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Origin

New York City, New York, U.S.
Genres
Hard rock ·
 heavy metal ·
 shock rock ·
 glam metal
Years active
1973–present
Labels
Casablanca ·
 Mercury ·
 Roadrunner ·
 Kiss ·
 Universal Music Group
Associated acts
Wicked Lester ·
 E.S.P. ·
 Frehley's Comet ·
 Momoiro Clover Z ·
 Black 'n Blue
Members
Paul Stanley
Gene Simmons
Tommy Thayer
Eric Singer
Past members
Ace Frehley
Peter Criss
Eric Carr
Vinnie Vincent
Mark St. John
Bruce Kulick
Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973 by Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley. Well known for its members' face paint and stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid-to-late 1970s with their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood-spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits, and pyrotechnics. The band has gone through several lineup changes, with Stanley and Simmons the only remaining original members. The original and best-known lineup consisted of Stanley (vocals and rhythm guitar), Simmons (vocals and bass), Frehley (lead guitar and vocals), and Criss (drums and vocals).
With their make-up and costumes, they took on the personae of comic book-style characters: The Starchild (Stanley), The Demon (Simmons), The Spaceman or Space Ace (Frehley), and The Catman (Criss). Due to creative differences, both Criss and Frehley had departed the group by 1982.
In 1983, Kiss began performing without makeup and costumes, thinking that it was time to leave the makeup behind. The band accordingly experienced a minor commercial resurgence, and their music videos received regular airplay on MTV. Eric Carr, who had replaced Criss in 1980, died in 1991 of heart cancer and was replaced by Eric Singer. In response to a wave of Kiss nostalgia in the mid-1990s, the original lineup re-united in 1996, which also saw the return of their makeup and stage costumes. The resulting Alive/Worldwide Tour was commercially successful. Criss and Frehley have both since left the band again and have been replaced by Singer and Tommy Thayer, respectively. The band has continued with their original stage makeup, with Singer and Thayer using the original Catman and Space Ace makeup, respectively. In September 2018, Kiss announced that, after 45 years of recording and performing, they will embark on their final tour, One Last Kiss: End of the Road World Tour, in 2019.[1]
Kiss is one of the best-selling bands of all time, having sold more than 100 million records worldwide, including 25[2] million RIAA-certified albums.[3][4][5] On April 10, 2014, Kiss was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
History
1971–1975: Early years
Kiss traces their roots to Wicked Lester, a New York City-based rock band led by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. They recorded one album, which was shelved by Epic Records, and played a handful of live shows. Simmons and Stanley, feeling a new musical direction was needed, abandoned Wicked Lester in 1972 and began forming a new group.[6][7][8]
In late 1972, Simmons and Stanley came across an ad in the East Coast version of Rolling Stone placed by Peter Criss, a veteran drummer from the New York City scene who had previously played in the bands Lips and Chelsea. Simmons and Stanley met him in a nightclub where he was playing drums. After hearing Criss sing, they thought of him being in the band. Criss then auditioned for and later joined the new version of Wicked Lester. The trio focused on a much harder style of rock than Wicked Lester played. They also began experimenting with their image by wearing makeup and various outfits.[9] In November 1972, the trio played a showcase for Epic Records A&R director Don Ellis, in an effort to secure a record deal. Although the performance went well, Ellis disliked the group's image and music.
In early January 1973, the group added lead guitarist Ace Frehley. Frehley impressed the group with his first audition, although he showed up wearing two different colored sneakers, one red and one orange. A few weeks after Frehley joined, Wicked Lester changed their name to Kiss.[10]
The Kiss logo
Stanley came up with the name while he, Simmons and Criss were driving around New York City. Criss mentioned that he had been in a band called Lips, so Stanley said something to the effect of "What about Kiss?"[11] 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.[12] (Some of Wicked Lester's artwork included one lightning bolt for the "S" in Lester.[13]) Later, Stanley designed the logo with a Sharpie and a ruler and accidentally drew the two S's nonparallel because he did it "by eye." The art department asked him if he wanted it to be redrafted to be perfect and he said, "It got us this far, let's leave well enough alone. Our number one rule has always been no rules."[14]
The letters happened to look similar to the insignia of the Nazi SS, a symbol that is outlawed in Germany by Section 86a of the German criminal code. Since 1979, most of the band's album covers and merchandise in Germany have used an alternate logo, in which the letters "SS" look like the letters "ZZ" backwards. This logo is also used in Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Lithuania, Hungary and Israel to avoid controversy.
The band's name has repeatedly been the subject of rumors pertaining to alleged hidden meanings. Among these rumors are claims that the name is an acronym for "Knights in Satan's Service", "Kinder SS", or "Kids in Satan's Service". Simmons has denied all of these claims.[15][16]
The first Kiss performance was on January 30, 1973, for an audience of three at the Popcorn Club (renamed Coventry shortly afterward) in Queens. For the first three gigs, January 30 to February 1, they wore little to no makeup; the iconic makeup designs associated with Kiss made their debut during the March 9–10 shows at The Daisy in Amityville, New York. On March 13 of that year, the band recorded a five-song demo tape with producer Eddie Kramer. 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. Kiss agreed, with the condition that Aucoin sign the band to a record label within two weeks. On November 1, 1973, Kiss became the first act signed to former teen pop singer and Buddah Records executive Neil Bogart's new label, Casablanca Records.[17]
The band entered Bell Sound Studios in New York City on October 10, 1973, to begin recording their first album. On December 31, the band had their official industry premiere at the Academy of Music in New York City, opening for Blue Öyster Cult. 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 fire-breathing routine.[18]
Kiss' first tour started on February 5, 1974, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, as an opening act.[19] The band's self-titled debut album was released on February 8. Casablanca and Kiss promoted the album heavily throughout the spring and summer of 1974. On February 19, the band performed "Nothin' to Lose", "Firehouse" and "Black Diamond" on ABC's In Concert (aired March 29), their first television appearance. On April 29, the band performed "Firehouse" on The Mike Douglas Show. This broadcast included Simmons's first televised interview, a conversation with Mike Douglas in which Simmons declared himself "evil incarnate", eliciting uncomfortable reactions from a confused studio audience. Fellow Jewish-American guest Totie Fields said it would be humorous if beneath all the make-up Simmons was "just a nice Jewish boy". Simmons responded, "You should only know", to which Fields replied, "I do. You can't hide the hook", a reference to the stereotypical "Jewish" nose.[20]
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 (while touring) stopped in Los Angeles in August 1974 to begin recording their second album, Hotter Than Hell, which was released on October 22, 1974. The only single, "Let Me Go, Rock 'n' Roll", failed to chart, and the album stalled at No. 100.[21]
With Hotter Than Hell quickly dropping off the charts, Kiss was pulled from their tour to quickly record a new album. Casablanca head 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. It also contained what later became the band's signature song, "Rock and Roll All Nite".[22]
Although Kiss albums had not proved to be big sellers, the band was quickly gaining a reputation for their live performances. Kiss concerts featured such spectacles as Simmons spitting "blood" (an effect made primarily from raw egg whites, strawberry syrup and red food coloring) and "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.[23]
By mid 1975, Casablanca was almost bankrupt, and Kiss was in danger of losing their record contract. Both parties desperately needed a commercial breakthrough if they were to survive.[24] That breakthrough came in an unlikely form: a "double live" album.[25]
1975–1978: Rise to prominence
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. Compiled from May–July concerts in Detroit, Cleveland and Wildwood, NJ and released on September 10, 1975, Alive! achieved Gold status and spawned Kiss' first top 40 single: a live version of "Rock and Roll All Nite". It was the first version of the song with a guitar solo, and this recording has become the best-known version. It is also the basis of most covers, such as the cover by Poison in 1987. In recent years the band admitted that additional audience noise had been added to the album, as well as overdubs on select guitar and vocal spots, not to deceive fans, but to add more "excitement and realism" to the record.[26]
The success of Alive! not only brought Kiss the breakthrough they had been seeking, but arguably saved Casablanca, which was close to bankruptcy. Following this success, Kiss partnered with producer Bob Ezrin, who had previously worked with Alice Cooper. The result was Destroyer (released March 15, 1976), Kiss's most musically ambitious studio album to date. Destroyer, with its rather intricate production (using an orchestra, choir, and numerous tape effects), was a departure from the raw sound of the first three studio albums. Album art was designed by Ken Kelly, who had drawn Tarzan and Conan the Barbarian and also produced album covers for acts such as Rainbow and Manowar.[27][28] 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", the B-side to the single "Detroit Rock City", began to gain more airplay on FM radio did the album's sales rebound. The single was subsequently reissued with the A and B-sides reversed. "Beth" peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, and its success led to an increase in sales for both the album (which achieved platinum status by the end of 1976) and concert tickets.
In October 1976, Kiss appeared on The Paul Lynde Halloween Special, lip-synching "Detroit Rock City", "Beth" and "King of the Night Time World". The show, co-produced by Bill Aucoin, helped introduce Kiss to an even wider audience. In addition to the three songs, Kiss was the subject of a brief comedic "interview" conducted by Paul Lynde. This included Lynde noting, when hearing the member's first names, "Oh, I love a good religious group." The group was introduced to Lynde by Margaret Hamilton, reprising her character of the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard Of Oz.
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). A second live album, Alive II, was released on October 14, 1977. All three albums were certified platinum soon after their release. Between 1976 and 1978, Kiss earned $17.7 million from record royalties and music publishing.[29] A 1977 Gallup poll named Kiss the most popular band in America. In Japan, Kiss performed five sold-out shows at Tokyo's Budokan Hall, breaking the previous record of four held by the Beatles.
In May 1977, Kiss made their first of many comics appearances in Howard the Duck issue 12, published by Marvel Comics.[30] This served as a precursor to many more Kiss-related comics, initially published by Marvel.
The first Kiss compilation album, Double Platinum, was issued on April 2, 1978. This double album included many remixed versions of their hits, as well as "Strutter '78", a re-recorded version of a song from the group's first album. At Bogart's request, this version of the song featured a disco influence.[31]
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 contained ink mixed with actual blood donated by the group), a pinball machine, dolls, "Kiss Your Face Makeup" kits, Halloween masks, board games, lunchboxes, trading cards and many other pieces of memorabilia. Membership in the Kiss Army, the band's fan club, was in the six figures. Between 1977 and 1979, worldwide merchandise sales (in-store and on tour) reached an estimated $100 million.[32]
1978: Solo and film projects
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)[citation needed] in the group's history. In addition, Kiss' gross income for 1977 was $10.2 million. The group, along with manager Aucoin, sought to take the band to the next level of popularity. To that end, an ambitious, two-pronged strategy was devised for 1978.[33]
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.[34] Each album was a solo effort (none of the group appeared on another's album), and 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.[35]
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. Stanley's and Frehley's albums were most similar to Kiss' hard rock style, while Criss' album featured an R&B style with multiple ballads. Simmons' was the most eclectic of the four, featuring hard rock, ballads, Beatles-influenced pop and a cover of "When You Wish upon a Star" from the Disney film Pinocchio. Simmons' many collaborators included Aerosmith's Joe Perry, Cheap Trick's Rick Nielsen, the Doobie Brothers' Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, Donna Summer, Janis Ian, Helen Reddy, Bob Seger, Katey Sagal and his then-girlfriend Cher.
The solo albums were released on September 18, 1978. Casablanca spent $2.5 million on the marketing campaign for the albums, and announced they were shipping five million copies, guaranteeing platinum status.[36] Despite the large shipments, none of the albums sold particularly well and were later sold as cut-outs. Of the four, Frehley's album was the most successful, and spawned the only hit single, a cover of "New York Groove", written by Russ Ballard and originally performed by Hello.[37]
The second part of Kiss' and Aucoin's plan called for the band to appear in a film that would cement their image as larger-than-life rock and roll superheroes. Filming 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 result fell far short of those expectations. The script underwent numerous rewrites, and the band (particularly Criss and Frehley) grew increasingly frustrated with the filmmaking process.
The final product, Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park, debuted on NBC on October 28, 1978. It was released theatrically, after many changes, outside the U.S. in 1979 under the title Attack of the Phantoms. The band members were unhappy with the finished film, and would speak about their filmmaking experience in later interviews with a mix of humorous embarrassment and regret. They felt that the film portrayed them more as clowns than superheroes. The artistic failure of the film led to a rift between the band and Aucoin.[38] It has been only sporadically available on home video; currently, a version of the film is available on the compilation DVD Kissology Volume Two: 1978–1991.
1979–1983: Final make-up years
Kiss' first album of new material in two years, Dynasty (May 22, 1979), continued its platinum streak. The disco-flavored "I Was Made for Lovin' You" became one of the band's biggest hit singles to date, peaking at No. 11. Session drummer Anton Fig did almost all the percussion on the album while Criss recovered from an automobile accident. The only song to feature Criss' drumming was "Dirty Livin'", on which he also sang lead.[39]
Billed as "The Return of Kiss", the Dynasty Tour was expected by Kiss and their management to build on the success of previous tours. Plans were drawn up for a Kiss-themed traveling amusement park called "Kiss World", but were abandoned because of the immense costs involved;[40] however, "The Return of Kiss" saw a marked decline in attendance.[41]
The crowds on this tour were much younger than previous audiences had been, with many preadolescent children in Kiss make-up with their mothers and fathers (who were sometimes wearing the make-up 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.[42]
The fans were unaware of the dissension within the band. 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. During the episode, a visibly irritated Simmons and Stanley attempted, unsuccessfully, to contain the inebriated Frehley, whose frequent laughter and joking overshadowed the conversation between Snyder and the rest of the band. Criss made references to his large gun collection, to the chagrin of Simmons.[43]
By the end 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 for almost 17 years, although he remained an official member for nearly six more months.[44][45]
Session drummer Anton Fig played all the drums on the next album, Unmasked, although he was not credited, while Peter Criss appeared on the cover. Showcasing a slick, contemporary pop sound, Unmasked (released May 20, 1980) had the dubious distinction of being the first Kiss album since Dressed to Kill to not achieve platinum sales. Soon after the album's release, Criss' departure was officially announced.[46][47] Anton Fig, considered a member of Kiss for one day following the departure of Criss, was then fired by Stanley and Simmons, who felt he was not a good fit for the band.[48]
The band auditioned dozens of replacements for Criss in June 1980. One of the many who auditioned was Tico Torres (who would later be with Bon Jovi). They finally settled on a little-known drummer-guitarist-pianist-keyboardist-singer from Brooklyn named Paul Charles Caravello (born July 12, 1950) who adopted the stage name Eric Carr. His first make-up design was modeled on a hawk, though it was rejected as Stanley felt it looked more like a chicken. Carr ultimately settled on a "Fox" persona. In his Fox make-up, he was introduced on ABC's Kids Are People Too!, and debuted with the group on July 25, 1980, at the Palladium concert hall in New York City. This was Kiss's only U.S. show in support of Unmasked. 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.[49][50]
For their next album, the band worked again with producer Ezrin, with whom Kiss had found success on Destroyer. Early press reports indicated that the new album would be a return to the hard rock style that had originally brought the band success. However, 1981's Music from "The Elder" was a concept album featuring medieval horns, strings, harps, and synthesizers.[51]
The album was presented as a soundtrack to a film that was never made, making it difficult 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 No. 75 on the Billboard album chart.[52]
The band made only two appearances in support of the new album, both in January 1982. One was a performance on the ABC late-night variety program Fridays, while the second was a lip-synced performance that was broadcast via satellite during Italy's Sanremo Music Festival.[53] Kiss also performed "I" and "A World Without Heroes" on Solid Gold.
Absent from the satellite performance was Frehley, who had become increasingly frustrated with Kiss' new musical direction. Upset with the band's decision to record Music from "The Elder", he did not actively participate in the album's creation, providing lead vocals for only one track, "Dark Light". He did not appear at a special concert at Studio 54 in New York City, leaving Kiss to perform as a trio. He recorded his guitar parts at his home studio in Wilton, Connecticut and mailed them to Ezrin. 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 decisions. In June 1982, Frehley's departure from the band was negotiated, although he did not officially leave until December, and remained a business partner with Simmons and Stanley until 1985.
Simmons stated in his autobiography Kiss and Make-Up that Eddie Van Halen wanted to fill Frehley's spot. Simmons and Eddie's brother Alex convinced Eddie to remain with Van Halen.[54] Eddie was anxious to break up Van Halen because of tensions with lead singer David Lee Roth, who left the band soon thereafter.[55][56] Other notable musicians who auditioned for the band include Punky Meadows of Angel,[57] Doug Aldrich of Whitesnake and Dio,[58] Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi,[59] and Yngwie Malmsteen.[60]
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, he 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.[61]
Creatures of the Night (October 13, 1982) was Kiss' heaviest album to date, and although it fared better than Music from "The Elder", it peaked at only No. 45 on the charts and was not certified gold until 1994. 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).
Frehley's last appearance with the band (until the 1996 reunion) was in the music video for the single "I Love It Loud", which was co-written by Vincent. Frehley also appeared on the cover of the original Creatures of the Night album artwork. When the album was remixed and re-released in 1985 with a non-make-up cover and a slightly different song order, to reflect the band's roster change and abandonment of their make-up and costumes, Vincent was again absent from the album cover, as then-current lead guitarist, Bruce Kulick, appeared instead.[62] The liner notes accompanying the remixed LP, however, credited both Frehley and Vincent with lead guitar performances on the Creatures of the Night album. Vincent officially replaced Frehley as lead guitarist in December 1982, as the band embarked on its 10th Anniversary Tour.[63][64]
Vincent originally wanted to use his birth name in the band, but this was vetoed by Simmons on the grounds that it sounded "too ethnic". Specifically, according to Simmons, "it sounded like a fruit vendor." Simmons went on to note that "fairly or unfairly, rock and roll is about image".[65] 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 the misgivings that both Simmons and Stanley harbored about his personality, Vincent was taken into the band. Stanley designed a character, "The Wiz"[66][67] also known as "The Egyptian Warrior",[68] and make-up centered around an Egyptian ankh, for Vincent.[65] According to the official authorized Kiss biography, written by David Leaf and Ken Sharp, "The Egyptian Ankh Warrior" refers to Vincent's make-up and persona, while the nickname "The Wiz" refers to his virtuosity as a guitar player.[69] According to the Simmons autobiography Kiss and Make-Up, Vincent's Kiss persona was solely "The Wiz". A persona as "The Ankh Warrior" or similar is not mentioned in the book at all.[66][67]
From 1982 to 1983, the new lineup of Kiss became Simmons (the Demon), Stanley (the Starchild), Eric Carr (the Fox) and Vincent (The Egyptian Warrior[68] or the Wiz[66][67]). This incarnation of Kiss was to be the last incarnation of the original make-up era.
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 reinstated before recording started for Lick It Up because Simmons and Stanley could not find a new lead guitarist on such short notice. Vincent appeared on the cover of Lick It Up and was credited as the lead guitarist. He received a writing credit for eight of the ten songs on the album; "Fits Like a Glove" and "Dance All Over Your Face" were written solely by Simmons.
Personality issues arose once again, and Vincent was fired following the Lick It Up tour, due in part to excessive guitar soloing at a 1984 concert in Quebec. He was replaced by Mark St. John (birth name Mark Norton). Vincent's work on Creatures of the Night was not 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", "Tough Love", "Heart of Chrome" and "I Just Wanna". Before long, Vincent fell out with Simmons and Stanley for a third time, and they again severed their musical ties.
Persistent rumors circulated for years among Kiss fans regarding the true reason for Vincent's dismissals from Kiss, with at least one band member refusing to comment except to say that legally it was not up for discussion. Simmons stated in an interview several years later that Vincent's firing was for "unethical behavior", but he did not elaborate:
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.[70]
1983–1995: Unmasking
Sensing it was time for a change, Kiss made the decision to abandon their trademark make-up and costumes. The band officially appeared in public without make-up for the first time on a September 18, 1983 appearance on MTV, which coincided with the release of Lick It Up.[71] The tour to promote the new album and the unmasked band members began in Lisbon, Portugal, on October 11, 1983, at Pavilhão Dramático de Cascais, their first concert without make-up since early 1973. Lick It Up became Kiss' first gold record in three years, but the tour was even more sparsely attended than the previous one. Vincent did not get along with Simmons and Stanley, and he left the band at the conclusion of the tour in March 1984. Vincent's replacement was Mark St. John, a session player and guitar tutor.[72]
With St. John, Kiss released the album Animalize on September 13, 1984. Animalize followed the success of Lick It Up, and due in part to consistent MTV play for the "Heaven's on Fire" video, Animalize was the band's best-selling record in America during the decade, with over two million albums sold. With the success of the album and subsequent tour, Kiss had recaptured some of their earlier glory (though not to the level of their 1970s heyday). St. John, however, came down with reactive arthritis during tour rehearsals, and only performed at a handful of shows. St. John was relieved of his duties from Kiss in December 1984 and was replaced by Kulick (born December 12, 1953, in Brooklyn). Kulick was Kiss' fourth lead guitarist in less than three years, but he stayed with the band for 12 years.[73] Kulick was one of the band's longest-serving members, with the longest continuous tenure of anyone other than Simmons and Stanley, but he never wore the band's iconic makeup.
One of the first concerts Kulick played was at 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. Crazy Nights, in particular, was one of Kiss' most successful albums overseas. The single "Crazy Crazy Nights" reached No. 4 on the singles chart in the United Kingdom, their highest-charting single in that country.[74]
Kiss ended the decade with the October 1989 release Hot in the Shade. Although the album failed to achieve platinum status, it spawned the hit ballad "Forever", co-written by Michael Bolton. Peaking at No. 8 in the US, it was the group's highest-charting single since "Beth" and was the band's second Top 10 single.[74]
During this time, Kiss struggled with their identity and fan base. Simmons, arguably the driving force in Kiss during the 1970s, became less involved with the group in the 1980s as he pursued outside interests, most notably a film career. Stanley took a more prominent role as a result.[75][76]
In February 1991, the band decided to once again enlist Ezrin to produce their next album. Before recording could begin in earnest, however, tragedy struck. In March 1991, it was discovered that Carr had a tumor on his heart. It was successfully removed the following month, but more tumors were soon discovered in his lungs. Carr received chemotherapy and was pronounced cancer-free in July. However, in September he suffered the first of two cerebral hemorrhages. He died on November 24, 1991, at the age of 41.[77][78] Coincidentally, Queen frontman Freddie Mercury died the same day.
Despite the tragic loss of a longtime member, Kiss continued, introducing veteran drummer Eric Singer (born Eric Doyle Mensinger on May 12, 1958, in Cleveland, Ohio). Singer had played with Paul Stanley previously, as part of Stanley's backing band during a 1989 solo tour. Singer also played with artists such as Black Sabbath, Gary Moore, Lita Ford, Badlands and Alice Cooper.
Kiss released Revenge on May 19, 1992. It featured a leaner, harder-edged sound, as indicated by the first single, "Unholy". In a surprise move, Kiss enlisted Vincent to help with 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 tour in September 1992. The tour was documented on the album Alive III, released on May 14, 1993. Four days later, Kiss were inducted into Hollywood's RockWalk.[79]
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. 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 themselves as his backing band.
In 1995, the group released the book Kisstory, a 440-page, 9 pounds (4.1 kg), detailed chronicle 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), Criss appeared onstage with Kiss to sing "Hard Luck Woman" and "Nothin' to Lose". It was the first time Criss had performed publicly with the band in nearly 16 years.[80][81]
1995–2001: Reunion
On August 9, 1995, Kiss joined the long line of musicians to perform on MTV Unplugged. 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".[80] 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 follow-up to Revenge. Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions was completed in February 1996, but its release was delayed for almost two years. Bootleg copies of the album circulated widely among fans.[82] 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. With the following statements, 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:[83]
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 new, we need to shock the people ... so let's shock the people!
On April 16, the band held a press conference aboard the USS Intrepid in New York City, where they announced their plans for a full-fledged reunion tour, with the help of new manager Doc McGhee. The conference, MC'd by Conan O'Brien, was simulcast to 58 countries. On April 20, nearly 40,000 tickets for the tour's first show sold out in 47 minutes.[84]
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, California, during which the band nearly ignited the stage of the Irvine Meadows Amphitheater.[85] On June 28, the Kiss Alive/Worldwide Tour began at Tiger Stadium in Detroit in front of a sold-out crowd of 39,867 fans. The tour lasted for 192 shows over the course of one year and earned $43.6 million, making Kiss the top-drawing concert act of 1996.[86] The average attendance of 13,737 is the highest in the group's history.[84]
In September 1998, the reunited group issued Psycho Circus. Although it was the first album with the original lineup since 1979's Dynasty, 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. Former member Kulick made an appearance on the intro of the song "Within". Most drum duties were handled by session musician Kevin Valentine. Despite the controversy, the album achieved a No. 3 chart debut, the highest position for a Kiss album until Sonic Boom debuted at No. 2 in 2009.[87] The title track received a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance.[88] The Psycho Circus Tour opened at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Halloween in 1998, and was simulcast on FM radio across the U.S. It proved to be another success, and was historic for being the first to ever incorporate 3D visuals into a stage show.[89][90]
On August 11, 1999, Kiss was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in the "Recording Industry" category. August 13 saw the release of the film Detroit Rock City, starring Edward Furlong. The film takes place in 1978, and focuses on four teenagers willing to do anything to score tickets for a sold-out Kiss show in Detroit.
The next month, the group worked in collaboration with World Championship Wrestling to produce a Kiss-themed wrestler known as The Demon, whose face was painted to resemble Simmons' makeup. The group performed "God of Thunder" live on WCW Monday Nitro to debut the character. The band received $500,000 for the one-night, one-song performance.[91] According to wrestler Dean Malenko, their appearance was the lowest rated Nitro ever. The character was short-lived, and all ties to Kiss were cut by WCW when its head, Eric Bischoff' was relieved of his duties in September of that year.
Kiss launched a U.S. Farewell Tour in March 2000.[92] The group quickly added dates to the tour, which ran through April 2001. 2000 also saw the release of a computer game, Kiss: Psycho Circus: The Nightmare Child, based on the comic book series Kiss: Psycho Circus from Todd McFarlane Productions.
