KISS Tickets

KISS The Ultimate American Hard Rock Band

KISS is one of the most celebrated hard rock bands from the United States. Formed in 1973 in New York City, KISS stands as a pillar of hard rock music and is one of the most commercially successful heavy metal acts in the world. The band has achieved remarkable success through its classic lineup of Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss.

Origin and Band History

KISS was created by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, who had met while both performing in the band Wicked Lester. After adding Peter Criss and Ace Frehley to their lineup, the band quickly rose to superstardom with their self-titled first album in 1974. Following the success of their initial record, KISS went on to release several more hits throughout the 1970s, including "Rock and Roll All Nite," "Strutter," and "Detroit Rock City." While their makeup and stage persona helped to establish their unique sound, KISS also broadened their appeal by issuing double-platinum albums such as Alive II and Dynasty.

The band would later experience a brief hiatus in the 1980s, but would reunite in 1996 with the original lineup of Simmons, Stanley, Criss and Frehley for an extensive tour. KISS had several lineup changes in the early 2000s, but continued a rewarding career, releasing classics like Revenge and Monster in 2012 and embarking on their massive 40th anniversary tour in 2014.

Members and Chronology

The original lineup of KISS included four members: rhythm guitarist and vocalist Paul Stanley, lead guitarist Ace Frehley, bassist and vocalist Gene Simmons, and drummer and vocalist Peter Criss.

• 1973–1974: Stanley, Simmons, Glenn Cornick, and Dom Simpson were the initial members of the band.
• 1974–1977: Frehley and Criss joined in late 1974 and the classic lineup of the band was formed.
• 1977–1982: Vinnie Vincent replaced Frehley for some shows in 1982 due to the latter's personal issues.
• 1983–1995: Bruce Kulick and Eric Carr joined the band in 1983 as replacements for Frehley and Criss but the band was on hiatus from 1983 to 1995.
• 1996–2004: The original members, Stanley, Simmons, Frehley, and Criss, reunited in 1996 and continued to tour. Frehley and Criss left in 2001, which was when they were replaced by Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer.
• 2004–present: Thayer and Singer continue to be part of KISS' current lineup, performing with Stanley and Simmons both onstage and in the studio.

Similar Artists

KISS has had a great influence on the hard rock music universe. The band helped to introduce a theatrical approach to heavy metal and rock music that inspired many bands who followed. Some of the artists that have been influenced by KISS include Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Guns N' Roses, W.A.S.P., and Poison.

Famous Songs

KISS has had many smash hits and is known for its hard rock classics. Some of the band's most popular fan-favorites include "Rock and Roll All Nite," "Strutter," "Deuce," " Detroit Rock City," "Love Gun," "Black Diamond," "Forever," "God of Thunder," and "Heaven's on Fire."

KISS has proven to be a lasting influence in the vast world of hard rock and heavy metal music. Don't miss out on the chance to experience the groundbreaking era of classic rock with one of the greatest acts in American music history.