Kiss, commonly styled as KISS, was a legendary American rock band established in New York City in 1973 by the iconic quartet of Paul Stanley (vocals, rhythm guitar), Gene Simmons (vocals, bass guitar), Ace Frehley (lead guitar, vocals), and Peter Criss (drums, vocals). Renowned for their distinctive face paint and elaborate stage attire, the group soared to fame in the mid-1970s with electrifying shock rock performances featuring fire-breathing, blood-spitting, and other theatrics like smoking guitars and pyrotechnics. Despite lineup changes, Stanley and Simmons remained the backbone of the band, joined by Tommy Thayer (lead guitar, vocals) and Eric Singer (drums, vocals) in the final ensemble.
Adopting comic book-like personas, the band members assumed alter egos such as the Starchild (Stanley), the Demon (Simmons), the Spaceman or Space Ace (Frehley), and the Catman (Criss). Kiss reached the pinnacle of success in the 1970s and became a cultural phenomenon in America. After creative divergences, Criss exited the group in 1980, followed by Frehley in 1982, paving the way for Eric Carr (the Fox) and Vinnie Vincent (the Ankh Warrior). Despite a period of commercial decline, Kiss reinvigorated their career in 1983 by shedding their makeup and costumes, welcoming a new era of unmasked performances. The post-makeup era ushered in fresh hits like the platinum-certified album ‘Lick It Up’ in 1983, capturing a new wave of fans and dominating MTV screens.
The band’s legacy endured through lineup changes and nostalgic reunions, notably in 1996 when the original members regrouped with their iconic makeup and costumes for a highly acclaimed reunion tour. With landmark albums and numerous accolades, Kiss cemented their status as one of the most significant and top-selling rock bands in history, boasting over 100 million records sold globally and a multitude of certified albums. Honored with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Kiss continues to be celebrated as a trailblazing force in rock music, securing a top rank among metal bands and live performers across various music charts and polls.