2001–2008: Post-reunion
On the eve of the Japanese and Australian leg of the Farewell Tour on January 31, 2001, Criss suddenly left the band once again, because he and the band could not come to agreement with his contract salary. Taking his place was previous Kiss drummer Singer who, in a move that was controversial among longtime fans, assumed Criss' Cat persona as the Farewell Tour continued.[93]
With the band supposedly set to retire by early 2001, a career-encompassing collection entitled simply The Box Set, consisting of 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. In introducing the Kiss Kasket, Simmons quipped, "I love livin', but this makes the alternative look pretty damn good."[94]
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.[95][96]
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 with host Terry Gross.[97] In February 2002, Kiss (with Singer on drums and Frehley on lead guitar) performed during the closing ceremony of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. This was Frehley's final performance as a member of Kiss.
On March 6, 2002, Kiss performed a private concert at a resort in Trelawny, Jamaica. Frehley, who was no longer under contract, did not perform with the group. He was replaced by Thayer, who donned Frehley's Spaceman makeup and costume for his first live appearance with Kiss.[98] That month, the band (with Thayer) taped an appearance on the American sitcom That '70s Show.[99] 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.[100]
In February 2003, Kiss traveled to Australia and recorded Kiss Symphony: Alive IV with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at Etihad Stadium (then known as Telstra Dome) in Melbourne. Thayer once again replaced Frehley, while Criss returned to the group. This album was the first released on Sanctuary Records, which was later sold to Universal Music Group – owners of the rest of Kiss' catalog.
Despite claims made prior to the Farewell Tour that it would be the group's last, Kiss toured with Aerosmith in 2003. Frehley announced that his departure from the band was permanent, stating that he believed the Farewell Tour would be Kiss' last,[101] and that he did not want to open for Aerosmith.[102] He was permanently replaced by Thayer, as Kiss moved into a post-reunion phase that saw the band easing into a new lineup, permanently featuring Thayer as "Spaceman" and Singer as "the Catman". On this tour, still featuring Criss, the group introduced the "Platinum" tickets package, with the most expensive packages costing $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.[103] The tour earned more than $64 million in 2003, which ranked seventh for the year.[104]
Current members Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer have replaced Ace Frehley and Peter Criss as "The Spaceman" and "The Catman" respectively.
Simmons and Stanley did not renew Criss' 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."[105] Criss stated in a radio interview in 2004 with Eddie Trunk that Simmons and Stanley were going to start a new Kiss, and felt that he was getting too old to play the drums for two hours (Criss was almost 59 at this time).
During the summer of 2004, Kiss headlined the Rock the Nation 2004 World Tour, with Poison as the opening act. The tour ended in August with a sold-out show in Mexico City. Selected dates on the tour were filmed for the Rock the Nation Live! concert DVD, released on December 13, 2005.[106] 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.[107]
After the conclusion of the Rock the Nation Tour, Kiss performed only sporadically for a number of years. 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. 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 since 1982. This was the first Kiss concert that Stanley had missed during his then 34-year tenure with the group.[108]
Kiss (along with Queen, Def Leppard and Judas Priest) were honored at the inaugural "VH1 Rock Honors" event, held May 25, 2006 in Las Vegas. 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 Frehley.
In June 2006, Simmons and Stanley attended the opening of the Kiss Coffeehouse in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 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.[109]
Stanley released his second solo album, Live to Win, on October 24, 2006, and undertook a brief solo tour in support. On October 31 the same year, the group released Kissology Volume One: 1974–1977, the first of 10 possible DVD sets featuring complete concert footage, interviews and never-before-seen clips.[110] By January 2007, the set had been certified 5x platinum in the United States.[111] A second volume was released on August 14, 2007. It was certified 6x Platinum by the RIAA on October 24.[112] What seemed to be the final entry, Kissology Volume Three: 1992–2000, was released on December 18, 2007, and has been certified 8x Platinum by the R.I.A.A.[113] Stanley insisted that there are more volumes forthcoming, during an interview with Norwegian broadcasting in the summer of 2008, but no details have been given.
In April 2007, former guitarist St. John died from an apparent cerebral hemorrhage at age 51.[114] After being forced to leave Kiss in 1984, St. John formed the short-lived glam metal group White Tiger. In 1990, he briefly collaborated with 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 had been eligible for enshrinement in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 1999, they were not nominated until 2009 and were not inducted until 2014. While this snub displeased some fans, Stanley and Simmons maintained that it was meaningless to them. Nevertheless, a group of about 200 Kiss fans held a protest rally in front of the Hall of Fame in Cleveland on August 5, 2006. It was the first known organized demonstration seeking the induction of a band into the Hall.[115]
In 2007, a new comic book series featuring the band was released by the Kiss Comics Group in association with Platinum Studios. Titled Kiss 4K: Legends Never Die, the first issue was published in both a regular size and a giant 1.5' x 2.5' "Destroyer edition".
The band picked up their pace in 2008, embarking on their first proper tour of Europe in nearly a decade. On January 30, 2008, Stanley confirmed that Kiss would launch the Kiss Alive/35 World Tour, playing arena and stadium shows in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. On March 16, 2008, Kiss closed the Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit as well as performing in Brisbane and Sydney as part of this tour. Kiss played at the Rock2Wgtn two-day festival held in Wellington, New Zealand on March 22 and 23, 2008; the festival also featured Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Poison, Alice Cooper, Lordi, Sonic Altar and Symphony of Screams, with special effects provided by WETA Workshop (of The Lord of the Rings and King Kong fame).
Throughout the summer of 2008, Kiss headlined festivals as well as their own shows and played to a record audience of about 400,000 people.[116] As part of this tour, Kiss headlined the Download Festival at England's Donington Park on June 13. Three days later, they headlined the Arrow Rock Festival in Nijmegen, Netherlands. On June 28, Kiss headlined the Graspop Metal Meeting in Dessel, Belgium. It was the last show of the European leg of the Kiss Alive/35 Tour. On August 4, Kiss played at Rockin' the Rally at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally as part of the tour. South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds proclaimed August 4, 2008 to be "Kiss Rock and Roll Day" in South Dakota. In September 2008, both Simmons and Stanley confirmed rumors that the Kiss Alive/35 Tour would continue with extensive tours of North America in the beginning of 2009, as well as South America. The latter tour included shows on April 5 in Argentina, April 7 and 8 in Brazil, April 14 in Peru (the first Kiss show ever in Peru), and other concerts in Venezuela (the first Kiss show ever in Venezuela) and Chile. That summer, Kiss came back to North America to continue the Alive/35 World Tour, starting on July 18 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.[117][118][119]
2008–2012: Sonic Boom and Monster
More than 10 years after their last studio album, and following years of denials about ever wanting to do a new album, Stanley and Simmons changed their minds. In November 2008, Stanley stated to rock photographer Ross Halfin that a new Kiss album was in the works. Stanley himself would be the producer, and the album would have a "real 70s Kiss sound" to it. Later that month, Simmons and Stanley both publicly confirmed the information about a new Kiss album:
We have 4 tunes recorded. If you're a fan of our stuff from about 1977, you'll feel right at home. All of us have taken up the songwriting call to arms in the same spirit we once did – without a care in the world and without outside writers. Nothing to prove to anyone. Just doing what comes naturally. Ignoring fashions, trends and with a personal vow from all of us: no rapping. There are plenty of people out there doing this and they don't need four palefaced guys pretending they're from the hood. Besides, I'm not sure how to correctly pronounce 'wassup.' See you all there ... Or maybe later![116]
The band appeared on American Idol in May 2009, performing "Detroit Rock City" and "Rock and Roll All Nite" with Adam Lambert.[120]
In October 2009, a new studio album, titled Sonic Boom, was released.[121] It included a CD of new material, re-recorded versions of famous Kiss hits (previously released as Jigoku-Retsuden, a Japanese exclusive album in 2008) and a live DVD recorded in Buenos Aires, Argentina.[122] "Modern Day Delilah" was released as the lead single from Sonic Boom on August 19, 2009. The song was Kiss' first single release in 11 years, since 1998's "You Wanted the Best". The song gained positive feedback from both critics and fans, and was compared to the band's 1970s work.[123][124] In support of the new album, Kiss appeared live on Late Show with David Letterman on October 6, 2009, and on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on October 7, 2009. Sonic Boom debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, selling 108,000 copies in its first week of release.
On September 25, 2009, the Kiss Alive/35 North American Tour kicked off at Cobo Hall in Detroit; both nights were filmed for future DVD release. These were the band's final performances there, as the venue was later closed as part of the renovation of the Cobo Center. Kiss headlined the 2009 Voodoo Experience held at City Park in New Orleans, Louisiana on Halloween night.[125] During their performance at the MTS Centre on November 9, 2009, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, one of the lighting trusses caught on fire from a pyro cue. The truss had to be lowered in order to have the fire put out. During the five or so minutes it took to extinguish the fire, the band broke into the song "Firehouse". No one was hurt and the show continued.[126]
Kiss started the European leg of the Sonic Boom Over Europe Tour in May 2010. Tragedy struck Kiss for a third time when former manager Aucoin died of cancer on June 28, 2010, at the age of 66. Stanley and Simmons said he was like the fifth member of Kiss. The tour included their first UK arena shows in 11 years and their first visit to Slovakia. Kiss later played at two dates in US cities Cheyenne, Wyoming and the North Dakota State Fair in Minot, North Dakota in July 2010. They also played at the Indiana State Fair in August and the Minnesota State Fair in September. They also made a brief appearance at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga, New York on August 17, 2010. On July 23, Kiss started The Hottest Show on Earth Tour in the United States. The tour saw the band play numerous shows throughout the US, Canada and Mexico.
On April 13, 2011, Kiss began recording a new album due for release later in the year.[127] Simmons stated, the album "is gonna be the next step to Sonic Boom. Very similar – straight rock songs, no ballads, no keyboards, no nothing, just rock."[127] The band also used old analog equipment instead of more popular digital recording gear. Simmons said: "Technology is a seductive bitch, she will seduce you. You press this button, you don't have to do anything. But analog is the love of your life. You can push real hard and it always gives back. For the new album, the actual recording process was 24-track tape and an old Trident board. And as many tubes as possible. You need tubes, electricity and thick wood to make that thick sound."[128][129]
Kiss spent the summer of 2011 playing venues in the US and Canada, visiting cities they had not played in some time; it was dubbed the "Lost Cities Tour". Their next album Monster was released in October 2012. KISS by Monster Mini Golf was opened in March 2012 in Las Vegas. The facility is an 18-hole indoor miniature golf course, featuring arcade games, a gift shop and numerous pieces of band memorabilia on display. The complete current version of the band attended the grand opening.[130]
Kiss appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on March 20, 2012. A press conference was held on the same day to announce a summer North American tour called The Tour, co-headlined by Mötley Crüe. The Tour started on July 20 and ended on October 1. The single "Hell or Hallelujah" was released internationally on July 2, 2012, and on July 3 in North America. Monster was released on October 9, 2012, in North America to critical and fan acclaim, debuting in the Top 3 in the US and Top 10 in many countries.
Kiss kicked off the Monster Tour on November 7, 2012, in Buenos Aires, Argentina at the River Plate Stadium and continued the six-date South American leg with dates in Santiago, Asunción, Porto Alegre, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro until November 18. The Australian leg began on February 28, 2013, in Perth at the Perth Arena and ran through March 16 in Mackay at Virgin Australian Stadium. They were joined by Mötley Crüe, Thin Lizzy and Diva Demolition. The band extensively toured Europe and Canada with a few US dates in June through August, and then Japan in October.
2013–2016: 40th anniversary, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and international collaboration
In 2015, Kiss released a collaboration CD with another artist for the first time.[131] The artist was Momoiro Clover Z, the most popular female idol group according to 2013 and 2015 surveys in Japan.[132][133][134][135]
On October 16, 2013, Kiss was again announced as a nominee for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,[136] and was subsequently announced as an inductee on December 17.[137]
In 2013, Kiss purchased a share of an Arena Football League expansion franchise set to begin play at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California in 2014. Simmons, Stanley and manager McGhee jointly owned the team, called the Los Angeles Kiss. Both Simmons and Stanley are known fans of the AFL.[138] The LA Kiss offered National Football League free agent quarterback Tim Tebow a contract to join their team and play in the AFL, but he did not join.[139] The team folded in 2016.
In 2014, Kiss toured as co-headliners with Def Leppard. After Simmons toured with Joe Elliott in South America, the two talked about their bands working together. From June 23 to August 31, 2014, the bands toured 42 cities, with a dollar per ticket donated to such military charities as Wounded Warrior Project.[140]
For the first time in the band's 41-year history, Kiss was featured on the cover of the April 10, 2014 (Issue 1206) edition of Rolling Stone magazine. On April 10, 2014, Kiss was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Though the rockers did not perform, the original four members (Simmons, Stanley, Frehley and Criss) showed up at the 29th annual induction ceremony in Brooklyn to accept their honor.[137][141]
External video
 Yume no Ukiyo ni Saite Mi na
Kiss's first collaboration single with another artist.
On January 28, 2015, Kiss released a collaboration single with the Japanese female idol group Momoiro Clover Z, titled "Yume no Ukiyo ni Saite Mi na". It was the first time Kiss had issued a collaboration record with another artist.[131] In Japan, it was released physically in two versions: "Momoiro Clover Z Edition" (on CD and Blu-ray) and "Kiss Edition" (CD only).[142][143] An alternate mix of the single's title song was also included as an opening track on the Japanese-only SHM-CD album Best of Kiss 40, released in Japan on the same day.[144][145]
Before the collaboration, the members of Kiss had watched concert videos of Momoiro Clover Z. Stanley later commented during an interview:
Spectacular show! Great choreography! Music like we never heard before. We said, "this is something we can do!" Somebody said, "Kiss, why are you doing it?" "Because we can!" It's two worlds getting together, doing something unbelievable. Music power rocks the world.[146]
On September 15, 2015, the RIAA announced that the band had earned more gold records than any other American band in the association's 63-year history, with a total of 30 gold album awards (including the band's four 1978 solo albums). Cary Sherman, the RIAA CEO and chairman, commented:
What an extraordinary achievement for an enduring band. Forty years later and the band is still rocking. Congratulations to KISS on their Gold album milestone and continued success.[147]
2016–present: Freedom to Rock Tour and final years
In 2016, Kiss conducted a summer tour, titled the Freedom to Rock Tour, of less frequented cities and smaller venues. The tour ran throughout the summer, with opening acts Caleb Johnson and the Dead Daisies.[148] On December 13, 2016, Kiss performed during the Season 11 finale of The Voice, accompanied by the season winner Sundance Head.
There have also been conflicting stories on whether Kiss will record another album or not. Simmons has said "yes" in interviews, saying that he has songs written and lined up for a new album. Stanley and Thayer dispute this however and say that they don't vow to make one and that the band can move forward without new music.[149][150]
Simmons and Stanley made cameo appearances in the 2016 movie Why Him?.[151]
On September 19, 2018, following a performance on America's Got Talent, Kiss announced that they will be ending their career with the One Last Kiss: End of the Road World Tour in 2019.[1][152] The tour kicks off on January 31 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and currently features 74 additional dates that run through December 3 in Auckland, New Zealand.[153]
In October 2018, the band reunited with Ace Frehley and Bruce Kulick on the Kiss Kruise. They performed "New York Groove", "2,000 Man", "Hide Your Heart" and "Domino". This is the first time Frehley and the band have performed since 2002 for their first Kiss Farewell Tour and Kulick's first time performing with the band live since his departure in 1997.[154]
Musical style
Kiss have typically been classified under the genres of hard rock, shock rock,[155] and heavy metal.[156][157][158][159] Most of their '70s albums, particularly the first six released between 1974 and 1977 as well as 1982's Creatures of the Night, featured a hard rock or traditional heavy metal style. 1979's Dynasty and 1980's Unmasked featured a more disco/pop rock sound, and 1981's Music from "The Elder" found the band dabbling in progressive rock. In 1983, starting with Lick It Up and the removal of their trademark make-up, the band began incorporating elements of glam metal into their sound and visual image.[160][161] Later, in the early 1990s, their sound grew heavier and abandoned the glam metal sound.[162] In the mid-1990s, the band returned to their original sound.[158]
Their music is described as "a commercially potent mix of anthemic, fist-pounding hard rock, driven by sleek hooks and ballads powered by loud guitars, cloying melodies, and sweeping strings. It was a sound that laid the groundwork for both arena rock and the pop-metal that dominated rock in the late '80s."[158] The first review of Kiss by Rolling Stone, in 1973, described the band as "an American Black Sabbath".[163] The same magazine's review of Hotter than Hell stated that "with twin guitars hammering out catchy mondo-distorto riffs and bass and drums amiably bringing up the rear, Kiss spews forth a deceptively controlled type of thunderous hysteria."[164] At the same time, Bennington Banner from Rock Music magazine said, "With its members' bizarre, Kabuki-like makeup, studded black leather costumes and arsenal of on-stage firepower – both musical and literal – Kiss represents the most extreme form of hard rock in 1974."[165]
Influence
British glam rock band Slade (pictured in 1973) was among the band's influences
Kiss was strongly influenced by Alice Cooper and the New York Dolls,[166] while Gene Simmons states "their musical heart and soul lies in England".[167] The Beatles and the trio of rock guitarists Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck were among the British acts he praised, with Simmons stating, "I've ripped off so many English riffs, if the British influence wasn't there, we wouldn't be here. 'Rock and Roll All Nite' is a direct bastard child of Slade's 'Mama Weer All Crazee Now'".[167] In his book, Kiss and Make-Up, Simmons wrote of the glam rock group Slade, "... we liked the way they connected with the crowd and the way they wrote anthems ... we wanted that same energy, that same irresistible simplicity".[168]
The world of concert touring was changed by Kiss's practice of erecting uniquely designed stage sets. Tours got larger, carrying more personnel and equipment, including sets, costumes, sound and lighting gear, pyrotechnics, all requiring more trucking, and the total cost increasing by millions of dollars. Kiss also innovated with a significant expansion of concert merchandising, selling non-musical Kiss-branded goods to concertgoers. The sales of merchandise helped pay for the concert expenses and bring a profit to the band as well as give them more of a presence without relying solely on radio. Other bands copied Kiss by selling their own branded goods at concerts, a practice which became more of a necessity in the 1980s with increasing costs of touring.[166][169]
Members
Further information: List of Kiss members
Current
Paul Stanley – vocals, rhythm guitar (1973–present)
Gene Simmons – vocals, bass (1973–present)
Tommy Thayer – lead guitar, vocals (2002–present)
Eric Singer – drums, percussion, vocals (1991–1996, 2001-2002, 2004–present)
Former
Ace Frehley – lead guitar, vocals (1973–1982, 1996–2002)
Peter Criss – drums, percussion, vocals (1973–1980, 1996–2001, 2002–2004)
Eric Carr – drums, percussion, vocals (1980–1991; his death)
Vinnie Vincent – lead guitar, vocals (1982–1984)
Mark St. John – lead guitar, vocals (1984; died 2007)
Bruce Kulick – lead guitar, vocals (1984–1996)
Make-up designs
"We had to go through torture to perfect the process of putting it on," Stanley admitted in 1996. "I can remember plenty of times when I blinded myself with black eye make-up ... In the beginning, the white was a zinc oxide cream which you can buy in any pharmacy. We didn't know what we were doing; we just wanted white faces ... and the zinc oxide beating spraying ourselves with white paint. We eventually worked our way up to what's called 'clown white.' The two best brands are made by Stein's and Max Factor ... At first, the black was Maybelline waterproof eyeliner, but it would crack because it's only meant to draw a line around your eye, not a whole star. Now we use black grease sticks, which are a more solid form of greasepaint. The silver that Peter and Ace use is made by Stein's, and it comes in bottles in either metallic gold or metallic silver ... The only time we have problems is in situations of extreme heat. I remember doing a show when it was so hot and humid that the make-up literally ran off our faces. Between songs we'd run to the side of the stage to slap on more clown white!"[170]
The Starchild
Paul Stanley
The Demon
Gene Simmons
The Spaceman/
Space Ace
Ace Frehley
(since 2002:
Tommy Thayer)
The Catman
Peter Criss
(since 2004: Eric Singer)
The Fox
Eric Carr
The Ankh Warrior
Vinnie Vincent
St. John and Kulick were members of Kiss only during the period where the band members did not perform wearing make-up. The four original makeup designs have been registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, with ownership and licensing rights held by Simmons and Stanley. The Spaceman makeup design was sold to Simmons and Stanley by Ace Frehley.
Awards and nominations
Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Kiss
Discography
Main article: Kiss discography
Studio albums
Kiss (1974)
Hotter than Hell (1974)
Dressed to Kill (1975)
Destroyer (1976)
Rock and Roll Over (1976)
Love Gun (1977)
Gene Simmons (1978)
Ace Frehley (1978)
Peter Criss (1978)
Paul Stanley (1978)
Dynasty (1979)
Unmasked (1980)
Music from "The Elder" (1981)
Creatures of the Night (1982)
Lick It Up (1983)
Animalize (1984)
Asylum (1985)
Crazy Nights (1987)
Hot in the Shade (1989)
Revenge (1992)
Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions (1997)
Psycho Circus (1998)
Sonic Boom (2009)
Monster (2012)
See also
 Book: Kiss
Heavy metal portal
Category:Kiss (band)
Kiss videography
List of songs recorded by Kiss
List of artists who reached number one on the U.S. Mainstream Rock chart
List of best-selling music artists
List of awards and nominations received by Kiss
Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards
2007 Kiss Alive! 1975-2000 Best Reissue Won
2008 Paul Stanley Showman Award Won
Grammy Awards
The Grammy Awards are awarded annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Kiss has received one award nomination.
1999 "Psycho Circus" Best Hard Rock Performance Nominated
Metal Edge Readers' Choice Awards
1996  Kiss  Band of the Year
1996  Kiss  Best Metal/Hard Rock Band
1996  Kiss  Best Concert Performance
1996  Kiss  Best Concert Tour
1996  Paul Stanley  Best Vocalist
1996  Gene Simmons  Best Bassist
1996  Ace Frehley  Best Guitarist
1996  Kiss Unplugged  Best Video Cassette
1997  "Jungle"  Song of the Year
1998  Psycho Circus  Album of the Year
1998  "Psycho Circus"  Song of the Year
1998  "Psycho Circus"  Best Video Clip
1998  Second Coming  Best Video Cassette
1998  Kiss  Best Concert Performance
1998  Gene Simmons  Best Bassist
2000  Kiss  Stage Show of the Year
MTV Video Music Awards
The MTV Video Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony established in 1984 by MTV. KISS has received just one nomination.
1984 "All Hell's Breakin' Loose" Best Cinematography Nominated
People's Choice Awards
The People's Choice Awards is an awards show recognizing the people and the work of popular culture. Kiss has received one award to date, for song Beth in 1977.
Result
1977 "Beth" Favorite New Song Won
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a museum and award show dedicated to honoring the history and cultural impact of rock and roll. KISS was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame on April 10th, 2014
2014  Kiss Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Won
Kiss
Paul Stanley ·
 Gene Simmons ·
 Tommy Thayer ·
 Eric Singer
Ace Frehley ·
 Peter Criss ·
 Eric Carr ·
 Vinnie Vincent ·
 Mark St. John ·
 Bruce Kulick
Studio albums
Kiss ·
 Hotter Than Hell ·
 Dressed to Kill ·
 Destroyer ·
 Rock and Roll Over ·
 Love Gun ·
 Dynasty ·
 Unmasked ·
 Music from "The Elder" ·
 Creatures of the Night ·
 Lick It Up ·
 Animalize ·
 Asylum ·
 Crazy Nights ·
 Hot in the Shade ·
 Revenge ·
 Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions ·
 Psycho Circus ·
 Sonic Boom ·
 Monster
'78 solo albums
Ace Frehley ·
 Gene Simmons ·
 Paul Stanley ·
 Peter Criss
Live albums
Alive! ·
 Alive II ·
 Alive III ·
 Kiss Unplugged ·
 You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best!! ·
 Kiss Symphony: Alive IV ·
 Kiss Instant Live ·
 Alive! The Millennium Concert ·
 Kiss Alive 35 ·
 Kiss Sonic Boom Over Europe ·
 Kiss Rocks Vegas
Compilations
Double Platinum ·
 Killers ·
 Chikara ·
 Smashes, Thrashes & Hits ·
 Greatest Kiss ·
 The Very Best of Kiss ·
 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Kiss ·
 The Best of Kiss, Volume 2: The Millennium Collection ·
 Gold ·
 The Best of Kiss, Volume 3: The Millennium Collection ·
 Jigoku-Retsuden ·
 Kiss 40 ·
 Kissworld
Box sets
The Originals ·
 The Box Set ·
 Kiss Chronicles: 3 Classic Albums ·
 Kiss Alive! 1975–2000 ·
 Ikons
Video albums
Animalize Live Uncensored ·
 Exposed ·
 Crazy Nights ·
 X-treme Close-Up ·
 Kiss Konfidential ·
 Kiss My Ass: The Video ·
 Kiss Unplugged ·
 Psycho Circus 3-D Video ·
 The Second Coming ·
 Kiss Symphony: The DVD ·
 Rock the Nation Live! ·
 Kissology Volume One: 1974–1977 ·
 Kissology Volume Two: 1978–1991 ·
 Kissology Volume Three: 1992–2000 ·
 Kiss Rocks Vegas
Tribute albums
Hard to Believe: A Kiss Covers Compilation ·
 Kiss My Ass: Classic Kiss Regrooved ·
 A Tribute to the Creatures of the Night ·
 Kiss My Grass: A Hillbilly Tribute to Kiss ·
 Spin the Bottle: An All-Star Tribute to Kiss ·
 Gods of Thunder: A Norwegian Tribute to Kiss ·
 Lick It Up – A Millennium Tribute to Kiss ·
 Kiss My Ankh ·
 Sheep in KISS Make Up
Concert tours
The Early Days of Kiss ·
 Kiss Tour ·
 Hotter than Hell Tour ·
 Dressed to Kill Tour ·
 Alive! Tour ·
 Destroyer Tour ·
 Rock & Roll Over Tour ·
 Love Gun Tour ·
 Alive II Tour ·
 Dynasty Tour ·
 Unmasked Tour ·
 Creatures of the Night Tour ·
 Lick It Up World Tour ·
 Animalize World Tour ·
 Asylum Tour ·
 Crazy Nights World Tour ·
 Hot in the Shade Tour ·
 Revenge Tour ·
 Kiss My Ass Tour ·
 Alive/Worldwide Tour ·
 Psycho Circus World Tour ·
 Kiss Farewell Tour ·
 World Domination Tour ·
 Rock the Nation World Tour ·
 Rising Sun Tour ·
 Hit 'n Run Tour ·
 Alive 35 World Tour ·
 Sonic Boom Over Europe Tour ·
 The Hottest Show on Earth Tour ·
 The Tour ·
 Monster World Tour ·
 The KISS 40th Anniversary World Tour ·
 Freedom to Rock Tour ·
 Kissworld Tour ·
 One Last Kiss: End of the Road World Tour
Films
Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park ·
 Detroit Rock City ·
 Scooby-Doo! and Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery
Merchandising
Action figures ·
 Comics ·
 Kiss: Psycho Circus ·
 Pinball ·
 Pinball video game ·
 Kiss: Psycho Circus: The Nightmare Child ·
 Kiss Kasket ·
 Kiss by Monster Mini-Golf ·
 Los Angeles Kiss ·
 Bibliography
Related
Articles
Discography ·
 Videography ·
 Band members ·
 Songs ·
 Awards ·
 Kiss Army ·
 Operation Payback ·
 The Elder ·
 Stephen Coronel
Bands
Black 'n Blue ·
 Black Sabbath ·
 Chelsea ·
 Eric Singer Project ·
 Frehley's Comet ·
 Grand Funk Railroad ·
 Mini Kiss ·
 Union ·
 Vinnie Vincent Invasion ·
 White Tiger ·
 Wicked Lester
Albums
Gene Simmons Vault ·
 Live to Win ·
 One Live Kiss ·
 The Original Wicked Lester Sessions ·
 Origins, Vol. 1 ·
 Rockology ·
 Unfinished Business
 List of Kiss members
The current lineup of Kiss, from left to right: Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer.
