Kiss Marks 50 Years of Rock History Before Final Bow

Fifty years ago, at an attic on 23rd Street in New York, four young New Yorkers began their journey with guitars, amps, and drums, envisioning themselves as the world's greatest band. This dream gave birth to Kiss, a group that indeed would become one of the largest rock bands globally, reshaping live concert experiences.

Kiss's Transformation from Dreams to Stardom

The band Kiss originated from a duo that parted ways with their band Wicked Lester, aspiring for a more theatrical ensemble where striking visual performances were as crucial as their music. Gene Simmons, a horror and comic book fan, also held a brief teaching career, and Paul Stanley, an ex-taxi driver who aspired to be on the stage of Madison Square Garden after seeing Elvis Presley there. Together, they joined forces with drummer Peter Criss from a newspaper ad and Ace Frehley, who appeared at his audition flaunting mismatched sneakers and a guitar.

Embracing unique stage personas - Simmons as 'The Demon', Stanley as 'Starchild', Frehley as 'Spaceman', and Criss as 'Catman' - they honed their performance through small club gigs. On New Year's Eve, they caught a significant break, opening for Blue Öyster Cult, marking the beginning of a series of memorable events, like Simmons setting his hair ablaze during a fire-breathing stunt.

Albums, Hits, and Live Performances

Success followed with their self-titled debut album in 1974 and subsequent ones such as 'Hotter Than Hell', and 'Dressed to Kill' which featured the anthem 'Rock And Roll All Nite'. However, it was the live version of this song from the album 'Alive!' that secured their first major hit. 'Destroyer' the 1976 album, produced hits like the accidental chart-topper 'Beth'. Their popularity soared to new heights with the release of 'Love Gun' and a live sequel album 'Alive II', leading to their first performance at Madison Square Garden.

Continuing their innovative streak in 1978, all four members simultaneously released solo albums, each achieving platinum status, and Kiss ventured into the world of merchandise like never before. Products ranged from lunchboxes to Kiss-branded radios and even a TV movie 'Kiss Meets The Phantom Of The Park'.

Their live show evolved dramatically featuring awe-inspiring acts of Simmons flying on stage. But the 1980s brought change, with Criss leaving and being replaced by Eric Carr and then a brief departure from their iconic makeup in '83. Still, they continued to release albums, tour, and undergo lineup changes, most stably bringing in Eric Singer on drums.

The Legacy and Farewell

After a 1996 reunion with the original lineup, Kiss delved into different genres with albums like 'Carnival Of Souls'. The band saw departures and replacements, most notably Frehley being replaced by Tommy Thayer. Amidst releases like 'Sonic Boom' and 'Monster', the band announced what was intended as a final tour in 2000, yet they continued to perform.

2019 marked the start of their 'End Of The Road' tour, which, 19 years after their first farewell, is set to close where it all began, at Madison Square Garden. The final shows, symbolizing the end of an era for the legendary rock band, will be a meaningful adieu to an impressive 50-year legacy.

history, music, legacy