
• Gill, Julian (2006). The Kiss Album Focus (3rd Edition), Volume 3. Booksurge Publishing. ISBN 0-97222-535-8.
• Lendt, C. K. (1997). Kiss and Sell: The Making of a Supergroup. Billboard Books. ISBN 0-8230-7551-6.
• Sherman, Dale (1997). Black Diamond: The Unauthorized Biography of Kiss. Collectors Guide Publishing Inc. ISBN 1-896522-35-1.
• Simmons, Gene, Paul Stanley, and Waring Abbott (2002). Kiss: The Early Years. Three Rivers Press. ISBN 0-609-81028-6.
• Tomarkin, Peggy (1980). Kiss: The Real Story, Authorized. Delacorte Press. ISBN 0-440-04834-6.
• Moore, Wendy (2004). Into the Void. . . With Ace Frehley. Pitbull Publishing LLC. ISBN 0-9658794-4-5.

Notes

References

See also

• List of best-selling music artists

External links

• Official websites of:
  • Kiss
  • Paul Stanley
  • Gene Simmons
  • Tommy Thayer
  • Eric Singer
  • Eric Carr
  • Peter Criss
  • Bruce Kulick
• Snopes.com pages on:
  • Kiss
  • Gene Simmons' tongue
• Pictures from Kiss Alive/35 World Tour:
  • Arena di Verona, Italy

When adding to this page please ensure that your claims are sourced Snopes (ˈsnoʊps also known as the Urban Legends Reference Pages, is a Web site that is the most widely-known resource for validating or debunking Urban legends

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