Kiss is an American hard rock band from New York City, New York. Formed in 1973, the group originally featured rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley, bassist Gene Simmons, lead guitarist Ace Frehley and drummer Peter Criss, all of whom contributed to vocals.[1] The band's lineup remained stable until 1980, when Criss left on May 17.[2] He was replaced by Eric Carr later in the year.[3] Two years later Frehley also left the band, although Stanley and Simmons have claimed that he was fired due to a problem with drug and alcohol abuse.[4]
Frehley was replaced by Vinnie Vincent, who performed on Creatures of the Night and Lick It Up before leaving in 1984.[5] Mark St. John performed on Animalize, before Bruce Kulick replaced him after the album's release.[6] Carr died on November 24, 1991,[7] being replaced by Eric Singer.[8] In 1996, founding members Frehley and Criss rejoined the band for the Alive/Worldwide Tour, marking the first performances of the original lineup in 17 years.[9] The reunited lineup released one studio album, Psycho Circus, in 1998.[1]
Following the 2000–2001 Farewell Tour, Kiss intended to retire from touring; however, the band returned in 2002 with returning drummer Singer (who rejoined the previous year) and new lead guitarist Tommy Thayer.[1] Criss returned to the band later in the year, but left again in 2004.[10] With the current lineup, Kiss has released two studio albums: 2009's Sonic Boom and 2012's Monster.[1]
Members
 Paul Stanley  1973–present
vocals ·
 rhythm guitar
 all Kiss releases
 Gene Simmons  1973–present
vocals ·
 bass
 all Kiss releases
 Tommy Thayer
1989 ·
 1992 ·
 2002–present
lead guitar ·
 vocals
Hot in the Shade (1989) – "Betrayed" and "The Street Giveth and the Street Taketh Away" only ·
 Revenge (1992, only backing vocals) ·
 all Kiss releases from Psycho Circus (1998) to present
 Eric Singer
1991–1996 ·
 2001–2002 ·
 2004–present
drums ·
 percussion ·
 vocals
all Kiss releases from Revenge (1992) to Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions (1997) ·
 all Kiss releases from Kiss Alive 35 (2009) to present
 Ace Frehley
1973–1982 ·
 1995 ·
 1996–2002
lead guitar ·
 vocals
all Kiss releases from Kiss (1974) to Music from "The Elder" (1981) ·
 You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best!! (1996) ·
 Psycho Circus (1998) ·
 Alive! The Millennium Concert (2000)
 Peter Criss
1973–1980 ·
 1995 ·
 1996–2001 ·
 2002–2004
drums ·
 percussion ·
 vocals
all Kiss releases from Kiss (1974) to Dynasty (1979) ·
 You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best!! (1996) ·
 Psycho Circus (1998) ·
 Alive! The Millennium Concert (2000) ·
 Kiss Symphony: Alive IV (2003)
 Eric Carr  1980–1991
(his death)
drums ·
 percussion ·
 vocals
 all Kiss releases from Music from "The Elder" (1981) to Revenge (1992) – "God Gave Rock 'N' Roll to You II" and "Carr Jam 1981" only on Revenge
 Vinnie Vincent  1982–1984
lead guitar ·
 vocals
Creatures of the Night (1982) ·
 Lick It Up (1983)
 Mark St. John  1984
lead guitar ·
 vocals
 Animalize (1984)
 Bruce Kulick  1984–1996
lead guitar ·
 vocals ·
 keyboards
 all Kiss releases from Animalize (1984) to Psycho Circus (1998) – "Lonely Is the Hunter" and "Murder in High Heels" only on Animalize; "Psycho Circus", "Within" and "Dreamin'" only on Psycho Circus
Kiss videography
The following is the filmography of the American rock band Kiss.
Music videos
1975  Rock and Roll All Nite  Unknown
C'mon and Love Me
1976  I Want You
Hard Luck Woman
Love 'em, Leave 'em
 Unknown
1979  I Was Made for Lovin' You  John Goodhue
Sure Know Something
1980  Shandi  Unknown
1981  A World Without Heroes  Bruce Gowers
1982  I Love It Loud  Paul Davey
1983  Lick It Up  Martin Kahan
All Hell's Breakin' Loose
1984  Heaven's on Fire  David Lewis
Thrills in the Night  Albie Vos
1985  Tears Are Falling  David Mallet
Who Wants to Be Lonely
Uh! All Night
1986  Rock and Roll All Nite (Live)  Claude Borenwzeig
1987  Crazy Crazy Nights  Jean Pellerin & Doug Freel
Reason to Live  Marty Callner
1988  Turn On the Night
1989  Let's Put the 'X' in Sex  Rebecca Blake
(You Make Me) Rock Hard
Hide Your Heart  Marty Callner
Rise to It  Mark Rezyka
Forever
1991  God Gave Rock 'N' Roll to You II
1992  Unholy  Paul Rachman
I Just Wanna
Domino
Every Time I Look at You  Mark Rezyka
1993  I Love It Loud (Live)  Joseph Young
1997  Shout It Out Loud (Live)  Wayne Isham
1998  Psycho Circus  James Hurlburt
2009  Modern Day Delilah  Wayne Isham
Lyric videos
2012  "Hell or Hallelujah"
2013  "Right Here Right Now"
Video albums
1985  Animalize Live Uncensored Released: April 19, 1985
Label: Mercury Records
Formats: VHS
 US: Platinum[1]
1987  Exposed Released: May 18, 1987
Label: PolyGram Music Video
Formats: VHS, DVD
 US: Platinum[1]
CAN: Platinum[2]
1988  Crazy Nights Released: June 6, 1988
Label: PolyGram Music Video
Formats: VHS
 US: Gold[1]
1992  X-treme Close-Up Released: August 18, 1992
Label: PolyGram Music Video
Formats: VHS, DVD
 US: Platinum[1]
CAN: Gold[2]
1993  Kiss Konfidential Released: August 16, 1993
Label: PolyGram Music Video
Formats: VHS, DVD
 US: Gold[1]
CAN: Gold[2]
1994  Kiss My Ass: The Video Released: August 23, 1994
Label: PolyGram Music Video
Formats: VHS, DVD
 US: Gold[1]
1996  Kiss Unplugged Released: March 12, 1996
Label: PolyGram Music Video
Formats: VHS, DVD
 US: Gold[1]
1998  Psycho Circus 3-D Video Released: October 20, 1998
Label: Mercury Records
Formats: CD
 US: Platinum[1]
The Second Coming Released: November 24, 1998
Label: PolyGram Music Video
Formats: DVD
 US: Platinum[1]
AUS: 2x Platinum[3]
2003  Kiss Symphony: The DVD Released: September 10, 2003
Label: Sanctuary Records
Formats: DVD
 US: 2× Platinum[1]
ARG: Platinum[4]
CAN: 2× Platinum[2]
AUS: Platinum[5]
2005  Rock the Nation Live! Released: December 13, 2005
Label: Image Entertainment
Formats: DVD
 US: 2× Platinum[1]
CAN: 2× Platinum[2]
AUS: Platinum[6]
2006  Kissology Volume One: 1974–1977 Released: October 31, 2006
Label: VH1 Classic Records
Formats: DVD
 US: 5× Platinum[1]
CAN: 8× Platinum[2]
2007  Kissology Volume Two: 1978–1991 Released: August 14, 2007
Label: VH1 Classic Records
Formats: DVD
 US: 6× Platinum[1]
Kissology Volume Three: 1992–2000 Released: December 18, 2007
Label: VH1 Classic Records
Formats: DVD
 US: 8× Platinum[1]
2016  Kiss Rocks Vegas Released: August 26, 2016
Label:
Formats: DVD, Blu-Ray, CD
Feature films
1978  Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park  Gordon Hessler
1999  Detroit Rock City  Adam Rifkin
2015  Scooby-Doo! and Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery  Spike Brandt and Tony Cervone
Other appearances
In 2010 Love theme from KISS appeared in the movie Somewhere, directed by Sofia Coppola.
Kiss in the 1998 Millennium episode "...Thirteen Years Later".
Kiss was also featured in the Family Guy episodes "A Very Special Family Guy Freakin' Christmas" and "Road to Europe".
In 2002, Kiss filmed a music video with the cast of the popular sitcom That '70s Show to announce that the show was going into syndication. The half-hour special showed behind the scenes of the making of the video. The half-hour special, called That '70s Kiss Show, aired on VH1.
Gene Simmons makes a cameo appearance in the 2008 movie Detroit Metal City (a live action adaptation of the manga of the same name) as Jack ill Dark, a legendary Black metal guitarist from the United States.
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley appeared as themselves in the 2009 Fairly OddParents episode "Wishology Part 1: The Big Beginning."
Kiss appeared on the season finale of American Idol in 2009 and 2014 during results shows in which they performed with Adam Lambert and Caleb Johnson.
Gene Simmons appears as himself on the CSI: Crime Scene Investigation episode "Long Road Home".
Gene Simmons makes an appearance on Castle, in the episode "To Love and Die in L.A." as a friend of the murder victim whose case Castle and Beckett investigate.
They also appear in an episode of What's New, Scooby-Doo? performing as themselves, they later appeared in the Scooby-Doo movie Scooby-Doo! and Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery.
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley appear in the 2016 comedy film Why Him? as themselves.
In 1976 Kiss has appeared in The Paul Lynde Halloween Special as themselves.
List of songs recorded by Kiss
The original lineup of Kiss in 1977. Clockwise from top: Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, Paul Stanley and Ace Frehley.
Kiss is an American hard rock band from New York City, New York. Formed in January 1973, the group originally included rhythm guitarist and vocalist Paul Stanley, bassist and vocalist Gene Simmons, lead guitarist Ace Frehley and drummer Peter Criss.[1] Songwriting is typically led by Stanley and Simmons, who also perform the majority of lead vocals, although all members regularly contribute.[2] The band's self-titled debut album featured only one songwriting credit for Frehley and Criss (on "Love Theme from Kiss", written by all four members), as well as a cover version of Bobby Rydell's "Kissin' Time".[3] Frehley wrote or co-wrote three songs on Hotter than Hell,[4] and two on 1975's Dressed to Kill.[5] For Destroyer, the band worked closely with producer Bob Ezrin, who was credited for songwriting on seven of the album's nine tracks.[6]
Rock and Roll Over, released in 1976, was again led by Stanley and Simmons, with Sean Delaney co-credited alongside the former on three tracks.[7] 1977's Love Gun featured a writing credit each for Frehley and Criss, as well as a cover of "Then She Kissed Me", originally by The Crystals.[8] After each member released an eponymous solo album in 1978, Kiss returned in 1979 with Dynasty, which featured session drummer Anton Fig in place of the injured Criss.[9] Fig also performed on Unmasked the following year, by which time Criss had left Kiss.[10] Unmasked included several songwriters from outside of the band, including producer Vini Poncia on all but three tracks.[11] Following the addition of Eric Carr on drums, the band released Music from "The Elder" in 1981, which was the last to feature Frehley who departed the following year.[12]
Frehley was replaced by Vinnie Vincent, who first wrote and performed on Creatures of the Night in 1982.[13] The album also featured two songs co-written by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance.[13] Vincent remained for the 1983 follow-up Lick It Up, although left after the album's touring cycle.[14] He was replaced for Animalize by Mark St. John, which included songs co-written by Desmond Child, Mitch Weissman and Jean Beauvoir.[15] Bruce Kulick debuted on Asylum as the band's fourth lead guitarist, which again included credits for Child and Beauvoir.[16] Crazy Nights and Hot in the Shade featured returning contributors Poncia, Child and Weissman, as well as new additions such as Tommy Thayer, Michael Bolton and Bob Halligan Jr.[17][18] Carr died of cancer on November 24, 1991, with Eric Singer taking over as the band's drummer.[1]
The band's 1992 release Revenge was largely co-written with Ezrin, who had returned as producer.[19] In 1996, Frehley and Criss returned for an original lineup reunion tour.[1] The group released Psycho Circus in 1998, which was primarily written by Stanley and Simmons with contributions from Curtis Cuomo, Holly Knight, Karl Cochran, Ezrin and Kulick.[20] By 2004, the lineup of Kiss included lead guitarist Thayer and drummer Singer.[1] The group's next studio album followed in 2009 – Sonic Boom was written entirely by the band's members, with all but Singer credited.[21] 2012's Monster credited the drummer on just one track, "Back to the Stone Age", which was written by the whole band.[22] In early 2015, Kiss released a single in collaboration with Japanese idol group Momoiro Clover Z entitled "Yume no Ukiyo ni Saite Mi na".[23]
Songs
Rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley, the primary songwriter in Kiss, has written (or co-written) and performed lead (or co-lead) vocals on over 120 songs for the band.
Bassist Gene Simmons is the second main songwriter and vocalist in the band, with writing credits on over 100 songs and singing credits on over 90.
Original lead guitarist Ace Frehley wrote or co-wrote 18 and performed lead vocals on 12 songs during his two tenures.
Peter Criss, the original Kiss drummer, wrote only five tracks for the band, but performed vocals on a total of thirteen.
Guitarist Bruce Kulick co-wrote 20 songs for Kiss, both as a band member and as a guest contributor, and performed lead vocals on "I Walk Alone".
The band's current drummer Eric Singer is featured as a co-writer on only one Kiss track, "Back to the Stone Age", which is credited to the whole group.
Tommy Thayer has written or co-written 16 songs for the group since 1989, as well as singing on two ("Outta This World" and "When Lightning Strikes").
Anton Fig performed drums on Dynasty and Unmasked, and co-wrote the song "Dark Light" for Music from "The Elder".
Bob Ezrin produced three Kiss albums, co-writing 21 songs with various band members.
Kiss covered Bobby Rydell's "Kissin' Time" for their 1974 self-titled debut album.
Kim Fowley co-wrote two songs on 1976's Destroyer – "King of the Night Time World" and "Do You Love Me".
Kiss recorded a cover of "Then He Kissed Me", originally by The Crystals, under the title "Then She Kissed Me", for the 1977 album Love Gun.
Alive II features a recording of The Dave Clark Five's "Any Way You Want It", written by the eponymous frontman.
The 1979 album Dynasty included a cover of The Rolling Stones song "2,000 Man".
Lou Reed contributed to songwriting for three tracks on Music from "The Elder".
Bryan Adams co-wrote three songs for the 1982 releases Killers and Creatures of the Night.
Diane Warren co-wrote the singles "Turn On the Night" and "(You Make Me) Rock Hard", as well as writing "Nothing Can Keep Me from You" for the 1999 film Detroit Rock City.
Holly Knight co-wrote one song for 1989's Hot in the Shade and two for 1998's Psycho Circus.
Michael Bolton wrote the 1990 single "Forever" with Stanley.
Black 'n Blue frontman Jaime St. James co-wrote "In My Head", released on 1997's Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions.
Kiss covered the Ramones song "Do You Remember Rock 'n' Roll Radio?" for the 2003 tribute album We're a Happy Family: A Tribute to Ramones.
In 2014, the band contributed a recording of the Wings track "Venus and Mars/Rock Show", written by Paul and Linda McCartney, to the tribute album The Art of McCartney.
The band collaborated with Japanese idol group Momoiro Clover Z for the single "Yume no Ukiyo ni Saite Mi na", released in 2015 with B-side "Samurai Son"
List of songs recorded by Kiss, with writer(s), lead vocalist(s), original release and year
"100,000 Years"
Paul Stanley
Gene Simmons  Paul Stanley  Kiss  1974  [24]
"2,000 Man"
(The Rolling Stones cover)
Mick Jagger
Keith Richards  Ace Frehley  Dynasty  1979  [25]
"Ain't That Peculiar"
Eric Carr
Smokey Robinson
Pete Moore
Bobby Rogers
Marv Tarplin  Eric Carr  The Box Set  2001  [26]
"All American Man"
Paul Stanley
Sean Delaney  Paul Stanley  Alive II  1977  [27]
"All for the Glory"
Paul Stanley
Gene Simmons  Eric Singer  Sonic Boom  2009  [28]
"All for the Love of Rock & Roll"
Paul Stanley  Eric Singer  Monster  2012  [29]
"All Hell's Breakin' Loose" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley
Gene Simmons
Vinnie Vincent
Eric Carr  Paul Stanley  Lick It Up  1983  [30]
"All the Way"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Hotter than Hell  1974  [31]
"Almost Human"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Love Gun  1977  [32]
"And on the 8th Day"
Gene Simmons
Vinnie Vincent  Gene Simmons  Lick It Up  1983  [33]
"Any Way You Slice It"
Gene Simmons
Howard Rice  Gene Simmons  Asylum  1985  [34]
"Any Way You Want It"
(The Dave Clark Five cover)
Dave Clark  Paul Stanley  Alive II  1977  [35]
"Anything for My Baby"
Paul Stanley  Paul Stanley  Dressed to Kill  1975  [36]
"Baby Driver"
Peter Criss
Stan Penridge  Peter Criss  Rock and Roll Over  1976  [37]
"Back to the Stone Age"
Gene Simmons
Paul Stanley
Tommy Thayer
Eric Singer  Gene Simmons  Monster  2012  [38]
"Bad, Bad Lovin'"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  The Box Set  2001  [39]
"Bang Bang You"
Paul Stanley
Desmond Child  Paul Stanley  Crazy Nights  1987  [40]
"Beth" Song released as a single
Peter Criss
Stan Penridge
Bob Ezrin  Peter Criss  Destroyer  1976  [41]
"Betrayed"
Gene Simmons
Tommy Thayer  Gene Simmons  Hot in the Shade  1989  [42]
"Black Diamond"
Paul Stanley  Peter Criss
Paul Stanley  Kiss  1974  [43]
"Boomerang"
Gene Simmons
Bruce Kulick  Gene Simmons  Hot in the Shade  1989  [44]
"Burn Bitch Burn"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Animalize  1984  [45]
"C'mon and Love Me" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley  Paul Stanley  Dressed to Kill  1975  [46]
"Cadillac Dreams"
Gene Simmons
Vini Poncia  Gene Simmons  Hot in the Shade  1989  [47]
"Calling Dr. Love" Song released as a single
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Rock and Roll Over  1976  [48]
"Carr Jam 1981"
Eric Carr  none (instrumental)  Revenge  1992  [49]
"Charisma"
Gene Simmons
Howard Marks  Gene Simmons  Dynasty  1979  [50]
"Childhood's End"
Gene Simmons
Tommy Thayer
Bruce Kulick  Gene Simmons  Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions  1997  [51]
"Christine Sixteen" Song released as a single
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Love Gun  1977  [52]
"Cold Gin"
Ace Frehley  Gene Simmons  Kiss  1974  [53]
"Comin' Home"
Paul Stanley
Ace Frehley  Paul Stanley  Hotter than Hell  1974  [54]
"Crazy Crazy Nights" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley
Adam Mitchell  Paul Stanley  Crazy Nights  1987  [55]
"Creatures of the Night" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley
Adam Mitchell  Paul Stanley  Creatures of the Night  1982  [56]
"Dance All Over Your Face"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Lick It Up  1983  [57]
"Danger"
Paul Stanley
Adam Mitchell  Paul Stanley  Creatures of the Night  1982  [58]
"Danger Us"
Paul Stanley  Paul Stanley  Sonic Boom  2009  [59]
"Dark Light"
Ace Frehley
Gene Simmons
Anton Fig
Lou Reed  Ace Frehley  Music from "The Elder"  1981  [60]
"Detroit Rock City" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley
Bob Ezrin  Paul Stanley  Destroyer  1976  [61]
"Deuce"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Kiss  1974  [62]
"The Devil Is Me"
Gene Simmons
Paul Stanley
Tommy Thayer  Gene Simmons  Monster  2012  [63]
"Dirty Livin'"
Peter Criss
Stan Penridge
Vini Poncia  Peter Criss  Dynasty  1979  [64]
"Do You Love Me"
Paul Stanley
Kim Fowley
Bob Ezrin  Paul Stanley  Destroyer  1976  [65]
"Do You Remember Rock 'n' Roll Radio?"
(Ramones cover)
Dee Dee Ramone
Johnny Ramone
Joey Ramone  Paul Stanley  We're a Happy Family:
A Tribute to Ramones  2003  [66]
[67]
"Domino" Song released as a single
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Revenge  1992  [68]
"Don't Touch My Ascot"
(with Greg Collins and Jared Faber)
Tony Cervone
Greg Collins
Jared Faber  Paul Stanley
Gene Simmons
Tommy Thayer
Eric Singer
Greg Collins
Jared Faber  Scooby-Doo! and Kiss:
Rock and Roll Mystery  2015  [69]
"Doncha Hesitate"
Paul Stanley  Paul Stanley  The Box Set  2001  [70]
"Down on Your Knees"
Paul Stanley
Mikel Japp
Bryan Adams  Paul Stanley  Killers  1982  [71]
"Dreamin'"
Paul Stanley
Bruce Kulick  Paul Stanley  Psycho Circus  1998  [72]
"Easy as It Seems"
Paul Stanley
Vini Poncia  Paul Stanley  Unmasked  1980  [73]
"Eat Your Heart Out"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Monster  2012  [74]
"Escape from the Island"
Ace Frehley
Eric Carr
Bob Ezrin  none (instrumental)  Music from "The Elder"  1981  [75]
"Every Time I Look at You" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley
Bob Ezrin  Paul Stanley  Revenge  1992  [76]
"Exciter"
Paul Stanley
Vinnie Vincent  Paul Stanley  Lick It Up  1983  [77]
"Fanfare"
Paul Stanley
Bob Ezrin  none (instrumental)  Music from "The Elder"  1981  [78]
"Firehouse"
Paul Stanley  Paul Stanley  Kiss  1974  [79]
"Fits Like a Glove"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Lick It Up  1983  [80]
"Flaming Youth" Song released as a single
Ace Frehley
Paul Stanley
Gene Simmons
Bob Ezrin  Paul Stanley  Destroyer  1976  [81]
"Forever" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley
Michael Bolton  Paul Stanley  Hot in the Shade  1989  [82]
"Freak"
Paul Stanley
Tommy Thayer  Paul Stanley  Monster  2012  [83]
"Get All You Can Take"
Paul Stanley
Mitch Weissman  Paul Stanley  Animalize  1984  [84]
"Getaway"
Ace Frehley  Peter Criss  Dressed to Kill  1975  [85]
"Gimme More"
Paul Stanley
Vinnie Vincent  Paul Stanley  Lick It Up  1983  [86]
"God Gave Rock 'n' Roll to You II" Song released as a single
(Argent cover)
Russ Ballard
Paul Stanley
Gene Simmons
Bob Ezrin  Paul Stanley
Gene Simmons  Revenge  1992  [87]
"God of Thunder"
Paul Stanley  Gene Simmons  Destroyer  1976  [88]
"Goin' Blind"
Gene Simmons
Stephen Coronel  Gene Simmons  Hotter than Hell  1974  [89]
"Good Girl Gone Bad"
Gene Simmons
Davitt Sigerson
Peter Diggins  Gene Simmons  Crazy Nights  1987  [90]
"Got Love for Sale"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Love Gun  1977  [91]
"Got to Choose"
Paul Stanley  Paul Stanley  Hotter than Hell  1974  [92]
"Great Expectations"
Gene Simmons
Bob Ezrin  Gene Simmons  Destroyer  1976  [93]
"Hard Luck Woman" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley  Peter Criss  Rock and Roll Over  1976  [94]
"Hard Times"
Ace Frehley  Ace Frehley  Dynasty  1979  [95]
"Hate"
Gene Simmons
Bruce Kulick
Scott van Zen  Gene Simmons  Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions  1997  [96]
"Heart of Chrome"
Paul Stanley
Vinnie Vincent
Bob Ezrin  Paul Stanley  Revenge  1992  [97]
"Heaven's on Fire" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley
Desmond Child  Paul Stanley  Animalize  1984  [98]
"Hell or Hallelujah"
Paul Stanley  Paul Stanley  Monster  2012  [99]
"Hell or High Water"
Gene Simmons
Bruce Kulick  Gene Simmons  Crazy Nights  1987  [100]
"Hide Your Heart" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley
Desmond Child
Holly Knight  Paul Stanley  Hot in the Shade  1989  [101]
"Hooligan"
Peter Criss
Stan Penridge  Peter Criss  Love Gun  1977  [102]
"Hot and Cold"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Sonic Boom  2009  [103]
"Hotter than Hell"
Paul Stanley  Paul Stanley  Hotter than Hell  1974  [104]
"I" Song released as a single
Gene Simmons
Bob Ezrin  Paul Stanley
Gene Simmons  Music from "The Elder"  1981  [105]
"I Confess"
Gene Simmons
Ken Tamplin  Gene Simmons  Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions  1997  [106]
"I Finally Found My Way" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley
Bob Ezrin  Peter Criss  Psycho Circus  1998  [107]
"I Just Wanna" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley
Vinnie Vincent  Paul Stanley  Revenge  1992  [108]
"I Know Who You Are"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Love Gun
(deluxe edition reissue only)  2014  [109]
"I Love It Loud" Song released as a single
Gene Simmons
Vinnie Vincent  Gene Simmons  Creatures of the Night  1982  [110]
"I Pledge Allegiance to the State of Rock & Roll"
Paul Stanley
Curtis Cuomo
Holly Knight  Paul Stanley  Psycho Circus  1998  [111]
"I Still Love You"
Paul Stanley
Vinnie Vincent  Paul Stanley  Creatures of the Night  1982  [112]
"I Stole Your Love"
Paul Stanley  Paul Stanley  Love Gun  1977  [113]
"I Walk Alone"
Gene Simmons
Bruce Kulick  Bruce Kulick  Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions  1997  [114]
"I Want You"
Paul Stanley  Paul Stanley  Rock and Roll Over  1976  [115]
"I Was Made for Lovin' You" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley
Vini Poncia
Desmond Child  Paul Stanley  Dynasty  1979  [116]
"I Will Be There"
Paul Stanley
Bruce Kulick
Curtis Cuomo  Paul Stanley  Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions  1997  [117]
"I'll Fight Hell to Hold You"
Paul Stanley
Adam Mitchell
Bruce Kulick  Paul Stanley  Crazy Nights  1987  [118]
"I'm a Legend Tonight"
Paul Stanley
Adam Mitchell  Paul Stanley  Killers  1982  [119]
"I'm Alive"
Paul Stanley
Desmond Child
Bruce Kulick  Paul Stanley  Asylum  1985  [120]
"I'm an Animal"
Paul Stanley
Gene Simmons
Tommy Thayer  Gene Simmons  Sonic Boom  2009  [121]
"I've Had Enough (Into the Fire)"
Paul Stanley
Desmond Child  Paul Stanley  Animalize  1984  [122]
"In My Head"
Gene Simmons
Scott van Zen
Jaime St. James  Gene Simmons  Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions  1997  [123]
"In the Mirror"
Paul Stanley
Bruce Kulick
Curtis Cuomo  Paul Stanley  Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions  1997  [124]
"In Your Face"
Gene Simmons  Ace Frehley  Psycho Circus
(Japanese edition only)  1998  [125]
"Into the Void"
Ace Frehley
Karl Cochran  Ace Frehley  Psycho Circus  1998  [126]
"Is That You?"
Gerard McMahon  Paul Stanley  Unmasked  1980  [127]
"It Never Goes Away"
Paul Stanley
Bruce Kulick
Curtis Cuomo  Paul Stanley  Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions  1997  [128]
"It's My Life"
Paul Stanley
Gene Simmons  Paul Stanley  The Box Set  2001  [129]
"Journey of 1,000 Years"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Psycho Circus  1998  [130]
"Jungle" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley
Bruce Kulick
Curtis Cuomo  Paul Stanley  Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions  1997  [131]
"Just a Boy"
Paul Stanley
Bob Ezrin  Paul Stanley  Music from "The Elder"  1981  [132]
"Keep Me Comin'"
Paul Stanley
Adam Mitchell  Paul Stanley  Creatures of the Night  1982  [133]
"Killer" Song released as a single
Gene Simmons
Vinnie Vincent  Gene Simmons  Creatures of the Night  1982  [134]
"King of Hearts"
Paul Stanley
Vini Poncia  Paul Stanley  Hot in the Shade  1989  [135]
"King of the Mountain"
Paul Stanley
Desmond Child
Bruce Kulick  Paul Stanley  Asylum  1985  [136]
"King of the Night Time World"
Paul Stanley
Kim Fowley
Mark Anthony
Bob Ezrin  Paul Stanley  Destroyer  1976  [137]
"Kissin' Time" Song released as a single
(Bobby Rydell cover)
Kal Mann
Bernie Lowe  Gene Simmons
Paul Stanley
Peter Criss  Kiss  1974  [138]
"Ladies in Waiting"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Dressed to Kill  1975  [139]
"Ladies Room"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Rock and Roll Over  1976  [140]
"Larger than Life"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Alive II  1977  [141]
"Last Chance"
Paul Stanley
Gene Simmons
Tommy Thayer  Paul Stanley  Monster  2012  [142]
"Leeta"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  The Box Set  2001  [143]
"Let Me Go, Rock 'n' Roll" Song released as a single
Gene Simmons
Paul Stanley  Gene Simmons  Hotter than Hell  1974  [144]
"Let Me Know"
Paul Stanley  Gene Simmons
Paul Stanley  Kiss  1974  [145]
"Let's Put the X in Sex" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley
Desmond Child  Paul Stanley  Smashes, Thrashes & Hits  1988  [146]
"Lick It Up" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley
Vinnie Vincent  Paul Stanley  Lick It Up  1983  [147]
"Little Caesar"
Eric Carr
Gene Simmons
Adam Mitchell  Eric Carr  Hot in the Shade  1989  [148]
"Lonely Is the Hunter"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Animalize  1984  [149]
"Long Way Down"
Paul Stanley
Tommy Thayer  Paul Stanley  Monster  2012  [150]
"Love 'Em and Leave 'Em"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Rock and Roll Over  1976  [151]
"Love Gun" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley  Paul Stanley  Love Gun  1977  [152]
"Love Her All I Can"
Paul Stanley  Paul Stanley  Dressed to Kill  1975  [153]
"Love Theme from Kiss"
Paul Stanley
Gene Simmons
Ace Frehley
Peter Criss  none (instrumental)  Kiss  1974  [154]
"Love's a Deadly Weapon"
Paul Stanley
Gene Simmons
Rod Swenson
Wes Beech  Gene Simmons  Asylum  1985  [155]
"Love's a Slap in the Face"
Gene Simmons
Vini Poncia  Gene Simmons  Hot in the Shade  1989  [156]
"Mad Dog"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  The Box Set  2001  [157]
"Magic Touch"
Paul Stanley  Paul Stanley  Dynasty  1979  [158]
"Mainline"
Paul Stanley  Peter Criss  Hotter than Hell  1974  [159]
"Makin' Love"
Paul Stanley
Sean Delaney  Paul Stanley  Rock and Roll Over  1976  [160]
"Master & Slave"
Paul Stanley
Bruce Kulick
Curtis Cuomo  Paul Stanley  Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions  1997  [161]
"A Million to One"
Paul Stanley
Vinnie Vincent  Paul Stanley  Lick It Up  1983  [162]
"Modern Day Delilah" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley  Paul Stanley  Sonic Boom  2009  [163]
"Mr. Blackwell"
Gene Simmons
Lou Reed  Gene Simmons  Music from "The Elder"  1981  [164]
"Mr. Speed"
Paul Stanley
Sean Delaney  Paul Stanley  Rock and Roll Over  1976  [165]
"Much Too Soon"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Love Gun
(deluxe edition reissue only)  2014  [166]
"Murder in High-Heels"
Gene Simmons
Mitch Weissman  Gene Simmons  Animalize  1984  [167]
"My Way"
Paul Stanley
Desmond Child
Bruce Turgon  Paul Stanley  Crazy Nights  1987  [168]
"Naked City"
Gene Simmons
Vini Poncia
Bob Kulick
Pepe Castro  Gene Simmons  Unmasked  1980  [169]
"Never Enough" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley
Tommy Thayer  Paul Stanley  Sonic Boom  2009  [170]
"No, No, No"
Gene Simmons
Bruce Kulick
Eric Carr  Gene Simmons  Crazy Nights  1987  [171]
"Not for the Innocent"
Gene Simmons
Vinnie Vincent  Gene Simmons  Lick It Up  1983  [172]
"Nothin' to Lose" Song released as a single
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons
Peter Criss  Kiss  1974  [173]
"Nothing Can Keep Me from You"
Diane Warren  Paul Stanley  Detroit Rock City  1999  [174]
"Nowhere to Run"
Paul Stanley  Paul Stanley  Killers  1982  [175]
"The Oath" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley
Bob Ezrin
Tony Powers  Paul Stanley  Music from "The Elder"  1981  [176]
"Odyssey"
Tony Powers  Paul Stanley  Music from "The Elder"  1981  [177]
"Only You"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons
Paul Stanley  Music from "The Elder"  1981  [178]
"Outta This World"
Tommy Thayer  Tommy Thayer  Monster  2012  [179]
"Paralyzed"
Gene Simmons
Bob Ezrin  Gene Simmons  Revenge  1992  [180]
"Parasite"
Ace Frehley  Gene Simmons  Hotter than Hell  1974  [181]
"Partners in Crime"
Paul Stanley
Adam Mitchell  Paul Stanley  Killers  1982  [182]
"Plaster Caster"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Love Gun  1977  [183]
"Prisoner of Love"
Gene Simmons
Bruce Kulick  Gene Simmons  Hot in the Shade  1989  [184]
"Psycho Circus" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley
Curtis Cuomo  Paul Stanley  Psycho Circus  1998  [185]
"Radar for Love"
Paul Stanley
Desmond Child  Paul Stanley  Asylum  1985  [186]
"Rain"
Paul Stanley
Bruce Kulick
Curt Cuomo  Paul Stanley  Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions  1997  [187]
"Raise Your Glasses"
Paul Stanley
Holly Knight  Paul Stanley  Psycho Circus  1998  [188]
"Read My Body"
Paul Stanley
Bob Halligan Jr.  Paul Stanley  Hot in the Shade  1989  [189]
"Reason to Live" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley
Desmond Child  Paul Stanley  Crazy Nights  1987  [190]
"Reputation"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Love Gun
(deluxe edition reissue only)  2014  [191]
"Right Here Right Now"
Paul Stanley
Tommy Thayer  Paul Stanley  Monster
(digital editions only)  2012  [192]
[193]
"Rise to It" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley
Bob Halligan Jr.  Paul Stanley  Hot in the Shade  1989  [194]
"Rock and Roll All Nite" Song released as a single
Gene Simmons
Paul Stanley  Gene Simmons  Dressed to Kill  1975  [195]
"Rock and Roll Hell"
Gene Simmons
Bryan Adams
Jim Vallance  Gene Simmons  Creatures of the Night  1982  [196]
"Rock and Roll Demons"
(hidden track also known as "Rock and Roll Party")
Gene Simmons
Paul Stanley
Bob Ezrin  none (instrumental)  Destroyer  1976  [197]
"Rock Bottom"
Paul Stanley
Ace Frehley  Paul Stanley  Dressed to Kill  1975  [198]
"Rocket Ride" Song released as a single
Ace Frehley
Sean Delaney  Ace Frehley  Alive II  1977  [199]
"Rockin' in the U.S.A."
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Alive II  1977  [200]
"Room Service"
Paul Stanley  Paul Stanley  Dressed to Kill  1975  [201]
"Russian Roulette"
Gene Simmons
Paul Stanley  Gene Simmons  Sonic Boom  2009  [202]
"Saint and Sinner"
Gene Simmons
Mikel Japp  Gene Simmons  Creatures of the Night  1982  [203]
"Samurai Son"
(with Momoiro Clover Z)
Paul Stanley
Greg Collins  Paul Stanley  "Yume no Ukiyo ni Saite Mi na"  2015  [204][23]
"Save Your Love"
Ace Frehley  Ace Frehley  Dynasty  1979  [205]
"Say Yeah" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley  Paul Stanley  Sonic Boom  2009  [206]
"Secretly Cruel"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Asylum  1985  [207]
"Seduction of the Innocent"
Gene Simmons
Scott van Zen  Gene Simmons  Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions  1997  [208]
"See You in Your Dreams"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Rock and Roll Over  1976  [209]
"Shandi" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley
Vini Poncia  Paul Stanley  Unmasked  1980  [210]
"She"
Gene Simmons
Stephen Coronel  Gene Simmons
Paul Stanley  Dressed to Kill  1975  [211]
"She's So European"
Gene Simmons
Vini Poncia  Gene Simmons  Unmasked  1980  [212]
"Shock Me"
Ace Frehley  Ace Frehley  Love Gun  1977  [213]
"Shout It Out Loud" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley
Gene Simmons
Bob Ezrin  Paul Stanley
Gene Simmons  Destroyer  1976  [214]
"Shout Mercy"
Paul Stanley
Tommy Thayer  Paul Stanley  Monster  2012  [215]
"Silver Spoon"
Paul Stanley
Vini Poncia  Paul Stanley  Hot in the Shade  1989  [216]
"Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell"
Gene Simmons
Vini Poncia  Gene Simmons  Hot in the Shade  1989  [217]
"Spit"
Gene Simmons
Paul Stanley
Scott van Zen  Gene Simmons
Paul Stanley  Revenge  1992  [218]
"Stand"
Paul Stanley
Gene Simmons  Paul Stanley
Gene Simmons  Sonic Boom  2009  [219]
"Stop, Look to Listen"
Paul Stanley  Paul Stanley  The Box Set  2001  [220]
"Strange Ways"
Ace Frehley  Peter Criss  Hotter than Hell  1974  [221]
"The Street Giveth and the Street Taketh Away"
Gene Simmons
Tommy Thayer  Gene Simmons  Hot in the Shade  1989  [222]
"Strutter" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley
Gene Simmons  Paul Stanley  Kiss  1974  [223]
"Sure Know Something" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley
Vini Poncia  Paul Stanley  Dynasty  1979  [224]
"Sweet Pain"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Destroyer  1976  [225]
"Take It Off"
Paul Stanley
Bob Ezrin
Kane Roberts  Paul Stanley  Revenge  1992  [226]
"Take Me"
Paul Stanley
Sean Delaney  Paul Stanley  Rock and Roll Over  1976  [227]
"Take Me Down Below"
Gene Simmons
Paul Stanley
Tommy Thayer  Gene Simmons
Paul Stanley  Monster  2012  [228]
"Talk to Me" Song released as a single
Ace Frehley  Ace Frehley  Unmasked  1980  [229]
"Tears Are Falling" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley  Paul Stanley  Asylum  1985  [230]
"Then She Kissed Me"
(The Crystals cover)
Jeff Barry
Ellie Greenwich
Phil Spector  Paul Stanley  Love Gun  1977  [231]
"Thief in the Night"
Gene Simmons
Mitch Weissman  Gene Simmons  Crazy Nights  1987  [232]
"Thou Shalt Not"
Gene Simmons
Jesse Damon  Gene Simmons  Revenge  1992  [233]
"Thrills in the Night" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley
Jean Beauvoir  Paul Stanley  Animalize  1984  [234]
"Time Traveler"
Paul Stanley
Desmond Child  Paul Stanley  The Box Set  2001  [235]
"Tomorrow" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley
Vini Poncia  Paul Stanley  Unmasked  1980  [236]
"Tomorrow and Tonight"
Paul Stanley  Paul Stanley  Love Gun  1977  [237]
"Torpedo Girl"
Ace Frehley
Vini Poncia  Ace Frehley  Unmasked  1980  [238]
"Tough Love"
Paul Stanley
Bob Ezrin
Bruce Kulick  Paul Stanley  Revenge  1992  [239]
"Trial by Fire"
Gene Simmons
Bruce Kulick  Gene Simmons  Asylum  1985  [240]
"Turn On the Night" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley
Diane Warren  Paul Stanley  Crazy Nights  1987  [241]
"Two Sides of the Coin"
Ace Frehley  Ace Frehley  Unmasked  1980  [242]
"Two Timer"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Dressed to Kill  1975  [243]
"Uh! All Night"
Paul Stanley
Desmond Child
Jean Beauvoir  Paul Stanley  Asylum  1985  [244]
"Under the Gun"
Paul Stanley
Desmond Child
Eric Carr  Paul Stanley  Animalize  1984  [245]
"Under the Rose"
Gene Simmons
Eric Carr  Gene Simmons  Music from "The Elder"  1981  [246]
"Unholy" Song released as a single
Gene Simmons
Vinnie Vincent  Gene Simmons  Revenge  1992  [247]
"Venus and Mars/Rock Show"
(Wings cover)
Paul McCartney
Linda McCartney  Paul Stanley  The Art of McCartney  2014  [248]
"Wall of Sound"
Paul Stanley
Gene Simmons
Tommy Thayer  Gene Simmons  Monster  2012  [249]
"War Machine"
Gene Simmons
Bryan Adams
Jim Vallance  Gene Simmons  Creatures of the Night  1982  [250]
"Watchin' You"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Hotter than Hell  1974  [251]
"We Are One" Song released as a single
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Psycho Circus  1998  [252]
"What Makes the World Go 'Round"
Paul Stanley
Vini Poncia  Paul Stanley  Unmasked  1980  [253]
"When Lightning Strikes"
Tommy Thayer
Paul Stanley  Tommy Thayer  Sonic Boom  2009  [254]
"When Your Walls Come Down"
Paul Stanley
Adam Mitchell
Bruce Kulick  Paul Stanley  Crazy Nights  1987  [255]
"While the City Sleeps"
Gene Simmons
Mitch Weissman  Gene Simmons  Animalize  1984  [256]
"Who Wants to Be Lonely"
Paul Stanley
Desmond Child
Jean Beauvoir  Paul Stanley  Asylum  1985  [257]
"Within"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Psycho Circus  1998  [258]
"A World Without Heroes" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley
Gene Simmons
Bob Ezrin
Lou Reed  Gene Simmons  Music from "The Elder"  1981  [259]
"X-Ray Eyes"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Dynasty  1979  [260]
"Yes I Know (Nobody's Perfect)"
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons  Sonic Boom  2009  [261]
"You Love Me to Hate You"
Paul Stanley
Desmond Child  Paul Stanley  Hot in the Shade  1989  [262]
"(You Make Me) Rock Hard" Song released as a single
Paul Stanley
Desmond Child
Diane Warren  Paul Stanley  Smashes, Thrashes & Hits  1988  [263]
"You Wanted the Best" Song released as a single
Gene Simmons  Gene Simmons
Paul Stanley
Peter Criss
Ace Frehley  Psycho Circus  1998  [264]
"You're All That I Want"
Gene Simmons
Vini Poncia  Gene Simmons  Unmasked  1980  [265]
"Young and Wasted"
Gene Simmons
Vinnie Vincent  Gene Simmons  Lick It Up  1983  [266]
"Yume no Ukiyo ni Saite Mi na" Song released as a single
(with Momoiro Clover Z)
Paul Stanley
Greg Collins
Yuho Iwasato  Momoiro Clover Z  "Yume no Ukiyo ni Saite Mi na"  2015  [267][23
Rooted in the campy theatrics of Alice Cooper and the sleazy hard rock of glam rockers the New York Dolls, Kiss became a favorite of American teenagers in the '70s. Most kids were infatuated with the look of Kiss, not their music. Decked out in outrageously flamboyant costumes and makeup, the band fashioned a captivating stage show featuring dry ice, smoke bombs, elaborate lighting, blood spitting, and fire breathing that captured the imaginations of thousands of kids. But Kiss' music shouldn't be dismissed -- it was a commercially potent mix of anthemic, fist-pounding hard rock driven by sleek hooks and ballads powered by loud guitars, cloying melodies, and sweeping strings. It was a sound that laid the groundwork for both arena rock and the pop-metal that dominated rock in the late '80s.
Kiss was the brainchild of Gene Simmons (bass, vocals) and Paul Stanley (rhythm guitar, vocals), former members of the New York-based hard rock band Wicked Lester; the duo brought in drummer Peter Criss through his ad in Rolling Stone, while guitarist Ace Frehley responded to an advertisement in The Village Voice. Even at their first Manhattan concert in 1973, the group's approach was theatrical, and Flipside producer Bill Aucoin offered the band a management deal after the show. Two weeks later, the band was signed to Neil Bogart's fledgling record label, Casablanca. Kiss released their self-titled debut in February of 1974; it peaked at number 87 on the U.S. charts. By April of 1975, the group had released three albums and had been touring America constantly, building up a sizable fan base.
Alive!
 Culled from those numerous concerts, Alive! (released in the fall of 1975) made the band rock & roll superstars; it climbed into the Top Ten and its accompanying single, "Rock 'N' Roll All Nite," made it to number 12. Their follow-up, Destroyer, was released in March of 1976 and became the group's first platinum album; it also featured their first Top Ten single, Peter Criss' power ballad "Beth." Kiss mania was in full swing; thousands of pieces of merchandise hit the marketplace (including pinball machines, makeup and masks, and board games), and the group had two comic books released by Marvel as well as a live-action TV movie, Kiss Meet the Phantom of the Park. A 1977 Gallup poll named Kiss the most popular band in America. The group was never seen in public without wearing their makeup, and their popularity was growing by leaps and bounds; the membership of the Kiss Army, the band's fan club, was in the six figures.
Dynasty
 Even such enormous popularity had its limits, though, and the band reached them in 1978, when all four members released solo albums on the same day in October. Simmons' record was the most successful, reaching number 22 on the charts, yet all of them made it into the Top 50. Dynasty, released in 1979, continued their streak of platinum albums, yet it was their last record with the original lineup -- Criss left in 1980. Kiss Unmasked, released in the summer of 1980, was recorded with session drummer Anton Fig; Criss' true replacement, Eric Carr, joined the band in time for their 1980 world tour. Kiss Unmasked was their first record since Destroyer to fail to go platinum, and 1981's Music from the Elder, their first album recorded with Carr, didn't even go gold -- it couldn't even climb past number 75 on the charts. Ace Frehley left the band after its release; he was replaced by Vinnie Vincent in 1982. Vincent's first album with the group, 1982's Creatures of the Night, fared better than Music from the Elder, yet it couldn't make it past number 45 on the charts.
Lick It Up
 Sensing it was time for a change, Kiss dispensed with their makeup for 1983's Lick It Up. The publicity worked, as the album became their first platinum record in four years. Animalize, released the following year, was just as successful, and the group essentially recaptured their niche. Vincent left after Animalize and was replaced by Mark St. John, although St. John was soon taken ill with Reiter's Syndrome and left the band. Bruce Kulick became Kiss' new lead guitarist in 1984. For the rest of the decade, Kiss turned out a series of best-selling albums, culminating in the early 1990 hit ballad "Forever," which was their biggest single since "Beth." Kiss was scheduled to record a new album with their old producer, Bob Ezrin, in 1990 when Eric Carr became severely ill with cancer; he died in November of 1991 at the age of 41. Kiss replaced him with Eric Singer and recorded Revenge (1992), their first album since 1989; it was a Top Ten hit and went gold. Kiss followed it with the release of Alive III the following year; it performed respectably, but was not up to the standards of their two previous live records.
Psycho Circus
 In 1996, the original lineup of Kiss -- featuring Simmons, Stanley, Frehley, and Criss -- reunited to perform an international tour, complete with their notorious makeup and special effects. The tour was one of the most successful of 1996, and in 1998 the reunited group issued Psycho Circus. While the ensuing tour in support of Psycho Circus was a success, sales of Kiss' reunion album weren't as stellar as anticipated. Reminiscent of the band's unfocused late-'70s period, few tracks on Psycho Circus featured all four members playing together (most tracks were supplemented with session musicians), as the band seemed more interested in flooding the marketplace with merchandise yet again instead of making the music their top priority. With rumors running rampant that the Psycho Circus Tour would be their last, the quartet announced in the spring of 2000 that they would be launching a U.S. farewell tour in the summer, which became one of the year's top concert draws. But on the eve of a Japanese and Australian tour in early 2001, Peter Criss suddenly left the band once again, supposedly discontent with his salary. Taking his place was previous Kiss drummer Eric Singer, who in a controversial move for some longtime fans, donned Criss' cat-man makeup (since Simmons and Stanley own both Frehley and Criss' makeup designs, there was no threat of a lawsuit) as the farewell tour continued.
KISSology
 With the band scheduled to call it a day (supposedly) by late 2001, a mammoth career-encompassing box set was set for later in the year, while the summer saw perhaps the most over-the-top piece of Kiss merchandise yet -- the "Kiss Kasket." The group was relatively quiet throughout the rest of the year, but 2002 started with a bang as Gene Simmons turned in an entertaining and controversial interview on NPR where he criticized the organization and berated host Terry Gross with sexual comments and condescending answers. He was promoting his autobiography at the time, which also caused dissent in the Kiss camp because of inflammatory remarks made toward Ace Frehley. Frehley subsequently declined to appear at an American Bandstand anniversary show; his place was taken by a wig-wearing Tommy Thayer, and Simmons was quick to dismiss the performance as another in a long series of money-oriented decisions. The band kept touring the globe with no new album in stores, but in 2008 they returned to the studio, re-recorded their hits, and released Jigoku-Retsuden aka KISSology or Kiss Klassics (the release was initially exclusive to Japan).
Sonic Boom
 In spring of 2009, the band began recording their first studio album in 11 years, and released the results in October with the title Sonic Boom. Produced by Paul Stanley and Greg Collins, the album was exclusively distributed in North America by Wal-Mart. In 2012, the band's 20th studio album, Monster, surfaced, rewriting the cowbell-heavy party rock of their '70s heyday and adding some nods to the sinister metal of 1992's Revenge. In 2014, after 15 years of eligibility, Kiss was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The following year they released a collaborative single with the Japanese idol group Momoiro Clover Z. In 2017, a career-spanning single-disc best-of, Kissworld, was released to coincide with a massive world tour of the same name.
All Credits Art Direction Artwork Audio Production Bass Composer Design Guitar MC Performer Photography Primary Artist Producer Text Tributee Vocals
2018  Classic Road Trip [UMOD]   Primary Artist
2018  Rock & Roll Love  Kiss  Primary Artist
2018  Rock Legends: The Ultimate Collection   Primary Artist
2017  '70s Schooldays: The Ultimate Collection [2017]   Primary Artist
2017  20 #1's: Classic Rock Vol. 2   Primary Artist
2017  American Road Trip   Primary Artist
2017  Classic Rock Ballads [2017]   Primary Artist
2017  Kissworld: The Best of Kiss  Kiss  Primary Artist
2017  Live on Air: Legendary Broadcasts  Kiss  Primary Artist
2017  No. 1 Dad: The Ultimate Collection   Primary Artist
2017  Now That's What I Call Tailgate Anthems   Primary Artist
2017  The Roots Of  Kiss  Primary Artist
2017  Throwback Tunes: Classic Rock   Primary Artist
2016  Buenos Aires 1994  Kiss  Primary Artist
2016  Crazy Nights: Legendary Radio Broadcasts  Kiss  Primary Artist
2016  Fresno Broadcast 1979  Kiss  Primary Artist
2016  Kiss Rocks Vegas  Kiss  Primary Artist
2016  Kiss Rocks Vegas [Video]  Kiss  Primary Artist
2015  Kiss of Death: A Tribute to Kiss  Pretty Boy Floyd  Tributee
2015  Now That's What I Call Classic Rock [2015]   Primary Artist
2015  The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto: A Musical Companion to the Novel by Mitch Albom [Original Soundtrack]   Primary Artist
2014  100% Classic Rock   Primary Artist
2014  Best of Classic Rock   Primary Artist
2014  Countdown 40th Anniversary   Primary Artist
2014  Greatest Ever! Rock Ballads [2014]   Primary Artist
2014  Heavy Metal Icons   Primary Artist
2014  Kiss 40 Years: Decades of Decibels  Kiss  Primary Artist, Producer
2014  Latest & Greatest American Anthems   Primary Artist
2014  Latest & Greatest Driving Rock Anthems   Primary Artist
2014  Latest & Greatest Heavy Metal   Primary Artist
2014  NOW: 25 Top Hits of the 1970's   Primary Artist
2014  Rock Anthems: The Ultimate Collection [2014]   Primary Artist
2014  The Ultimate Collection: Driving Songs   Primary Artist
2014  The Art of McCartney   Primary Artist
2014  Under Command  Portrait / RAM  Composer
2013  100 Hits: Driving Rock [2013]   Primary Artist
2013  5 Classic Albums  Kiss  Primary Artist, Producer
2013  Best of Kiss  Kiss  Primary Artist
2013  Eddie Stobart Trucking Songs   Primary Artist
2013  Fast Loud Death  Lost Society  Tributee
2013  Latest & Greatest Guitar Heroes   Primary Artist
2013  Oh Yes We Can Love: The History of Glam Rock   Primary Artist
2013  The Ritz on Fire  Kiss  Primary Artist
2013  The Very Best of TV Ad Songs   Primary Artist
2012  105 Friends '80: Gli Ottantoni Di Ross & Tony   Primary Artist
2012  American Anthems: All Time Classics   Primary Artist
2012  Greatest Ever! Driving Rock   Primary Artist
2012  Greatest Ever!: Heavy Metal   Primary Artist
2012  Greatest Ever!: Soft Rock: The Definitive Collection   Primary Artist
2012  Monster  Kiss  Primary Artist
2012  The Boys Are Back in Town 2012   Primary Artist
2012  The Casablanca Singles: 1974-1982  Kiss  Primary Artist, Producer
2011  American Anthems II   Primary Artist
2011  Gods of Guitar [Universal]   Primary Artist
2011  Greatest Ever! Eighties Hits: The Definitive Collection   Primary Artist
2011  RTL2 Pop Rock Selection   Primary Artist
2011  The Dilemma [Original Soundtrack]   Primary Artist
2010  Babies Go Kiss   Tributee
2010  Icon  Kiss  Primary Artist, Producer
2010  Icon 2  Kiss  Primary Artist, Producer
2010  Kiss/Hotter Than Hell  Kiss  Primary Artist
2010  Rock Anthems [Universal 2010]   Primary Artist
2010  Sounds of Vancouver 2010: Canada's Hockey Anthems   Primary Artist
2010  Total 80s Pop   Primary Artist
2010  Total Drivetime   Primary Artist
2009  100 Hits: Movies   Composer
2009  Authorized Bootleg: Live - Nashville Municipal Auditorium 1998  Kiss  Primary Artist
2009  Dad Rocks!   Primary Artist
2009  Destroyer/Rock And Roll Over  Kiss  Primary Artist
2009  Guitar Monster   Primary Artist
2009  Hair Metal Hero  DJ Solo  Primary Artist
2009  I Love You, Beth Cooper   Primary Artist
2009  Kissology: The Ultimate Kiss Collection, Vols. 1-3  Kiss  Primary Artist
2009  Kitsune Tabloid  Phoenix  Primary Artist
2009  Legends of Rock  Kiss  Primary Artist
2009  Legends of Rock   Primary Artist
2009  Monster Ballads: The Ultimate Set   Primary Artist
2009  Now That's What I Call Power Ballads [1]   Primary Artist
2009  Over the Top Unauthorised  Kiss  Primary Artist
2009  Resurrection Unauthorized  Kiss  Primary Artist
2009  Sonic Boom  Kiss  Primary Artist, Producer
2009  The Lowdown Unauthorized  Kiss  Primary Artist
2009  Ultimate Collection: Dad   Primary Artist
2008  100 Hits: Drive Time   Primary Artist
2008  Absolute Rock Anthems   Primary Artist
2008  Alive: The Millennium Concert  Kiss  Primary Artist, Producer
2008  All-Star Sports Jams   Primary Artist
2008  Alle Hits! Die 70er   Primary Artist
2008  Billboard Top 40 Karaoke: 1970s [Box]  Sybersound  Primary Artist
2008  Classic Rock BBQ   Primary Artist
2008  Classics  Kiss  Primary Artist
2008  Dad's Jukebox   Primary Artist
2008  Die Hit Giganten: Hot Hits   Primary Artist
2008  Die Ultimative Chart Show: Die Erfolgreichsten Rock Classics   Primary Artist
2008  Die Ultimative Chartshow: Rock Classics   Primary Artist
2008  Discoveries  Kiss  Primary Artist
2008  Driving Songs: The Ultimate Collection   Primary Artist
2008  Favorites  Kiss  Primary Artist
2008  Firehouse - Live  Kiss  Primary Artist
2008  I Love Metal [Central Station]   Primary Artist
2008  IKONS  Kiss  Primary Artist
2008  In Concert [DVD]  Kiss  Primary Artist
2008  KISSology  Kiss  Primary Artist
2008  New Recordings/KISSology  Kiss  Primary Artist
2008  Noisemakers of 70's Rock   Primary Artist
2008  Now That's What I Call Classic Rock   Primary Artist
2008  Old Skool of Rock, Vol. 2   Primary Artist
2008  Perfect Driving Album   Primary Artist
2008  Playlist Plus  Kiss  Primary Artist
2008  Playlist Your Way  Kiss  Primary Artist
2008  Pondus Flat Fuzzpedal   Primary Artist
2008  Rock Power  Kiss  Primary Artist
2008  Rock the Universe [Immortal]   Primary Artist
2008  Solid Rock, Vol. 2   Primary Artist
2008  The Best of 1976: 20th Century Masters   Primary Artist
2008  The Best of 1979: 20th Century Masters   Primary Artist
2008  The Best of Hard Rock, Vol. 2: 20th Century Masters the Millennium Collection   Primary Artist
2008  The Best of Kiss: Green Series  Kiss  Primary Artist
2008  The Complete Collection  Kiss  Primary Artist
2007  70's, Vol. 3   Primary Artist
2007  As Cinco Melhores   Primary Artist
2007  Biggest BBQ Album, Vol. 2   Primary Artist
2007  Cat Tales  Kiss  Primary Artist
2007  Club 80s [Universal]   Primary Artist
2007  Deejay 25   Primary Artist
2007  Essential Playlist: 20 Non-Stop Hits! 70s   Primary Artist
2007  Greatest Kiss  Kiss  Primary Artist
2007  Halloween [2007 Original Soundtrack]   Primary Artist
2007  Heavy Metal [Rhino Box Set]   Primary Artist
2007  KISSology: The Ultimate Kiss Collection, Vol. 2: 1978-1991  Kiss  Primary Artist
2007  KISSology: The Ultimate Kiss Collection, Vol. 3: 1992-2000  Kiss  Primary Artist
2007  Legends Informercial Set   Primary Artist
2007  Move: Driving with Pop & Beat Songs   Primary Artist
2007  Now That's What I Call the 80s [3 CD]   Primary Artist
2007  Road Trippin'   Primary Artist
2007  Rockopilatorio   Primary Artist
2007  The Seventies: Hard Rockin 70's, Vol. 1   Primary Artist
2007  The Ultimate Rock Ballads Collection [Time Life]   Primary Artist
2007  The Ultimate Rock Ballads Collection: Love Hurts   Primary Artist
2007  True Disco   Primary Artist
2007  True Power Ballads   Primary Artist
2006  20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection, Vol. 3  Kiss  Primary Artist
2006  Ace, Gene, Peter and Paul (Solos Box Set)  Kiss  Primary Artist
2006  Double Platinum: Box Set  Kiss  Primary Artist
2006  Greatest Ever!: Eighties [2006]   Primary Artist
2006  Guilty Pleasures: Shameless Blameless Fun   Primary Artist
2006  Headbanger Classics, Vol. 1   Primary Artist
2006  KISSology: The Ultimate Kiss Collection, Vol. 1: 1974-1977  Kiss  Primary Artist
2006  Kiss Alive! 1975-2000  Kiss  Primary Artist
2006  Krazy Killer (1994 Detroit Kiss Konvention/Interviews)  Kiss  Primary Artist
2006  Monster Ballads: Platinum Edition   Primary Artist
2006  Monsters of Rock [EMI]   Primary Artist
2006  R35: Rock & Pops Super Hits   Primary Artist
2006  Skitz Metal   Primary Artist
2005  Best of Hard Rock, Vol. 2: Kiss/Scorpions/Alice Cooper   Primary Artist
2005  Chronicles  Kiss  Primary Artist, Audio Production
2005  Greatest Kiss  Kiss  Primary Artist
2005  Instant Live: Alltel Pavillion at Walnut Creek - Raleigh, NC, 07/27/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
2005  Love Gun: Live at River Plate Stadium, Argentina  Kiss  Primary Artist
2005  MTV Unplugged, Vol. 3   Primary Artist
2005  Peer Pressure, Vol. 2  D-Block  Primary Artist
2005  Power Ballads Gold   Primary Artist
2005  Rock Hits [Universal]   Primary Artist
2005  Rock the Nation: Live  Kiss  Primary Artist
2005  Rockin' the Corps   Primary Artist
2005  Rockin' the Corps [DVD]   Primary Artist
2005  The Classic Interviews  Kiss  Primary Artist
2005  Top Gear [Universal]   Primary Artist
2005  Ultimate 16: Ultimate 80's Rock   Primary Artist
2004  20th Century Masters - The DVD Collection: The Best of Kiss  Kiss  Primary Artist
2004  20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Kiss, Vol. 2  Kiss  Primary Artist
2004  Best of Glam Rock   Primary Artist
2004  Gold: 1974-1982 - Sound+Vision  Kiss  Primary Artist, Producer, Audio Production
2004  Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas [Box Set]   Primary Artist
2004  Instant Live: Clark County Amphitheatre - Ridgefield, WA, 06/22/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
2004  Instant Live: Ford Pavilion at Montage Mountain - Scranton, PA, 07/23/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
2004  Instant Live: Tweeter Center - Tinley Park, IL, 07/09/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
2004  Instant Live: Verizon Wireless Amphitheater - Virginia Beach, VA, 07/25/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
2004  The String Quartet Tribute to Kiss  Vitamin String Quartet  Tributee
2004  Very Best of MTV Unplugged, Vol. 3 [Bonus DVD]   Primary Artist
2004  World Cup Of Hockey 2004   Primary Artist
2003  20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of '80s Rock   Primary Artist
2003  20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Kiss  Kiss  Primary Artist, Producer
2003  Autant en Emporte le Rock 1960-2000  Ange  Primary Artist
2003  Golden Age of American Rock 'n' Roll: Special Novelty Edition   Primary Artist
2003  Kiss Symphony: Alive IV  Kiss  Primary Artist, Art Direction
2003  Kiss Symphony: The DVD  Kiss  Primary Artist
2003  Kiss Symphony: The Single Disc  Kiss  Primary Artist, Art Direction
2003  Live at the Showgrounds  Kiss  Primary Artist
2003  Live at the Sydney Showgrounds 1980  Kiss  Primary Artist
2003  On Line Strictly Bad Tunes   Primary Artist
2003  Rock Heroes   Primary Artist
2003  The Lost Concert 1976  Kiss  Primary Artist
2003  Unauthorized Part 2  Kiss  Primary Artist
2003  We're a Happy Family: A Tribute to the Ramones   Primary Artist
2002  Astronomicon  Without Face  Composer
2002  Cover Ups  Good Riddance  Tributee
2002  Dark Genesis  Iced Earth  Primary Artist
2002  Frosh, Vol. 5   Primary Artist
2002  Live in Las Vegas  Kiss  Primary Artist
2002  Pure 80's Rocks   Primary Artist
2002  The Very Best of Kiss  Kiss  Primary Artist
2001  Big Hits of the 60's [CSC/EMI]   Primary Artist
2001  Dallas Cowboys: The Ultimate Team   Performer, Composer, Primary Artist
2001  Denver Broncos: Greatest Hits, Vol. 2   Primary Artist
2001  Immortals  Kiss  Primary Artist
2001  KGGO: Kiss This CD!!!   Primary Artist
2001  Murder in the Graveyard   Primary Artist
2001  One Hit Wonders: Novelty Experience   Primary Artist
2001  Rock Star   Performer, Primary Artist
2001  Rock and Roll Legends [Video/DVD]  Kiss  Primary Artist
2001  The Box Set  Kiss  Primary Artist, Producer
2001  The Sun Records Story   Performer
2001  The Vintage [Video/DVD]  Kiss  Primary Artist
2000  Adopted by Aliens  The Shape Shifters  MC
2000  Audio Biography CD  Kiss  Primary Artist
2000  Hell's Guardians: Interviews  Kiss  Primary Artist
2000  Killer Kiss  Kiss  Primary Artist
2000  Kiss in Conversation  Kiss  Primary Artist
2000  Lucky Numbers   Performer, Primary Artist
2000  Naughty Platinum Rock   Performer, Primary Artist
2000  Private Talks  Kiss  Primary Artist
2000  Sing When You're Winning  Robbie Williams  Performer, Primary Artist
2000  Unauthorized [Video/DVD]  Kiss  Primary Artist
199?  Ady Henry Kiss/Manhattan II   Composer
1999  25th Anniversary Star Profile  Kiss  Primary Artist, Design
1999  Bootleg Live On-Air: Generic Version   Performer, Primary Artist
1999  Detroit Rock City   Performer, Primary Artist
1999  Gene Simmons Interview  Kiss  Primary Artist, Performer
1999  Hi Records: Early Years, Vols. 1 & 2   Performer, Primary Artist
1999  Hot Rod Box Set   Performer
1999  Kings of the Night Time World  Kiss  Primary Artist
1999  Kiss Anthems '98   Primary Artist
1999  Rock Ballads [Imprint]   Primary Artist
1999  Tale of the Fox  Kiss  Primary Artist
1999  That'll Flat Git It!, Vol. 16   Performer, Composer, Primary Artist
1999  The Best of Sun Rockabilly, Vol. 2   Performer
1999  The Sun Gods   Performer
1998  Alive and Talking [Interview and Poster]  Kiss  Primary Artist
1998  Essential Sun Rockabillies, Vol. 5   Performer
1998  Kiss Box  Kiss  Primary Artist
1998  Kiss Uncovered  Kiss  Primary Artist
1998  Kiss: The Second Coming I & II [Video]  Kiss  Primary Artist
1998  Lost Hits of the 60's   Performer
1998  Psycho Circus  Kiss  Primary Artist, Vocals, Bass
1998  Psycho Circus [3-D Video]  Kiss  Primary Artist
1998  Stone Cold Metal  Steve Austin  Performer, Primary Artist
1998  The Originals 1974-1979  Kiss  Primary Artist
1998  The Second Coming  Kiss  Primary Artist
1998  Unmasked Revenge: Interview Sessions  Kiss  Primary Artist
1998  Unmasked: Covered in Scandinavia  Kiss  Primary Artist
1998  We Are One [Australia]  Kiss  Primary Artist
1998  We Are One [UK]  Kiss  Primary Artist
1998  Welcome to the Psycho Circus  Kiss  Primary Artist
1997  70s & 80s, Vol. 26   Performer
1997  Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions  Kiss  Primary Artist
1997  Country Hits [Riviere]   Performer, Primary Artist
1997  Greatest Kiss  Kiss  Primary Artist
1997  Hell in the Asylum  Kiss  Primary Artist
1997  Hell in the Asylum: The Interview Sessions  Kiss  Primary Artist
1997  Hot Rod: Hot Rod Rebels   Performer
1997  I Was Made for Lovin' You  Kiss  Primary Artist
1997  Kiss My Ass [Bootleg]  Kiss  Primary Artist
1997  Kiss of Death  Kiss  Primary Artist
1997  Kissaholic Killers  Kiss  Primary Artist
1997  Kissin' Stockholm 1997  Kiss  Primary Artist
1997  Kissmania Interview Sessions  Kiss  Primary Artist
1997  Rock N Roll Thru the Night  Kiss  Primary Artist
1997  Strikeforce, Vol. 2   Performer, Primary Artist
1997  That'll Flat Git It!, Vol. 14   Performer, Composer, Primary Artist
1997  The Essential Sun Rockabillies, Vol. 3   Performer, Primary Artist
1997  Wreaking Havoc   Performer, Primary Artist
1996  Beautiful Girls   Performer, Primary Artist
1996  Complete Sun Singles, Vol. 3   Performer, Primary Artist
1996  Djupa andetag  Frida  Performer
1996  Greatest Hits [1998]  Kiss  Primary Artist
1996  MTV Unplugged  Kiss  Primary Artist
1996  MTV Unplugged [Video/DVD]  Kiss  Primary Artist
1996  Rock Boppin' Baby: Sun Rockabilly, Vol. 5   Performer
1996  Rock Hard Again  Kiss  Primary Artist
1996  The Interviews, Vol. 2  Kiss  Primary Artist
1996  The Phantom of the Park  Kiss  Primary Artist
1996  The Rockview Interviews  Kiss  Primary Artist
1996  Unissued Sun Masters   Performer
1996  You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best!!  Kiss  Primary Artist, Producer
1995  Classic Live Performances, Vol. 2   Performer, Primary Artist
1995  Fifteen Years On [Interview Picture Disc]  Kiss  Primary Artist
1995  Guitar Rock: The Late '70s   Primary Artist
1995  Hard Rock Essentials: 1980s   Performer, Primary Artist
1995  Jock Rock, Vol. 2   Performer, Primary Artist
1995  Masters of Metal: Thunder n' Spice   Primary Artist
1995  Stomp 442  Anthrax  Composer
1994  Chess Rhythm & Roll   Performer, Composer, Primary Artist
1994  Hot City Nights [Alex]   Performer, Primary Artist
1994  Kiss My Ass: Classic Kiss Regrooved   Composer
1994  Kiss My Ass: The Video [VHS]  Kiss  Primary Artist
1994  Speed [Original Soundtrack]   Performer, Primary Artist
1994  Super Hits, Vol. 5 [Hollywood]   Performer, Primary Artist
1994  Wham Bam Thank You Glam   Primary Artist
1993  Alive III  Kiss  Primary Artist, Producer
1993  Back Stage Pass (Live & Rockin')   Performer, Primary Artist
1993  Black Lodge [CD Single]  Anthrax  Performer, Primary Artist
1993  Classic Rock, Vol. 5: Glitter Bands   Performer, Primary Artist
1993  Dazed and Confused [Music from the Motion Picture]   Performer, Primary Artist
1993  Hit Parader Salutes 20 Years of Metal   Primary Artist
1993  Kiss Konfidential  Kiss  Primary Artist
1993  Konfidential and X-Treme Close Up  Kiss  Primary Artist, Producer
1993  Marquee Metal   Performer, Primary Artist
1993  Now: 1987 [40 Tracks]   Performer, Primary Artist
1992  Domino  Kiss  Primary Artist
1992  Everytime I Look at You  Kiss  Primary Artist
1992  God Gave Rock & Roll to You  Kiss  Primary Artist
1992  Hard to Believe: Kiss Covers Compilation   Composer
1992  Revenge  Kiss  Primary Artist
1992  Sun Rockabilly: The Classic Recordings   Vocals, Guitar
1992  Super Hits of the 60's   Performer, Primary Artist
1992  X-Treme Close-Up  Kiss  Primary Artist
1991  Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey [Soundtrack]   Performer, Primary Artist
1991  First Degree Metal   Performer, Primary Artist
1991  Heavy Metal Love   Performer, Primary Artist
1991  Heavy Metal Memories   Performer, Primary Artist
1991  Sounds of the Seventies: 1976 - Take Two   Performer, Primary Artist
1990  Dick Clark's All-Time Hits, Vol. 3   Performer, Primary Artist
1990  Forever  Kiss  Primary Artist
1990  I Was Made for Lovin'  Kiss  Primary Artist
1990  Rise to It  Kiss  Primary Artist
1990  Rock & Roll Meltdown   Primary Artist
1990  Twisted Metal   Vocals, Performer, Primary Artist
1989  Hot in the Shade  Kiss  Primary Artist
1989  Rock & Roll Originals, Vol. 5   Performer, Primary Artist
1988  20 Great Hits of 1964   Performer, Primary Artist
1988  Chikara  Kiss  Primary Artist
1988  Conversation  Kiss  Primary Artist
1988  Early Years, Vol. 2   Performer, Primary Artist
1988  Smashes, Thrashes & Hits  Kiss  Primary Artist, Producer
1987  Crazy Nights  Kiss  Primary Artist
1987  Exposed  Kiss  Primary Artist
1987  Good Old Rock and Roll, Vol. 1   Performer
1987  Hi Records: The Early Years   Performer, Composer, Primary Artist
1987  Interview Disc  Kiss  Primary Artist
1986  Hear 'n Aid   Performer, Primary Artist
1985  Animalize: Live Uncensored [Video]  Kiss  Primary Artist
1985  Asylum  Kiss  Primary Artist
1985  The Singles  Kiss  Primary Artist
1984  Animalize  Kiss  Primary Artist
1984  Cool Cats: 25 Years of Rock 'N' Roll Style   Performer, Primary Artist
1983  Lick It Up  Kiss  Primary Artist
1982  Creatures of the Night  Kiss  Primary Artist
1982  Killers  Kiss  Primary Artist, Producer
1981  Endless Love [1981] [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]   Performer, Primary Artist
1981  Music from "The Elder"  Kiss  Primary Artist, Composer
1981  The Best of the Solo Albums  Kiss  Primary Artist
1980  Unmasked  Kiss  Primary Artist
1979  Dynasty  Kiss  Primary Artist
1978  Ace Frehley  Ace Frehley / Kiss  Primary Artist
1978  Double Platinum  Kiss  Primary Artist, Producer
1978  Gene Simmons  Kiss / Gene Simmons  Primary Artist
1978  Paul Stanley  Kiss / Paul Stanley  Primary Artist, Performer
1978  Peter Criss  Peter Criss / Kiss  Primary Artist
1978  The Originals II  Kiss  Primary Artist
1977  Alive II  Kiss  Primary Artist, Producer, Audio Production
1977  Just Landed Cosmic Kid  Michael Bundt  Performer, Composer, Primary Artist
1977  Kiss My Axe 1978  Kiss  Primary Artist
1977  Love Gun  Kiss  Primary Artist, Producer, Audio Production
1977  Sneak Attack  Kiss  Primary Artist
1976  Destroyer  Kiss  Primary Artist
1976  Fried Alive  Kiss  Primary Artist
1976  Hit Machine   Performer, Primary Artist
1976  Kiss Destroys Anaheim, Pt. 1  Kiss  Primary Artist
1976  Kiss Destroys Anaheim, Pt. 2  Kiss  Primary Artist
1976  Mindbender   Performer, Primary Artist
1976  Rock and Roll Over  Kiss  Primary Artist
1976  Rock and Roll Over Radio Special  Kiss  Primary Artist
1976  The Originals  Kiss  Primary Artist
1975  Alive!  Kiss  Primary Artist
1975  Discomania [K-Tel 1975]   Performer, Primary Artist
1975  Dressed to Kill  Kiss  Primary Artist, Producer, Audio Production
1974  Hard Goods   Primary Artist
1974  Hotter Than Hell  Kiss  Primary Artist
1974  Kiss  Kiss  Primary Artist
1968  Thunder on a Clear Day  Twentieth Century Zoo  Photography, Artwork
 '80s Forever [UMOD]   Primary Artist
 100 Rock   Primary Artist
 100% Rock Guitar Anthems [Mood Media]   Primary Artist
 101 70s Rock Anthems   Primary Artist
 101 Drivetime   Primary Artist
 101 Power Ballads [Universal]   Primary Artist
 17 Top Hits of 1984   Primary Artist
 20 #1's Classic Rock [2018]   Primary Artist
 20 #1's: Classic Rock   Primary Artist
 20 #1's: Power Ballads   Primary Artist
 20 #1’s: Classic Rock Love Songs   Primary Artist
 20 No. 1’s: 80's Rock   Primary Artist
 2001 Rock and Roll Anthems   Primary Artist
 25 Jaar Top 40 Hits, Deel 4: 1977-1980   Primary Artist
 A Special Kiss Album for Their Summer Tour  Kiss  Primary Artist
 A Taste of Platinum  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Absolute Rock Anthems II   Primary Artist
 Absolute Rock Anthems, Vol. 3   Primary Artist
 Agora Ballroom, 1974  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Air Guitar Anthems [UMOD]   Primary Artist
 Antyradio: Najlepszy Rock Na Swiecie, Vol. 4   Primary Artist
 Arena Rock, Vol. 1   Performer
 Artist Collection  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Asylum of Death: Interviews  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Beautiful Girls   Primary Artist
 Beer Blokes & BBQs, Vol. 3   Primary Artist
 Best of 70s Rock, Vol. 2: 20th Century Masters   Primary Artist
 Best of 80s Rock, Vol. 2: 20th Century Masters   Primary Artist
 Best of Superstar Series  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Big Bash 20/20   Primary Artist
 Black Diamond: An Unauthorized Documentary  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Burning Point  Burning Point  Tributee
 CAPS: Campus and Pub Songs   Primary Artist
 Chart Show: Die Erfolgreichsten Song Girls Aller Zeiten   Primary Artist
 Classic Power Ballads   Primary Artist
 Classic Rock Anthems [Spectrum]   Primary Artist
 Classic Rock Icons   Primary Artist
 Classic Rock Radio   Primary Artist
 Classic Rock Workout   Primary Artist
 Classic Rock [Mood]   Primary Artist
 Classic Rock [Rhino]   Primary Artist
 Collection [Edge]  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Collector's Edition Tin  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Crazy Crazy Nights   Primary Artist
 Dad's Jukebox: The Very Best Of The 60's, 70's & 80's   Primary Artist
 Dazed and Confused   Primary Artist
 Don't Think. Feel!: SHM-CD Compilation Rock/Soul/Blues Edition   Primary Artist
 Dressed To Thrill: A Tribute To Kiss With Female Vocalists   Tributee
 Dressed to Kiss  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Driven By the 80s   Primary Artist
 Driving Rock   Primary Artist
 First Kiss, Last Licks [Box]  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Game On: The Sound of Darts   Primary Artist
 Gods of Guitar [Deluxe Digital]   Primary Artist
 Goldmark Songs  Jutta Bokor  Text
 Greatest Ever 70s Rock   Primary Artist
 Greatest Ever! Dad Rock   Primary Artist
 Hard 'n' Heavy: 20 Hard Rock Classics   Primary Artist
 Hard Rock Gold   Primary Artist
 Headbanger's Hits, Vol. 5   Performer
 Hear the Light, Vol. 1   Primary Artist
 Hell or Hallelujah  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Hockey Anthems: 1st Period-The Legends   Primary Artist
 How It Works: The Dad - The Album   Primary Artist
 Hurley's Tracks: LOST EP   Primary Artist
 In Vegas  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Instant Live: Chronicle Pavilion - Concord, CA, 06/20/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Instant Live: Cricket Pavilion - Phoenix, AZ, 06/18/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Instant Live: Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion - Houston, TX, 06/12/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Instant Live: DTE Energy Music Theatre - Clarkston, MI, 06/30/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Instant Live: Darien Lake Pac - Darien Center, NY, 07/14/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Instant Live: Float-Rite Amphitheatre - Somerset, WI, 06/26/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Instant Live: Germain Amphitheatre - Columbus, OH, 07/10/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Instant Live: Hershey Park Pavilion - Hershey, PA, 07/18/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Instant Live: Journal Pavilion - Albuquerque, NM, 06/16/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Instant Live: Marcus Amphitheater - Milwaukee, WI, 07/07/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Instant Live: Nissan Pavilion - Bristow, VA, 07/24/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Instant Live: Post-Gazette Pavillion - Pittsburgh, PA, 07/04/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Instant Live: Riverbend Music Center - Cincinnati, OH, 07/11/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Instant Live: Smirnoff Music Centre - Dallas, TX, 06/11/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Instant Live: Sound Advice Amphitheatre - West Palm Beach, FL, 07/30/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Instant Live: Starwood Amphitheatre - Nashville, TN, 07/02/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Instant Live: Tommy Hilfiger at Jones Beach Theater - Wantagh, NY, 07/21/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Instant Live: Trump Taj Mahal - Atlantic City, NJ, 07/17/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Instant Live: Tweeter City - Mansfield, MA, 07/16/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Instant Live: Tweeter Waterfront - Camden, NJ, 07/13/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Instant Live: Umb Bank Pavilion - Maryland Heights, MO, 06/28/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Instant Live: Verizon Wireless Amphiteater - Selma, TX, 06/10/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Instant Live: Verizon Wireless Amphitheater - Bonner Springs, KS, 06/27/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Instant Live: Verizon Wireless Amphitheater - Irvine, CA, 06/19/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Instant Live: Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre - Charlotte, NC, 07/28/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Instant Live: Verizon Wireless Music Center - Nobelsville, IN, 07/03/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Instant Live: Verizon Wireless Music Center-Birmingham - Pelham, AL, 08/03/04  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Interviews  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Invasion: A Look at the Lost Egyptian God, Vinnie Vincent  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Kiss This: A Main Man Records Tribute to Kiss   Tributee
 Kiss and Tell: Interview  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Kiss in a Box  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Latest & Greatest Feel Good Anthems   Primary Artist
 Latest & Greatest Rock   Primary Artist
 Latest & Greatest Rock Ballads   Primary Artist
 Latest & Greatest Rock Bands   Primary Artist
 Latest & Greatest: House Party   Primary Artist
 Let's Put the X in Sex  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Let's Put the X in Sex [video]  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Live Thunder on Stage, 2006  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Masters of Metal   Primary Artist
 Meet the Press  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Modern Day Delilah  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Molly: Do Yourself a Favor [Original TV Soundtrack]   Primary Artist
 More Beer Drinking Classics   Primary Artist
 New Year's Eve Countdown   Primary Artist
 No No No  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Now That's What I Call Dad Rock   Primary Artist
 Now That's What I Call Drive   Primary Artist
 Now That's What I Call Power Ballads: Hits   Primary Artist
 Now That's What I Call Rock Ballads   Primary Artist
 OKEJ: Tiden vi aldrig glömmer 1980-1989   Primary Artist
 Oktoberfest Rockparty: Wies'n Hits 2010   Primary Artist
 Old School Memories - Rock Classics  Drew's Famous  Primary Artist
 P4 80 & 90-Talls Party   Primary Artist
 RTBF DJ Experience: Au Profit de Cap 48   Primary Artist
 Road Trip Sing-Along Songs   Primary Artist
 Road Trip: A New Journey   Primary Artist
 Rock & Roll All Nite: Tribute to Kiss 1974-2014   Tributee
 Rock 'N Roll All Nite   Primary Artist
 Rock 'N' Roll: Hall of Fame [WEA]   Primary Artist
 Rock Album, Vol. 1 [Arcade]   Primary Artist
 Rock Ballads: Ultimate Collection   Primary Artist
 Rock Icons   Primary Artist
 Rock Legends   Primary Artist
 Rock Motivation   Primary Artist
 Rock Star   Primary Artist
 Satanik Kreatures: Interviews  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Seventies Collected   Primary Artist
 Solo Album Sampler  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Summer: Ultimate Collection   Primary Artist
 The Best '80s Hits Collection   Primary Artist
 The Best of Classic Rock: Green Series   Primary Artist
 The Best of Kiss: 40  Kiss  Primary Artist
 The Heart of Classic Rock [Box Set]   Primary Artist
 The Nice Guys   Primary Artist
 The Story of Strange, Vol. 3  Johnny Punish  Composer
 The Best Rock Anthems ...Ever!   Primary Artist
 The Greatest Guitar Riffs of All Time   Primary Artist
 The Rock Album [UMOD]   Primary Artist
 The Story of Kiss  Kiss  Primary Artist
 The Ultimate Collection: 70s Schooldays [2013]   Primary Artist
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Similar To
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Influenced By
Led Zeppelin
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Slade
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Cream
Grand Funk Railroad
Jeff Beck
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Rod Stewart
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Followed By
Marilyn Manson
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Kix
Misfits
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Placebo
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Stone Temple Pilots
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GosT
Sloppy Joe's
Trippie Redd
Associated With
Ace Frehley
Peter Criss
Eric Carr
ESP
Frehley's Comet
Gene Simmons
Mark John
Paul Stanley
Union
Vinnie Vincent Invasio

ACE FREHLEY
Birth name
Paul Daniel Frehley
Also known as
Space Ace
Born
April 27, 1951
The Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S.
Genres
Hard rock, heavy metal
Occupation(s)
Musician, songwriter
Instruments
Guitar, vocals
Years active
1973–present
Labels
Casablanca, Mercury, Megaforce, Bronx Born
Associated acts
Kiss, Frehley's Comet, Ace Frehley Band
Paul Daniel "Ace" Frehley (/'fre?li/; born April 27, 1951)[1][self-published source][2] is an American musician and songwriter best known as the original lead guitarist and co-founding member of the rock band Kiss. He invented the persona of the "Spaceman" (a.k.a. "Space Ace") and played with the group from its inception in 1973 until his departure in 1982. After leaving Kiss, Frehley embarked on a solo career, which was put on hold when he rejoined Kiss in 1996 for a highly-successful reunion tour.
Frehley's second tenure with Kiss lasted until 2002, when he left at the conclusion of what was originally purported to be the band's Farewell Tour. His most recent solo album, Spaceman, was released on October 19, 2018. Guitar World magazine ranked him as the 14th Greatest Metal Guitarist of All Time. Outside Kiss, Frehley had commercial success, with his first solo album going platinum. His first album with his "Frehley's Comet" band was also a big seller. Frehley is also known for the use of many "special effects" guitars, including a Gibson Les Paul guitar that emits smoke from the neck humbucker pickup and produces spinning pyrotechnics, and a custom Les Paul that emits light based on song tempo.
Biography
Early years
Paul Daniel Frehley was born and raised in The Bronx of New York City, the youngest of three children of Esther Anna (Hecht) and Carl Daniel Frehley.[3] His father, from Pennsylvania, was the son of Dutch immigrants, and his mother is originally from North Carolina.[4] He has a sister Nancy and a brother Charles, a classical guitarist. As a youth, Frehley was part of the Ducky Boys street gang. The Frehleys were a musical family, and when Frehley received an electric guitar as a Christmas present in 1964, he immersed himself in learning the instrument. "I never went to music school; I never took a guitar lesson, but everybody in my family plays an instrument. My mother and father both played piano, his father was the church organist, and my brother and sister both played piano and acoustic guitar." Frehley was always surrounded by music. Frehley started playing guitar at age 13. He lists Jimi Hendrix, Albert Lee, Buddy Guy, Jeff Beck, B.B. King, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and The Who as his main influences.[5]
Growing up on the corner of Marion Avenue and 201st Street, off Bedford Park Boulevard (also known as 200th Street) and Webster Avenue in the Bedford Park section of the Bronx,[9] Frehley graduated from Grace Lutheran School at age 13. However, he was thrown out of two high schools and dropped out of the third. Two of the high schools he attended were DeWitt Clinton High School on Mosholu Parkway and Theodore Roosevelt High School on Fordham Road. He got the nickname "Ace" in high school from friends who said he was "a real ace" for his ability to get dates. Also in his high school years, a guidance counselor encouraged him to get into graphic arts. His family did not have much money, and in his teen years, Frehley got involved in street gangs. He later credited guitar playing for "saving his life" as a member of Kiss.
Frehley's earliest bands included The Outrage, The Four Roses, King Kong, Honey and The Magic People. When Frehley's later band, Cathedral, began getting paying gigs, he dropped out of high school. At the insistence of his family and girlfriend, Frehley eventually returned and earned a diploma. After graduation, Frehley held a string of short-term jobs—mail carrier, furniture deliverer, messenger, and liquor store delivery boy.[10]
Kiss
Frehley spent the early 1970s in a series of local bands including one called Molimo who recorded half an album for RCA Records in 1971.[11] In late 1972, his friend, Chris Cassone, spotted an advertisement for a lead guitarist in The Village Voice and showed the ad to Frehley.[12] Frehley went to 10 East 23rd Street above the Live Bait Bar. Frehley auditioned for Paul Stanley (rhythm guitar), Gene Simmons (bass guitar) and Peter Criss (drums) for the band. Frehley, who showed up with best friend Chris Cassone,[13] wearing one red and one orange sneaker, was less than impressive visually, but the band liked what they heard from his playing. About three weeks later, the band named Frehley as their lead guitarist. By January 1973, the band came up with the name Kiss. Frehley designed the band's double-lightning-bolt logo, which was polished up by Paul Stanley. The band quickly decided to paint their faces for live performances, and Frehley decided to start painting silver stars on his eyes. When the group eventually decided to adopt stage personas to match their makeup and costumes, Frehley became Space Ace. Later his stage persona was also known as The Spaceman.
The Spaceman
While Kiss spent their early days rehearsing and playing in empty clubs, Frehley worked as a part-time cab driver to pay bills. In September 1973, Kiss members began to receive a $75 a week salary from new manager Bill Aucoin, and Frehley quit his cabbie job.
Kiss released their debut album, Kiss, in February 1974 – Frehley was credited for writing two songs, "Love Theme from KISS" (the only song co-written by the four original members) and a fan classic, "Cold Gin". However, due to Frehley's lack of confidence in his own singing voice, Simmons performed the vocals. Frehley wrote or co-wrote several of the band's songs over the next few years but did not record vocals on a song until "Shock Me" (inspired by his near-electrocution during a concert in Lakeland, Florida), which appeared on 1977's Love Gun.[10]
As lead guitarist, Frehley was known for his frenetic, atmospheric playing, becoming one of the most popular guitarists in the 1970s and spawning a generation of new players. Frehley stated in the book Kiss: Behind the Mask that many guitarists have told him his playing on 1975's hit Alive! prompted them to pick up the instrument. Frehley is well-recognized for using Gibson Les Paul guitars, including his trademarked model conversion Les Paul Custom (that he modified himself), which filled the stage full of smoke during his live guitar solo.
Along with the three other Kiss members, Frehley released an eponymous solo album in 1978. His was the best-selling of the four, and the album's lone single—the Russ Ballard-written "New York Groove", originally recorded by Hello—reached the Top 20 in the United States.[14]
Frehley's songwriting presence within the group increased in 1979. He contributed three songs for 1979's Dynasty and three for 1980's Unmasked. While this was not the most commercially successful time for Kiss in the United States, the band was beginning to take off in other countries (mostly in Australia, where Dynasty and Unmasked are their biggest-selling albums). Even as his songwriting role within Kiss was increasing, Frehley found himself increasingly at odds with the musical direction of the band. After Peter Criss left Kiss in 1980, Frehley was often outvoted 2-1 in band decisions, as replacement drummer Eric Carr was not a partner in Kiss and had no vote. Frehley's participation in the recording of 1981's Music from "The Elder" was far more limited than with previous albums. This was in large part due to his unhappiness with the band's decision to create a concept album rather than a straightforward rock album, and also, by Frehley's own admission, his "not relating all that well" to producer Bob Ezrin, who cut many of Frehley's solos from the recorded tracks.
Although Frehley appeared on the covers for 1982's greatest hits album Killers and studio album Creatures of the Night, he had no involvement with Killers, and minimal (no musical) input on Creatures of the Night. Frehley's last appearances with the band were the video for "I Love It Loud", a series of European promotional appearances in November 1982 and a band interview with MTV in early 1983 promoting their world tour.
Solo career/Frehley's Comet
In December 1982, Kiss began the Creatures of the Night tour without Frehley: he was replaced by Vinnie Vincent. However, Frehley retained a one-quarter share in the Kiss partnership until 1985. He received one-quarter of the profits for both Lick It Up and Animalize although he had no involvement with either record.[1]
In 1984, Frehley started his post-Kiss solo career by assembling a band that included, among others, drummer Anton Fig (who had performed on Frehley's 1978 solo album and on two Kiss albums). Bassist John Regan (who had worked with Peter Frampton), whom Frehley met in 1980, was also an original member of the band as was vocalist/guitarist Richie Scarlet and keyboardist Arthur Stead.[1] The group, whose name alternated between 'Ace Frehley' and Frehley's Comet, recorded a series of demos throughout 1984 and 1985.[15] The band performed their first ever live show at S.I.R. Studios in New York City on November 30, 1984, and played a handful of shows in the Northeast United States in March 1985.
After a few unsuccessful attempts at securing a recording contract, the group eventually signed to Megaforce Records and released their first album, Frehley's Comet, on July 7, 1987. The album was co-produced by Eddie Kramer, who had produced not only a number of Kiss albums, but Frehley's 1978 album and some of his 1984–85 demos. Fig, now being the in-studio drummer for David Letterman's late-night television show, performed on the album but was unable to maintain a permanent commitment to touring. He played on the 1987 tour in the U.S. when Frehley's band played a double bill with Y&T, and White Lion opening the shows. By the time the band began recording this album, Scarlet had left the group to pursue other projects and was replaced by Tod Howarth. In addition, at some point between the initial Frehley's Comet shows in 1984–85 and their signing to Megaforce, the band had become a four-piece, with Stead no longer playing with the group.
Frehley's Comet, a mixture of hard rock and pop metal, was a successful return to the music scene for Frehley. The album peaked at No. 43 on the Billboard 200 (selling nearly 500,000 copies[1]), and the single, a Russ Ballard cover "Into the Night", reached No. 27 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.[16] "Rock Soldiers" was an autobiographic song, written partially about Frehley's April 1982 police chase in White Plains, NY while driving in DeLorean with his friend. The video for "Rock Soldiers" received moderate airplay on MTV, particularly on Headbangers Ball.
Despite the positive reviews and healthy album sales of Frehley's Comet, Frehley was unable to maintain much commercial momentum. Two 1988 Frehley's Comet albums—the live EP Live+1 and second studio album Second Sighting peaked at No. 84 and No. 81, respectively. A pair of tours in support of Alice Cooper and Iron Maiden ended prematurely, with the band claiming lack of payment in both cases.[17]
In order to reverse his band's declining commercial fortunes, Frehley dropped the Frehley's Comet moniker and issued 1989's Trouble Walkin' under his own name. Tod Howarth and Jamie Oldaker also decided to leave before recording started on the album, and were replaced by Scarlet and Sandy Slavin. Despite the return to a more traditional hard rock style, Trouble Walkin' continued the pattern of declining sales, and peaked at #102.
One notable aspect of Trouble Walkin' was the guest appearance of Peter Criss, who provided backing vocals on several tracks, along with Sebastian Bach and other members of Skid Row. It was the first time Criss and Frehley had performed together on an album since Kiss' 1979 album, Dynasty, although Criss had shown up briefly at a Frehley's Comet show in Los Angeles in 1987, playing drums on a final encore of "Deuce". Frehley would return the favor by playing solos on Peter Criss' Cat #1 album on TNT Records, released in 1994. In contrast to the somewhat adversarial relationship Frehley had with Kiss (particularly Gene Simmons) throughout the 1980s, he and Criss had maintained good ties during the decade. In June 1995, Frehley's and Criss' bands embarked on the "Bad Boys Tour" with Scarlet on guitar, marking the end of Frehley's solo band for several years as Kiss shortly thereafter reunited and began touring together again.[18]
Reunion with Kiss
Love Gun Tour stage setup
In 1996, Frehley rejoined Kiss for a successful reunion tour, on which all four original members of the band performed live for the first time since original drummer Peter Criss' departure in 1980. After the tour, they announced that the original lineup would return to the studio to record a new album. The resulting record, Psycho Circus, was promoted with a successful world tour, but it was revealed a couple of years later that Frehley's and Criss's involvement on it was minimal. "Into the Void", which was Frehley's lone contribution to the record, including vocals and lead guitar duties, is believed to be the only track that all four original members performed on. After completing the "Farewell Tour" with Kiss in late 2001, Frehley left the band and resumed his solo career.[19]
Autobiography
Ace Frehley released his autobiography, No Regrets - A Rock 'N' Roll Memoir, on November 1, 2011. The autobiography was authored by Frehley, Joe Layden and John Ostrosky, and published through Gallery Books, a subdivision of Simon & Schuster.[20] The book entered The New York Times Best Seller list in the hardcover non-fiction category at #10.[21]
Technique
In a 2009 interview with Rock N Roll Experience Magazine, Frehley stated, "I'm an anomaly, I'm an un-schooled musician, I don't know how to read music, but I'm one of the most famous guitar players in the world, so go figure."[22]
"I play guitar in such an unorthodox way," he told Guitar World in 1996. "I've never taken a guitar lesson. One of our assistants brought it to my attention a few months ago that, sometimes, when I play chords, my thumb is on the fretted side of the neck. I have no idea why or how I do it, but I do." "I remember a time early on when Ace and I would play," added Paul Stanley, "and I would do vibrato with my hand, and Ace would get vibrato by shaking his whole arm against the neck of the guitar [laughs]."[23]
Signature Les Paul Guitars
Frehley currently has three Gibson and two Epiphone Signature Les Paul Guitars. His first model, released in 1997 included a signature headstock, lightning bolt inlays, and (allegedly) three DiMarzio Super Distortion pickups. His second signature guitar, the "Budokan" Les Paul replicates his heritage cherry sunburst guitar he used in 1976. His most recent model replicates his 1959 Lemon Burst Les Paul Standard, this one was only made by Gibson. Both Gibson and Epiphone produced the first two guitars.
Frehley in 1977 performing his signature smoke effect during the Love Gun Tour
Discography
Solo albums
Ace Frehley (1978)
Frehley's Comet (1987)
Second Sighting (1988)
Trouble Walkin' (1989)
Anomaly (2009)
Space Invader (2014)
Origins, Vol. 1 (2016)
Spaceman (2018)
Live albums
Live+1 (1988)
Greatest Hits Live (2006)
Compilation albums
12 Picks (1997)
Loaded Deck (1998)
Studio Albums With Kiss
Kiss (1974)
Hotter Than Hell (1974)
Dressed to Kill (1975)
Destroyer (1976)
Rock and Roll Over (1976)
Love Gun (1977)
Dynasty (1979)
Unmasked (1980)
Music from "The Elder" (1981)
Psycho Circus (1998)
Solo singles
1978: "New York Groove" - from the album Ace Frehley, his 1978 KISS solo album. This is a cover of a song written by Russ Ballard, which was recorded by the band Hello, for their album Keeps Us off the Streets, released in 1976.
1987: "Into the Night" - from the album Frehley's Comet.
1987: "Rock Soldiers" - from the album Frehley's Comet.
1988: "Words Are Not Enough" - (from the album Live+1).
1988: "Insane" - from the album Second Sighting.
1988: "It's Over Now" - from the album Second Sighting.
1989: "Do Ya" - from the album Trouble Walkin'. A cover of a Jeff Lynne song, written in 1971 whilst in The Move. The song was later recorded with Jeff Lynne's ELO, and included on their album A New World Record, released in 1976.
2009: "Outer Space" - from the album Anomaly.
2014: "Gimme a Feelin'" - from the album Space Invader.
2014: "The Joker" - from the album Space Invader). A cover of the Steve Miller classic from his 1973 album The Joker.
2016: "White Room" - from the album Origins, Vol.1. A cover of the Cream classic from their 1968 album Wheels of Fire.
2016: "Fire and Water" - from the album Origins, Vol.1. A cover of the Free classic from their 1970 album, Fire and Water, featuring Paul Stanley of KISS on vocals (promotional video).
2018: Bronx Boy (released as a single on April 27, 2018, Ace Frehley's birthday) - from the album Spaceman.
2018: Rockin' With The Boys - from the album Spaceman.
Guest appearances
"Eugene" – Song on the 1981 self-titled album by Crazy Joe and the Variable Speed Band. Frehley co-wrote and co-produced the song with Joe Renda and played synth drums.
"Bump and Grind" – Song on the 1984 Wendy O. Williams album - WOW, Frehley played lead guitar.
"Bad Attitude," "Walk the Line" and "Blue Moon Over Brooklyn". Frehley played lead guitar on these three songs which feature on his former KISS bandmate Peter Criss' album Cat #1 – the 1994 "Criss" album.
"Cherokee Boogie" – Song on the 1996 compilation album Smell the Fuzz: Guitars that Rule the World 2. The song was written, produced and engineered by Frehley, who also played all guitars on it.
"Rocker Room Theme" – Song on the 1998 Still Wicked album Something Wicked This Way Comes. Frehley played rhythm and lead guitar. CD also features Ron Leejack (Wicked Lester), Gordon G.G. Gebert, MaryAnn Scandiffio and Michael Sciotto.
"Foxy Lady" – Song on the 1998 ESP (Eric Singer Project) album Lost and Spaced. Frehley played lead guitar.
"Freedom" – Song on the 2000 Karl Cochran album Voodooland. Frehley played the guitar solo on the bonus demo version.
"Insanity of Life" – On the 2002 Richie Scarlet album. Frehley played guitar on Johnny's in Love and lead guitar on Too Far Gone, which he co-wrote with Scarlet.
"Know Where You Go" - On the 2002 Anton Fig album Figments: Frehley played lead guitar.
"Bad Choice" - on the 2005 Kathy Valentine album Light Years: Frehley played the lead guitar solos.
"2,000 Man" (New Version). In 2005, Frehley played this new version on Eddie Trunk's Merry Kissmas special.
"God of Thunder" (Live Version) - In 2006, Frehley was a guest at the VH1 Rock Honors. He performed with a 'super-group' of Rob Zombie, Slash, Gilby Clarke, Scott Ian, and Tommy Lee. They performed the KISS classic: "God of Thunder".
"Black Diamond" (Live Version) - On June 25, 2008 Frehley appeared onstage at New York's Madison Square Garden with Pearl Jam for an encore performance of Kiss's "Black Diamond" sung by drummer Matt Cameron.
"Black Light Messiah" – August 12, 2008 Jam Pain Society. Frehley played lead guitar on the song "The Ride".
On December 20, 2008, Frehley appeared on That Metal Show with host Eddie Trunk.
"Highway to Hell" (Live Version) - On July 21, 2009, Frehley appeared on the Dark Horse Tour with members from each of the tour's participating bands in a rendition of AC/DC's "Highway to Hell". Frehley played lead guitar with Chad Kroeger of Nickelback on rhythm guitar and backing vocals—and Austin Winkler of Hinder and Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach sharing lead vocals.[citation needed]
"Nothin' but a Good Time" - Frehley played lead guitar on a re-recorded version of this song which features on Bret Michaels' 2013 album Jammin' With Friends. It was originally recorded and released as a single by the rock band Poison.
"Rise Up (Back From The Grave)" - This is a 2014 collaboration between Kris Randall and Ace Frehley. Written by Frehley and Randall; produced by Kris Randall.
"Starman" - Ace Frehley played lead guitar on Joe Silva's cover of the David Bowie song, released in 2014. The recording also featured Anton Fig on drums and Will Lee on bass, both of whom featured on the Ace Frehley 1978 KISS solo album.
Filmography
1978: Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park
1988: Frehley's Comet: Live + 4 (VHS)[24]
1992: X-treme Close-Up
1994: Ace Frehley – Acevision Volume #1[25]
1996: Kiss Unplugged
1998: Kiss: The Second Coming Documentary
1999: Detroit Rock City
2004: Kiss Loves You
2004: Remedy[26]
2006: Kissology Volume One: 1974-1977
2007: Kissology Volume Two: 1978-1991
2007: Kissology Volume Three: 1992-2000
2009: Let's Go Cobo (Documentary)
Interviews
Behind the Player:Ace Frehley DVD (2010)
A Conversation with Ace Frehley on The Pods & Sods Network [1]
Along with Eddie Van Halen, Kiss' Ace Frehley inspired numerous up-and-coming rockers to pick up the guitar in the 1970s, and by the next century he was listed by just about every contemporary rock guitarist as an important influence. Operating under the glossy, platform boot-bolstered persona Spaceman (sometimes Space Ace), Frehley played with Kiss from the group's inception in 1973 to 1982, when he embarked on a successful solo career. He rejoined the group in 1998 for their international reunion tour, and stayed with them through 2002, eventually returning to his solo work in 2009 with the release of Anomaly. Having beaten his addiction to drugs and alcohol in the interim, Frehley enjoyed a creative surge in the 2010s, issuing a string of well-received albums like Space Invader (2014) and Spaceman (2018), and releasing a popular 2011 autobiography, No Regrets: A Rock 'N' Roll Memoir.
Born Paul Frehley on April 27, 1951, in the Bronx, New York, Frehley began playing guitar when he received an electric six-string for his 14th birthday in 1965. Already a big fan of the Rolling Stones, he was blown away when he caught a multi-band live show in N.Y.C. in early 1967, featuring both the Who and Cream, among others, which solidified his desire to pursue rock guitar more seriously (and put a promising art career on the back burner). Frehley began playing in local bands soon after, adding both Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix to his influences -- and around this time, adopted the nickname "Ace." Although none of the bands he played with had taken off, he answered an ad in a local paper for a new hard rock, theatrically based group in early 1973.
A few weeks after his initial tryout, Frehley was hired as the lead guitarist for the new quartet, joining bassist/singer Gene Simmons, rhythm guitarist/singer Paul Stanley, and drummer Peter Criss to form the band Kiss. By year's end, the greasepaint- and costume-wearing band was signed to Casablanca Records, and by 1978, had become one of the world's top hard rock bands. A string of platinum albums and sold-out tours lasted from 1975-1979, until the trappings of fame threatened to break up the band. Frehley's best friend in the band, Criss, left Kiss in 1980, as the group unsuccessfully experimented with non-metal styles. Ace Frehley's use of alcohol and drugs increased due to his ever-increasing unhappiness in the band, and, by 1982, he'd exited Kiss.
MTV Unplugged
 Within a year or two after his split from Kiss, Ace began putting his own solo band together, Frehley's Comet. The band played local N.Y.C. clubs, but failed to issue a record until 1987's self-titled debut for Megaforce Records. Instead of following the heavy metal direction of his exceptional 1978 solo album, Frehley's Comet tried to keep pace with the current pop-metal movement (Mötley Crüe, etc.), issuing two other albums (and a live EP) by 1989. Around this time, Frehley put his old art talents to use once again through computer graphics, with a few of his images even being featured in an art exhibit. Despite mudslinging in the press between Simmons/Stanley and Frehley in the early '90s, all four original Kiss members made up in time to reunite for a 1995 taping of MTV Unplugged. The taping was such a success that it led to a full-blown reunion of the original lineup, resulting in the massively successful 1996-1997 Alive Worldwide Tour.
Frehley continued as a member of Kiss until the end of their Farewell Tour (lasting longer than fellow original member Peter Criss, who dropped out in 2001). Live appearances, including gigs at the massive Rocklahoma festival, kept Ace busy until 2009, when he released the album Anomaly on his own label, Bronx Born Records. In 2011 he published No Regrets, a detailed and frank memoir that recounted, among other things, his aforementioned struggles with alcohol and cocaine addiction. In 2013 he celebrated seven years of sobriety and spent much of that year appearing at horror, sci-fi, and pop culture conventions.
Origins, Vol. 1
 The following April, after a long wait, Kiss was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, before August brought the release of Space Invader, a solo album that took a heavier approach than Anomaly. Released in 2016, Origins, Vol. 1 was an all-covers album featuring songs from Ace's favorite bands, up to and including Kiss, with new versions of "Parasite" and "Cold Gin" sitting next to songs from Thin Lizzy and Cream. The following year, Frehley joined Kiss bassist/vocalist Simmons on-stage at a Hurricane Harvey benefit for the Children Matter organization in St. Paul, Minnesota. It was the first time the former bandmates had performed together in over 16 years. In 2018 Frehley issued his eighth solo long payer, Spaceman, which featured a power pop cover of Eddie Money's "I Wanna Go Back" and the rowdy single "Rockin' with the Boys," the latter of which was written during Kiss' '70s heyday.
Songwriting
Ace Frehley / John Regan
Eric Carr / Ace Frehley / Richie Scarlett
Willie Dixon / Jimmy Page / Robert Plant
Ace Frehley / Ronnie Mancuso
Ace Frehley / Tod Howarth / Jim McClarty / Kevin Russell
Ace Frehley / Rachael Gordon
Mike McCready
Jeff Lynne
Slash
Brian Downey / Scott Gorham / Phil Lynott / Brian Robertson
Andy Fraser / Paul Rodgers
Marc Ferrari / Ace Frehley
Brian Connolly / Steve Priest / Andy Scott / Mick Tucker
Ace Frehley / John Regan / Richie Scarlett
Ace Frehley / John Regan
Genghis Khan
Ace Frehley / John Ostrosky
Ace Frehley / Richie Scarlet / Arthur Stead
Sebastian Bach / Ace Frehley
Desmond Child / Holly Knight / Paul Stanley
Monty Byrom / Danny Chauncey / Ira Walker
Sebastian Basco / Ace Frehley / Gen Rubin
Ace Frehley / Rachael Gordon
Ace Frehley / Gene Moore
Tod Howarth
Eddie Curtis / Ahmet Ertegun / Steve Miller
Ace Frehley / Richie Scarlet
Ace Frehley / Ira Schickman
John Kay / Rushton Moreve
Kait DiBenedetto / Ace Frehley / Ken Gullic / Tom Kunzman
Russ Ballard
Russell Ballard
Anton Fig / Phil Galdston
David Askew / Ace Frehley / Jesse Mendez
Anton Fig / Ace Frehley
John 5
Chris Cassone / Ace Frehley
Carter Cathcart / Ace Frehley
The Jam Pain Society
Ace Frehley / Larry Kelly
Ace Frehley / Larry Kelly / Sue Kelly
Gene Simmons / Jim Vallance
Ace Frehley / Chip Taylor
Sean Delaney / Ace Frehley
Rocket Ride  feat. For Love Not Lisa
Sean Delaney / Ace Frehley
Snow Blind
Ace Frehley & Frehley's Comet
Tod Howarth
Jimi Hendrix
Ace Frehley / Jeanette Frehley
Mick Jagger / Keith Richards
Ray Davies
Phil Brown / Bill Wray
Ace Frehley / Marty Kupersmith
ACED OUT
Pete Brown / John Bruce
Lita Ford
Chip Taylor
All Credits Additional Personnel Audio Production Band Basic Track Bass Bass (Upright) Composer Computer Graphics Cover Art Concept Cover Design Creative Director Design Drums Effects Engineer Featured Artist Group Member Guest Artist Guitar Guitar (Acoustic) Guitar (Baritone) Guitar (Bass) Guitar (Electric) Guitar (Rhythm) Guitar (Synthesizer) Guitars Introduction Layout Layout Design Main Personnel Member of Attributed Artist Mixing Musician Overdubs Performer Primary Artist Producer Quotation Author Slipcover Concept Soloist Sound Effects Special Effects Synthesizer Tributee Vocals Vocals (Background)
2018  Spaceman  Ace Frehley  Primary Artist, Producer, Design, Creative Director, Bass, Composer, Guitar, Vocals, Vocals (Background)
2017  Four on the Floor  Broken Teeth  Composer
2016  Buenos Aires 1994  Kiss  Composer
2016  Kiss Rocks Vegas [Video]  Kiss  Composer
2016  Origins, Vol. 1  Ace Frehley  Primary Artist, Engineer, Slipcover Concept, Basic Track, Bass, Composer, Guitar (Rhythm), Guitars, Introduction, Producer, Vocals
2015  Metal Matters: Charting the Evolution of Metal   Composer, Guitar, Primary Artist, Producer, Vocals, Vocals (Background)
2014  Kiss 40 Years: Decades of Decibels  Kiss  Main Personnel, Composer, Primary Artist, Producer
2014  Space Invader  Ace Frehley  Primary Artist, Producer, Engineer, Cover Art Concept, Bass, Composer, Guitar, Overdubs, Sound Effects, Vocals, Vocals (Background)
2014  True to the Blues: The Johnny Winter Story  Johnny Winter  Quotation Author
2013  5 Classic Albums  Kiss  Group Member, Composer, Guitar, Vocals
2013  Aftershock: The Island Years  Anthrax  Composer
2013  Electric Punishment  Vicious Rumors  Composer
2013  Jammin' with Friends  Bret Michaels  Guitar
2013  Oh Yes We Can Love: The History of Glam Rock   Primary Artist, Producer
2013  The Ritz on Fire  Kiss  Composer
2012  Audience of One  Oren Ambarchi  Composer
2012  The Casablanca Singles: 1974-1982  Kiss  Composer, Primary Artist, Producer
2011  The Serpents Kiss  Al Atkins / Paul May  Composer
2010  Behind the Player [Video]  Ace Frehley  Primary Artist
2010  The Art of Malice  John 5  Composer
2009  Anomaly  Ace Frehley  Primary Artist, Producer, Guitar, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Synthesizer), Guitar (Bass), Bass, Guitar (Rhythm), Special Effects, Design, Cover Art Concept, Layout Design, Layout, Composer, Effects
2009  Kitsune Tabloid  Phoenix  Performer, Composer
2008  Alive: The Millennium Concert  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar, Composer
2008  Black Light Messiah  The Jam Pain Society  Primary Artist
2008  Classics  Kiss  Composer, Primary Artist
2008  Discoveries  Kiss  Composer
2008  Favorites  Kiss  Composer
2008  IKONS  Kiss  Producer, Audio Production, Member of Attributed Artist, Guitar, Composer, Primary Artist
2008  Lick It Up: A Millenium Tribute to Kiss   Composer
2008  Playlist Plus  Kiss  Member of Attributed Artist, Guitar, Composer
2008  Pondus Flat Fuzzpedal   Primary Artist
2008  The Best of Kiss: Green Series  Kiss  Composer
2008  The Complete Collection  Kiss  Composer, Primary Artist
2007  Heavy Karaoke: Hits of Kiss [DVD]   Composer
2007  Heavy Metal [Rhino Box Set]   Guitar
2007  Mullets Rock! Too!   Producer, Primary Artist
2007  Warchest  Megadeth  Composer
2006  20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection, Vol. 3  Kiss  Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Guitar, Composer
2006  Ace, Gene, Peter and Paul (Solos Box Set)  Kiss  Producer, Vocals, Guitar, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Synthesizer), Guitar (Bass), Vocals (Background), Guitar (Rhythm), Composer, Primary Artist
2006  Greatest Hits Live  Ace Frehley  Primary Artist, Producer, Mixing, Audio Production, Main Personnel, Vocals, Guitar, Performer, Composer
2006  Kiss Alive! 1975-2000  Kiss  Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Guitar, Composer
2005  Archives and Artifacts  Death Angel  Composer
2005  Chronicles  Kiss  Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Guitar, Group Member, Composer
2005  Greatest Kiss  Kiss  Composer
2005  Lightyears  Kathy Valentine  Guest Artist, Main Personnel, Guitar, Soloist
2005  Rock Breakout Years: 1988  Great White  Composer
2004  Fiinky Pie  Fiinky Pie  Composer
2004  Gold: 1974-1982 - Sound+Vision  Kiss  Producer, Audio Production, Vocals, Guitar, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Bass), Group Member, Composer, Primary Artist
2004  Trenton Makes the Cryptkeeper Five  The Cryptkeeper Five  Composer
2003  16 Biggest Hits [Bonus Track]  Mickey Gilley  Composer
2003  Fu2  First Degree the D.E.  Composer
2003  Hardcore UFOs Box Set: Revelations, Epiphanies and Fast Food in the Western Hemisphere  Guided by Voices  Composer
2003  Kiss My Grass: A Hillbilly Tribute to Kiss  Hayseed Dixie  Composer
2003  Long Live Rock N Roll   Primary Artist
2002  Figments  Anton Fig  Guest Artist, Main Personnel, Guitar
2002  Live  Undermind  Composer
2002  Put Your Love in Me: Love Songs for the Apocalypse  Plasmatics  Additional Personnel, Guitar
2002  Snow  Spock's Beard  Composer
2002  Symphony of the Damned  Lefay  Composer
2002  The Very Best of Kiss  Kiss  Producer, Primary Artist
2001  20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Freddy Fender  Freddy Fender  Composer
2001  Start at the Top  Skin Yard  Composer
2001  The Box Set  Kiss  Producer, Guitar, Composer, Primary Artist
2001  The New York Yankees Collection   Primary Artist
2000  A World Without Heroes: A Kiss Tribute   Performer, Composer, Primary Artist
2000  Hot Rod Series: Power Ballads   Composer
2000  Kiss Covered in Scandinavia [Limited 2CD Edition]   Composer
1999  ESP  ESP  Guest Artist, Guitar, Performer, Featured Artist
1999  Kings of the Night Time World  Kiss  Composer
1999  New York Songs   Performer, Primary Artist
1999  Planet Electrica: Protection   Composer
1999  Post Orgasmic Chill  Skunk Anansie  Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric)
1999  Retrospective  Red House Painters  Composer
1999  The Kiss of Death: A Sikk Tribute to Kiss   Composer
1998  Alive and Talking [Interview and Poster]  Kiss  Primary Artist
1998  All Punk Rods: A Gearhead Magazine Compilation   Composer
1998  Kiss: The Second Coming I & II [Video]  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar (Electric), Guitar (Rhythm)
1998  Loaded Deck  Ace Frehley  Primary Artist, Producer, Composer
1998  New York Yankees Greatest Hits, Vol. 2: The Dream Season   Performer, Primary Artist
1998  Psycho Circus  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar, Guitar (Electric), Guitar (Baritone), Vocals (Background), Guitar (Rhythm), Composer
1998  Psycho Circus [3-D Video]  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar (Electric), Guitar (Rhythm)
1998  Wasted  L.A. Guns  Composer
1997  12 Picks  Ace Frehley  Primary Artist, Producer, Vocals, Guitar, Composer
1997  80's Country: 1982-1984   Composer
1997  Are You Dead Yet?  The Necro Tonz  Composer
1997  Greatest Kiss  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar (Electric), Vocals (Background), Guitar (Rhythm), Composer
1997  Harden My Heart: The Best of Quarterflash  Quarterflash  Composer
1997  King of the Retards  Mog Stunt Team  Composer
1997  Kiss My Ass [Bootleg]  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar, Composer
1997  Maximum Abduction  Hypocrisy  Composer
1997  Return of the Comet: Tribute to Ace Frehley   Composer
1997  Super Hits  Mickey Gilley  Composer
1996  Back to Back Hits: Great White/April Wine [1996]  Great White  Composer
1996  Greatest Hits [1998]  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar (Electric), Guitar (Rhythm), Composer
1996  Guitars That Rule the World, Vol. 2: Smell the Fuzz: The Superstar Guitar Album   Producer, Engineer, Mixing, Guitar, Performer, Composer, Primary Artist
1996  MTV Unplugged  Kiss  Guest Artist, Vocals, Guitar, Composer
1996  MTV Unplugged [Video/DVD]  Kiss  Composer
1996  Spacewalk: A Salute to Ace Frehley   Tributee, Composer
1996  Super Hits of the '70s: Have a Nice Day, Vol. 25   Performer, Primary Artist
1996  You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best!!  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar, Composer
1995  1944  Cozy Cole  Composer
1995  Guitar Heroes [Special Music Company]   Performer, Primary Artist
1995  Only Country 1980-1984   Composer
1995  Whatever Makes You Happy  The Dwellers  Composer
1994  Anthrax Live: The Island Years  Anthrax  Composer
1994  Criss Cat #1  Criss  Guitar
1994  Kiss My Ass: The Video [VHS]  Kiss  Composer
1994  Shock Me  Red House Painters  Composer
1994  Talk to Me  Mickey Gilley  Composer
1994  Talk to Me  Mark Jefferis  Composer
1994  The Fourth Dimension  Hypocrisy  Composer
1994  United DJs of America, Vol. 1  Kimball Collins  Composer
1993  Softhand  For Love Not Lisa  Vocals, Guitar, Composer, Primary Artist
1993  The Best of Great White: 1986-1992  Great White  Composer
1992  Hard to Believe: Kiss Covers Compilation   Composer
1992  Live Noize  Anthrax  Composer
1992  Solid! Behind the Times  Colorblind James Experience  Composer
1992  This Is Lovers Reggae, Vol. 2   Composer
1991  Attack of the Killer B's  Anthrax  Composer
1991  Live + 4  Ace Frehley  Primary Artist, Vocals, Guitar
1991  Metal Mania [Priority]   Performer, Composer, Primary Artist
1991  Voyce Boxing  Voyce Boxing  Composer
1990  Air  Yen  Composer
1990  Decoded & Danced Up   Composer
1990  Guys Next Door  Guys Next Door  Composer
1990  Vince Andrews  Vince Andrews  Composer
1989  Hot in the Shade  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar (Electric), Vocals (Background), Guitar (Rhythm)
1989  Knockout  Sugar Ray & the Bluetones  Composer
1989  Master of Disguise  Lizzy Borden  Composer
1989  Masters of Metal: Strikeforce, Vol. 1   Performer, Primary Artist
1989  Ozma  Melvins  Composer
1989  Trouble Walkin'  Ace Frehley  Primary Artist, Producer, Vocals, Guitar, Composer
1989  Walk in the Fire  Strangeways  Composer
1988  Frolic Through the Park  Death Angel  Composer
1988  Live  Bad Brains  Composer
1988  Live + 1  Frehley's Comet  Producer, Primary Artist, Vocals, Guitar, Composer
1988  Satisfaction [Original Soundtrack]   Composer
1988  Second Sighting  Frehley's Comet / Ace Frehley  Primary Artist, Vocals, Guitar, Cover Design, Computer Graphics, Composer
1988  Second Sighting/Live + 1 [Bonus Track]  Frehley's Comet  Composer, Guitar, Producer, Vocals
1988  Smashes, Thrashes & Hits  Kiss  Guitar
1988  So Sexist  Chemical People  Composer
1987  Exposed  Kiss  Guitar
1987  Frehley's Comet  Ace Frehley  Primary Artist, Producer, Vocals, Guitar, Vocals (Background), Composer
1987  Interview Disc  Kiss  Guitar
1987  Original Rock & Roll, Vol. 2   Composer
1987  Pleasures of the Flesh  Exodus  Composer
1987  Pursuit of Happiness  Beat Farmers  Composer
1985  Animalize: Live Uncensored [Video]  Kiss  Composer
1985  Back into Blue  Quarterflash  Composer
1985  Something to Believe In  APB  Composer
1984  W.O.W.  Wendy O. Williams  Guest Artist, Main Personnel, Guitar
1982  Creatures of the Night  Kiss  Guitar, Musician, Group Member
1982  Greatest Hits [MCA]  Lloyd Price  Composer
1982  Killers  Kiss  Bass (Upright), Vocals (Background), Guitar (Rhythm), Composer
1981  Music from "The Elder"  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar, Group Member, Composer
1981  The Best of the Solo Albums  Kiss  Guitar
1980  Unmasked  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar, Group Member, Composer
1979  Dynasty  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar, Band, Composer
1978  Ace Frehley  Ace Frehley / Kiss  Primary Artist, Producer, Vocals, Guitar, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Synthesizer), Guitar (Bass), Vocals (Background), Guitar (Rhythm), Performer, Composer
1978  Double Platinum  Kiss  Guitar, Composer
1978  The Originals II  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar (Electric), Vocals (Background), Guitar (Rhythm)
1978  Totally Hot  Olivia Newton-John  Composer
1977  Alive II  Kiss  Producer, Vocals, Composer
1977  Love Gun  Kiss  Producer, Vocals, Guitar, Composer
1977  Sneak Attack  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar, Composer
1976  Destroyer  Kiss  Guitar, Group Member, Composer
1976  Rock and Roll Over  Kiss  Guitar
1976  The Originals  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar, Vocals (Background), Composer
1975  Alive!  Kiss  Guitar, Composer
1975  Dressed to Kill  Kiss  Producer, Guitar, Composer
1974  Hotter Than Hell  Kiss  Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Guitar, Drums, Group Member, Composer
1974  Kiss  Kiss  Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Guitar, Composer
 101 70s Rock Anthems   Primary Artist
 Agora Ballroom, 1974  Kiss  Composer
 Album, Vol. 1   Composer
 Be Naughty Be Hair Metal   Primary Artist
 Bleeding On the Edge of Happiness  Viva La Venus!  Composer
 Bronx Boy  Ace Frehley  Primary Artist
 City Limits   Performer
 Death In the Family  Mike Paradine  Composer
 Devil Music  3/13  Composer
 Dressed To Thrill: A Tribute To Kiss With Female Vocalists   Composer
 Eugene  Crazy Joe & The Variable Speed Band  Synthesizer
 Festival of Starch  Nathan Alfaro  Composer
 First Kiss, Last Licks [Box]  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar (Electric), Vocals (Background), Guitar (Rhythm), Composer
 Galactic Explorer: The Uncut Interviews  Ace Frehley  Primary Artist
 Hard Rock Gold   Primary Artist
 Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park  Kiss  Primary Artist
 New York City Groove   Primary Artist
 Pure Rock, Pt. 1   Primary Artist
 Sonic Lobotomy  Damnation Alley  Composer
 Wuff Grunz  Hund / Schwein  Composer
Similar To
AC/DC
Joe Perry
Mötley Crüe
Twisted Sister
Alex Lifeson
Angus Young
Billy Gibbons
Brian May
Bruce Kulick
C.C. DeVille
Dave Meniketti
Diamond Darrell
Eddie Van Halen
Extreme
Faster Pussycat
Glen Buxton
J Mascis
Johnny Thunders
Kim Thayil
Kirk Hammett
Lita Ford
Mark Farner
Michael Bruce
Mick Mars
Mike McCready
Nirvana
Nuno Bettencourt
Peter Frampton
Randy Rhoads
Richie Sambora
Rick Nielsen
Robin Trower
Scott Ian
Skid Row
Skin Yard
Ted Nugent
Tesla
Tom Scholz
Tommy Bolin
Vito Bratta
Blue Öyster Cult
Bon Jovi
Lenny Kravitz
Punky Meadows
Slash
The Cult
Influenced By
Led Zeppelin
Alice Cooper
Cream
Humble Pie
Jeff Beck
Jimi Hendrix
Mick Ronson
Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels
Mountain
Santana
The Kinks
The Rolling Stones
The Who
The Yardbirds
Bo Diddley
Eric Clapton
Jimmy Page
Pete Townshend
Ritchie Blackmore
Followed By
Andy LaRocque
Jerry Cantrell
Mick Mars
Nirvana
Ty Tabor
Associated With
Kiss
Paul Stanley
Vinnie Vincent
Ace Frehley & Frehley's Comet
Frehley's Comet
Collaborated With
Anton Fig
Bob Ezrin
Eddie Kramer
Gene Simmons
John Regan
Peter Criss
Tod Howarth

GENE SIMMONS
Background information
Birth name
Chaim Witz
Also known as
The Demon
The God of Thunder
Dr. Love
Reginald Van Helsing
Born
August 25, 1949
Tirat Carmel, Israel
Genres
Hard rock
Occupation(s)
Musician ·
singer-songwriter ·
record producer ·
actor ·
entrepreneur ·
television personality
Instruments
Vocals ·
bass guitar
Years active
1970–present
Associated acts
Kiss ·
Wicked Lester
Gene Klein (born Chaim Witz (Hebrew: ???? ????, [xa'im 'vit?s]; August 25, 1949), known professionally as Gene Simmons, is an Israeli-American musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur, actor, author, and television personality. Also known by his stage persona The Demon, he is the bassist and co-lead singer of Kiss, the rock band he co-founded with lead singer and rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley in the early 1970s.
Early life
Simmons was born as Chaim Witz on August 25, 1949, at Rambam Hospital, in Haifa, Israel, to Jewish emigrants from Hungary. His mother, Florence Klein (originally Flóra Kovács), was born in Jánd, and survived internment in Nazi concentration camps.[1] She and her brother, Larry Klein, were the only members of the family to survive the Holocaust. His father, Ferenc "Feri" Yehiel Witz, was a carpenter. Simmons spent his early childhood in Tirat Carmel, and was raised in a Jewish household. He practiced playing his guitar for hours on end.[2] He has said that his family was "dirt poor," scraping by on rationed bread and milk.[3] At age seven, he began to pick wild fruit and sell it on roadsides together with a friend.[4]
At age eight, he immigrated to the United States with his mother and settled in New York City. His father remained in Israel, where he had one other son and three daughters. In the United States, Simmons changed his name to Eugene Klein (later Gene Klein), adopting his mother's maiden name. At age nine, he briefly attended a Jewish religious school, Yeshiva Torah Vodaas, before transferring to a public school.[5] Before his musical career began, Simmons worked a variety of jobs in the city. An "excellent typist", he served as an assistant to an editor of the fashion magazine Vogue, and also spent several months as a sixth grade instructor on the Upper West Side.[6]
A significant influence on Simmons was the Beatles. "There is no way I'd be doing what I do now if it wasn't for the Beatles. I was watching The Ed Sullivan Show and I saw them. Those skinny little boys, kind of androgynous, with long hair like girls. It blew me away that these four boys [from] the middle of nowhere could make that music."[7]
Kiss
Gene Simmons as "The Demon", 2010
Simmons became involved with his first band, Lynx, then renamed the Missing Links, when he was a teenager. Eventually, he disbanded the band to form the Long Island Sounds, the name being a pun on Long Island Sound. While he played in these bands, he worked at odd jobs on the side to make more money, including trading used comic books. Simmons attended Sullivan County Community College in Loch Sheldrake, New York. He joined a new band, Bullfrog Bheer, and the band recorded a demo, "Leeta"; this was later included on the Kiss box set.[citation needed]
Simmons formed the rock band Wicked Lester in the early 1970s with Stanley Eisen (now known as Paul Stanley) and recorded one album, which was never released. Dissatisfied with Wicked Lester's sound and look, Simmons and Stanley attempted to fire their band members; they were met with resistance, and they quit Wicked Lester, walking away from their record deal with Epic Records. They decided to form the "ultimate rock band", and started looking for a drummer. Simmons and Stanley found an ad placed by George Peter John Criscuola (known as Peter Criss) who was playing clubs in Brooklyn at the time; they joined and started out as a trio.
During this time, Criss and Simmons also appeared on an unreleased album by Captain Sanity together with members from Criss' previous band Chelsea. Paul Frehley (better known as Ace Frehley) responded to an ad they put in The Village Voice for a lead guitar player, and soon joined them. Kiss released their self-titled debut album in February 1974. Stanley took on the role of lead performer on stage, while Simmons became the driving force behind what became an extensive Kiss merchandising franchise. The eye section of his "Demon" makeup with Kiss came from the wing design of comic book character Black Bolt.[8]
Simmons' 'The Demon' make-up
In 1983, when the fame of Kiss was waning, the members took off their trademark make-up and enjoyed a resurgence in popularity that continued into the 1990s. At this time, Peter Criss, the original drummer, was voted out of the band, and a replacement was sought to fill his vacancy. The new drummer was Paul Charles Caravello, who went by the stage name of Eric Carr, and played for Kiss from 1980 until his death in 1991. The band hosted its own fan conventions in 1995, and fan feedback about the original Kiss members reunion influenced the highly successful 1996–1997 Alive Worldwide reunion tour. In 1998, the band released Psycho Circus. Since then, the original line-up has once again dissolved, with Tommy Thayer replacing Ace Frehley on lead guitar and Eric Singer (who performed with Kiss from 1991 through 1996) replacing Peter Criss on drums.
Playing style
Among most Kiss songs, lead vocal duties are spit between Simmons and rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley. Some notable songs featuring Simmons singing lead include "Rock and Roll All Nite", "A World Without Heroes", "I Love It Loud", "Calling Dr. Love", "Unholy", "Spit" (second lead vocals), "Boomerang", and "You Wanted the Best" (first lead vocals), among others.
Stage makeup and persona
In addition to playing bass, Simmons is known for his large tongue and on stage is known for his demonic figure by spitting fire and vomiting stage blood.
During an interview in 1999, Simmons was asked about the source and significance of Kiss' stage makeup and personas:
I've always been a fan of Americana, and Americana has always been about imagery, often above content. I think there's nothing wrong with that. The world worships this culture. Most people only think about America in terms of rock & roll, movies and television. Kiss is very all-American, in the sense that our constituency has never had anything in common with critics ... because our power, our lifeblood, our very reason for existence is our fans. Without them, we'd be nothing.
Personal life
Gene Simmons fire breathing.
Simmons is a science fiction and comic book fan and published several science fiction fanzines, among them Id, Cosmos (which eventually merged with Stilletto to become Cosmos-Stilletto and then Faun), Tinderbox, Sci-Fi Showcase, Mantis and Adventure. He also contributed to other fanzines, among them BeABohema and Sirruish.[9] By 1977, however, he would write in a letter of comment to Janus, "I haven't been active [in fandom] for about five years".[10]
Simmons lives in Los Angeles, California, with his wife, Canadian former Playboy Playmate and actress Shannon Lee Tweed. Although they began dating in 1983, they did not marry until 28 years later.[11] Simmons often joked that he and Tweed were "happily unmarried" for over 20 years. He also often stated, "Marriage is an institution, and I don't want to live in an institution". Simmons and Tweed wed on October 1, 2011, at the Beverly Hills Hotel.[11][12][13] They have two children: a son, Nick (born January 22, 1989), and a daughter, Sophie (born July 7, 1992). He formerly had live-in relationships with Cher and Diana Ross,[14] revealing that he fell in love with Ross while dating Cher.[15] Simmons can speak Hungarian, German, English, Hebrew and some Japanese.[14]
Homecoming visit to Israel
In March 2011, Simmons visited his home country, Israel. He described the trip as a "life changing experience". He talked about how he still feels that he is an Israeli: "I'm Israeli. I'm a stranger in America. I'm an outsider".[16] While there, Simmons met his half-brother Kobi, and triplet half-sisters Drora, Sharon, and Ogenia.[17] Simmons has plans to take Kiss to Israel. He has said that he is an ardent supporter of Israel.[18] At a press conference in Israel, he spoke in both Hebrew and English.[19]
Political views
Simmons was a supporter of the foreign policy of the George W. Bush administration.[20] He supported the 2003 invasion of Iraq, writing on his website: "I'm ashamed to be surrounded by people calling themselves liberal who are, in my opinion, spitting on the graves of brave American soldiers who gave their life to fight a war that wasn't theirs... in a country they've never been to... simply to liberate the people therein".[21] In a follow-up, Simmons explained his position and wrote about his love and support for the United States: "I wasn't born here. But I have a love for this country and its people that knows no bounds. I will forever be grateful to America for going into World War II, when it had nothing to gain, in a country that was far away... and rescued my mother from the Nazi German concentration camps. She is alive and I am alive because of America. And, if you have a problem with America, you have a problem with me".[21]
During the 2006 Lebanon War between Israel and Lebanon, Simmons sent a televised message of support (in both English and Hebrew) to an Israeli soldier seriously wounded in fighting in Lebanon, calling him his "hero".[22]
In 2010, Simmons said he regretted voting for Barack Obama and criticized the 2009 health care reforms.[23] Following Obama's 2011 speech on the Middle East in which the President called on Israel and the Palestinians to negotiate a settlement "based on the 1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps",[24] Simmons told CNBC that Obama was gravely misguided. "If you have never been to the moon, you can't issue policy about the moon. For the president to be sitting in Washington D.C. and saying, 'Go back to your '67 borders in Israel' – how about you live there and try to defend an indefensible border – nine miles (14 km) wide?" Simmons also accused the United Nations of being "the most pathetic body on the face of the earth".[25]
During his visit to Israel in 2011, he stated that the artists refusing to perform in Israel for political reasons are "stupid".[26]
In an April 2012 interview, Simmons endorsed Republican Mitt Romney for President: "America should be in business and it should be run by a businessman".[27]
On November 6, 2015, he attended a Friends of the Israel Defense Forces gala in Beverly Hills, which raised more than $31 million.[28]
Philanthropy
Simmons is a known advocate for ChildFund International's work. He traveled to Zambia during his Gene Simmons Family Jewels show to visit several of his sponsored children, of whom he has more than 1400.[29] Simmons said that the trip "[was] a stark reminder that life doesn't treat everyone the same".[30]
Simmons' family received the MEND Humanitarian Award for their philanthropic efforts and support for Mending Kids International at the organization's annual gala on November 9, 2013. The award was presented by Mel Gibson.[31] In his acceptance speech, Simmons spoke of his own difficult childhood in Israel in a bullet-riddled house. He recalled his mother's excitement when they received a CARE box one day.[32]
Simmons helped found "The Children Matter", which is a collaborative initiative with the charity MATTER that fights to get kids around the world access to health care.[33]
Controversy
On November 16, 2017, Simmons made an appearance on Fox & Friends to promote a new book, but shortly afterward, he burst into a staff meeting uninvited, yanking his shirt and telling jokes. The next day, on November 17, Fox News announced that Simmons had been banned for life from their program.[34][35][36]
Other projects
On August 15, 2013, Simmons, Paul Stanley and manager Doc McGhee became a part of the ownership group that created the LA Kiss Arena Football League team, which plays their home games at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The team has since folded.
He has his own magazine, Gene Simmons Tongue Magazine, his own label, Simmons Records, and animated series, My Dad the Rock Star.
Public statements and image
Promiscuity
In February 2002, Simmons was interviewed on the NPR radio show Fresh Air and asked about his claim of having had ses with 4,600 women. He told Terry Gross: "If you want to welcome me with open arms, I'm afraid you're also going to have to welcome me with open legs", paraphrasing a lyric from the Who's 1981 song "You Better You Bet". Gross replied: "That's a really obnoxious thing to say". At the time, Simmons refused to grant permission to NPR to make the interview available online.[37] However, it appears in print in Gross's book All I Did Was Ask and unauthorized transcripts are available. NPR re-broadcast part of the interview in August 2007.[38] In a 2014 interview with The Huffington Post, Simmons noted he was upset over what he perceived as Gross's "holier-than-thou" attitude, which included mislabeling his band Kiss as "the Kiss".[39]
Islam comments in Australia
In 2004, during an interview in Melbourne, Australia, while talking about Islamic extremists, Simmons described Islam as a "vile culture", saying that Muslim women had to walk behind their husbands and were not allowed to be educated or to own houses. He said: "They want to come and live right where you live and they think that you're evil." Australia's Muslim of the Year Susan Carland argued that Simmons' stereotyping of Muslims was inaccurate.[40] Simmons later clarified his comments on his website, saying he had been talking specifically about Muslim extremists.[41]
Defamation lawsuit by former girlfriend[
In 2005, Simmons was sued by a former girlfriend, Georgeann Walsh Ward, who said she had been "defamed" in the VH1 documentary When Kiss Ruled the World and portrayed as an "unchaste woman".[42] A settlement was reached in June 2006.[43]
Views on musical piracy
In 2007, Simmons openly spoke out against music piracy, and called for file-sharers to be sued.[44] A year later, he threatened further lawsuits, and to withhold new recordings, if file-sharing continued. In 2010, Anonymous staged a DDoS on his website, prompting Simmons to hit back with provocative comments once he was back online, at which point Anonymous staged a second DDoS, taking Simmons' site down again.[45]
Comments on suicide and depression
In August 2014, Simmons made comments in an interview with Songfacts.com that seemed to openly encourage people with depression to kill themselves. The comments drew criticism from Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe who had suffered from depression in the past.[46] Following his comments, both Triple M and Power 97 stated that they were pulling all Kiss songs from their lineup in protest.[47] Simmons later clarified his comments and apologized for the incident.[48]
Decline of music industry
In September 2014, Simmons said "The death of rock was not a natural death. Rock did not die of old age. It was murdered". Simmons blames file sharing and the fact that no one values music "enough to pay you for it" for the decline of the rock music scene.[49]
Film and television career
Simmons has been involved with such television projects as:
My Dad the Rock Star,[11] a cartoon by the Canadian animation company Nelvana, about the mild mannered son of a Gene Simmons-like rock star
Mr. Romance, a show created and hosted by Simmons on the Oxygen cable television channel
Rock School, a UK reality show in which Simmons tries to make a rock band out of a group of students of Christ's Hospital School in the first season, and in the second, a group of kids from a comprehensive school in Lowestoft
Gene Simmons Family Jewels,[50] a reality show documenting the personal lives of Simmons, his wife, his son and daughter
On March 9, 2011, Simmons and Kiss co-founder Paul Stanley and E! Entertainment announced that they have finalized a production and development deal to create an as-yet-untitled comedic half-hour kids' television series.[51] Simmons appeared as a psychic working at the Mystic Journey Bookstore in Venice, California on the American hidden camera prank TV series I Get That a Lot.[52] He also guest-starred as himself in the 2014 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation episode Long Road Home. He also performed in the 1984 Michael Crichton thriller movie Runaway starring Tom Selleck, Cynthia Rhodes and Kirstie Alley and the 1987 Gary Sherman movie Wanted: Dead or Alive starring Rutger Hauer.[53] In March 2015 founded the film production company Erebus Pictures[54] and announced as the first project was the Horror-thriller film Armed Response.[55]
Awards and recognition
On January 28, 2011, Simmons was in Dallas, Texas, to host the Aces & Angels Salute to the Troops charity event. Simmons was presented the key to the city, and a street (Gene Simmons Boulevard) was named for him. Simmons and Tweed also visited the U.S. Army base at Fort Hood to support the troops as a part of the Aces & Angels event.
On June 15 of the same year he was given the key to the city in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In 2012, Simmons was awarded the Golden God award by the Revolver magazine.[56]
In 2013, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History accepted an autographed Gene Simmons Axe bass into their collection. The Smithsonian wrote, in part: "The bass will now be cared for in our permanent collections... We are happy to include the Axe bass as it relates to the impact Mr. Simmons and his band Kiss have had on American culture, especially in the creation of a unique and iconic brand that has been embraced by fans worldwide ... The story of Mr. Simmons' American experience deserves to be preserved. An immigrant and son of a holocaust survivor, he used creative vision and entrepreneurial acumen to make a significant impact for our nation's popular culture, becoming an iconic figure in American music and entertainment."[57]
Simmons is an honorary board member of Little Kids Rock, a national nonprofit that works to restore and revitalize music education in disadvantaged U.S. public schools. A&E’s Gene Simmons Family Jewels visited a Little Kids Rock classroom and featured the segment on the show. He also decorated a guitar for auction with his son Nick.[58]
On December 15, 2014, Simmons was awarded the Golden Medal by the Reial Circle Artístic de Barcelona (Royal Artistic Circle of Barcelona).[59]
Filmography
1978  Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park  The Demon  Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley  TV movie
1984  Runaway  Dr. Charles Luther  
1986  Trick or Treat  Nuke (radio DJ)  
1986  Never Too Young to Die  Carruthers / Velvet Von Ragner  
1987  Wanted: Dead or Alive  Malak Al Rahim  
1988  The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years  Himself  Paul Stanley  Documentary
1989  Red Surf  Doc  
1999  Detroit Rock City  Himself  Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley  Simmons also produced
2002  The New Guy  Reverend  
2002  Wish You Were Dead  Vinny  
2008  Detroit Metal City  Jack lll Dark   Japanese movie
2009  Extract[60]  Joe Adler  
2010  Expecting Mary  Taylor  
2010  Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage  Himself   Documentary
2013  Sample This: The Incredible Story of the Incredible Bongo Band  Himself   Documentary
2015  Scooby-Doo! and Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery  The Demon  Paul Stanley, Eric Singer, Tommy Thayer  Voice only
2016  We Are X  Himself   Documentary
2016  Temple  TBA   Post-production
2016  Why Him?  Himself  Paul Stanley  Cameo
2017  Armed Response   
TBA  Untitled Scooby-Doo! and Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery Sequel[61]  The Demon  Tommy Thayer[61]  Voice only
Television appearances
1974  The Mike Douglas Show  June 11, 1974  Himself  Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley  Kiss' first national television appearance, performed "Firehouse".
1976  The Paul Lynde Halloween Special  October 29, 1976  Himself  Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley  Performed "Detroit Rock City," "King of the Night Time World," and "Beth"
1979  Tomorrow   Himself  Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley
1985  Miami Vice  "Prodigal Son"  Newton Blade  
1986  The Hitchhiker  "O.D.Feelin'" January 28, 1986  Mr. Big  
1997  Action League Now!  "Rock-A-Big-Baby"  Toy version of himself  Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley  Performed "Rock and Roll All Nite"
1998  MADtv[62]  October 31, 1998 (#406)  Himself  Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley.  Halloween special; performed in five sketches
1998  Millennium  "...Thirteen Years Later" October 30, 1998  Hector Leachman  Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, Ace Frehley
2000  "That 70's Show"  "Red sees Red"  as The Devil  
2001  Family Guy  "A Very Special Family Guy Freakin' Christmas"  Animated version of himself  Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley
2001  Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?  May 27, 2001  Himself   Won $32,000 for a charity
2001  The Daily Show with Jon Stewart[63]  June 12, 2001  Himself   Almost licked Jon Stewart's face in response to Jon being unable to explain the difference between pleasure and joy to a man with a 'twelve-inch tongue'
2002  Family Guy  "Road to Europe"  Animated version of himself  Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley  Lois Griffin claims she dated Gene Simmons while they were in high school, and calls him by his birth name, Chaim Witz.
2002  The Tonight Show with Jay Leno  September 6, 2002  Himself  
2003  King of the Hill  "Reborn to Be Wild"  Jessie  
2004  Third Watch  "Higher Calling"  Donald Mann  
2004  Third Watch  "Monsters"  Donald Mann  
2004  Third Watch  "More Monsters"  Donald Mann  
2005  American Idol  "Auditions: New Orleans"  Himself- guest judge  
2005  Family Guy  "Don't Make Me Over"  Animated version of himself/ Prisoner No. 3  
2005  Mind of Mencia  Episode #1.7  Himself  
2006  The View  August 1, 2006  Himself   Promotional appearance for Gene Simmons Family Jewels
2007  SpongeBob SquarePants  "20,000 Patties Under the Sea"  Sea Monster  
2007  Shrink Rap  "Gene Simmons"  Himself   UK's More4 show
2008  Entertainment Tonight  January 2, 2008  Himself  
2008  Jimmy Kimmel Live!  January 18, 2008  Himself  
2008  Rachael Ray  March 11, 2008  Himself  
2008  Criss Angel Mindfreak  "Mindfreaking with the Stars"  Himself  
2008  Ugly Betty  "The Kids Are Alright"  Himself  
2008  Ugly Betty  "A Thousand Words by Friday"  Himself  
2008  Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?  Episode #3.9  Himself   Won $500,000 for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation charity
2008  The Celebrity Apprentice  First three episodes  Himself   Won $20,000 for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation charity; Fired in the third episode
2008  Jingles[64]   Celebrity judge   Mark Burnett reality show
2009  Glenn Martin DDS  Glenn Gary, Glenn Martin  himself  
2009  American Idol  Season Finale  Himself  Eric Singer, Tommy Thayer, Paul Stanley  Performed medley of 3 songs with contestant Adam Lambert
2009  The Fairly OddParents  "Wishology – Part 1: The Big Beginning"  Animated version of himself  Eric Singer, Tommy Thayer, Paul Stanley
2009  The Fairly OddParents  "Wishology – Part 3: The Final Ending"  Animated version of himself  Eric Singer, Tommy Thayer, Paul Stanley
2010  I Get That a Lot  Episode 2  As Himself   Simmons appeared as a psychic working at the Mystic Journey Bookstore in Venice, California
2010  Extreme Makeover: Home Edition  Episode 160  As Himself   Kiss made a personal appearance during the Wagstaff family's vacation in Disneyland and honored them as special guests at one of their concerts. Kiss also made a personal appearance at a local school where a donation of new musical instruments was made in the Wagstaff family's name.
2010  I'm in a Rock 'n' Roll Band!  Episode 1 And 5  As Himself   Discussing the requirements of being in a rock band.
2011  Castle  To Love and Die in LA  As Himself  
2014  CSI: Crime Scene Investigation  Long Road Home  As Himself  
2014  American Idol  Season 13 Finale  Himself  Eric Singer, Tommy Thayer, Paul Stanley  Performed with Caleb Johnson
2014  Welcome to Sweden  S1 Ep4: Get a Job/Farthinder  Himself  
2015  Scorpion  S2 Ep1:  Himself   30 September 2015, Himself, Interview
2016  Angie Tribeca (2016 TBS TV Series)  S1 Ep9:  Himself  
2018  Jeopardy!,  October 31 episode  Himself   Reading clues about Halloween in costume and makeup. As a publicity stunt, Alex Trebek was briefly made up and costumed as Simmons. Short video of that appeared as a commercial bump; longer video posted to show web site.
Video games
Year
Video Game
Role
2014  Family Guy: The Quest for Stuff  Himself
Music video appearances
In 1994, Simmons appears as auditioning for the band with actor Al Lewis & comedian Gilbert Gottfried in a music video for "I'll Talk My Way Out Of It" by Howard Stern comedian Stuttering John. In 2007, he appeared alongside other celebrities, as well as regular people, in the music video for "Rockstar" by Nickelback.
Video game appearances
Gene Simmons is a playable character in Tony Hawk's Underground, unlocked when completing the story mode on Normal difficulty, and also appears with his Kiss bandmates in the Hotter Than Hell level to play one of three songs upon collecting the four K-I-S-S letters.
Gene Simmons' Kiss character, The Demon, is a playable character in Kiss: Psycho Circus: The Nightmare Child. Simmons also has a large role in the 2010 music video game Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. In addition to narrating the main storyline, voicing the character Demigod of Rock in cutscenes, and doing advertising for the game, the Kiss song "Love Gun" is playable.
Discography
Studio albums
Gene Simmons (1978)
Asshole (2004)
Box sets
Vault (2017)
DVDs
Speaking in Tongues (2004)
Publishing career
In 2002, Simmons launched Gene Simmons' Tongue, a men's lifestyle magazine.[65] The magazine lasted five issues before being discontinued.
Other ventures
In 1976-77, Simmons signed a management/production contract with the band Van Halen. He produced a Van Halen demo tape and attempted to find a record deal for the band with a variety of major record labels. When no deal materialised, he released them from their contract.[citation needed]
From 2006–2008, Simmons served in a marketing and publicity role with the Indy Racing League.[66]
In 2012, Simmons partnered with Paul Stanley and three other investors to form the restaurant franchise Rock & Brews.
In 2017, Simmons launched "The Vault" which is a compilation of all of his major works selling for $2,000.[67]
In 2018, Simmons was named as "Chief Evangelist Officer" of the Canadian cannabis company Invictus MD Strategies.[68] Simmons also holds a large investment stake in the company.[69]
Published works
Me, Inc.: Build an Army of One, Unleash Your Inner Rock God, Win in Life and Business , Gene Simmons (ISBN 0-062-32261-3)
Kiss and Make-Up, Gene Simmons (ISBN 0-609-81002-2)
Sex Money Kiss, Gene Simmons (ISBN 1-893224-86-4)
Kiss: The Early Years, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley (ISBN 0-609-81028-6)
Kiss: Behind the Mask, David Leaf and Ken Sharp (ISBN 978-0-446-69524-4)
Ladies of the Night: A Historical and Personal Perspective on the Oldest Profession in the World, Gene Simmons (ISBN 1-59777-501-0)
External links
Categories: 1949 births
Living people
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees
20th-century American male actors
21st-century American male actors
American operatic baritones
American male bloggers
American bloggers
American male film actors
American film producers
American heavy metal bass guitarists
Male bass guitarists
American heavy metal singers
American rock bass guitarists
American investors
American magazine publishers (people)
American male singer-songwriters
American singer-songwriters
American people of German-Jewish descent
American people of Hungarian-Jewish descent
American record producers
American rock songwriters
Television producers from New York City
American male television actors
American male video game actors
American male voice actors
Businesspeople from New York City
Children of Holocaust survivors
English-language singers of Israel
Israeli bloggers
Israeli emigrants to the United States
Israeli male film actors
Israeli film producers
Israeli heavy metal bass guitarists
Israeli heavy metal singers
Israeli rock singers
Israeli investors
Israeli Jews
Israeli magazine publishers (people)
Israeli male singers
Israeli people of German-Jewish descent
Israeli people of Hungarian-Jewish descent
Israeli record producers
Israeli songwriters
Israeli bass guitarists
Israeli male television actors
Israeli television producers
Israeli male voice actors
Jewish American male actors
Jewish American musicians
Jewish musicians
Jewish singers
Kiss (band) members
Male actors from New York City
People from Haifa
People from Staten Island
Science fiction fans
Singers from New York City
20th-century American singers
21st-century American singers
Toy collectors
Jewish rock musicians
Jewish heavy metal musicians
People with acquired American citizenship
Guitarists from New York City
American male guitarists
American guitarists
Critics of the United Nations
20th-century American guitarists
Although Gene Simmons found fame as a blood-spurting, fire-breathing, bass-playing demon with Kiss, his early years were about as far removed as you can possibly get from the notorious heavy metal band. Born August 25, 1949, and named Chaim Witz, he and his mother left Israel by the late '50s, relocating to the United States (New York City, to be exact). Witz's name was then changed to Gene Klein, as he discovered comic books and rock & roll soon after (he was even being groomed to be a rabbi at one point). As a teenager, he played bass in a number of New York-area bands (Long Island Sounds, etc.), and while in his early 20s, even tried his hand at teaching grade school. His teaching career was short-lived, as he meet another young rock & roll hopeful around this time: Stanley Eisen.
Together, the duo formed their first band together, Wicked Lester, who borrowed heavily from their heroes, the Beatles, and just about any other hip musical style at the moment. The band recorded an album that never saw the light of day, but while in the band, the two first came up with the idea of putting on a real show for the audience: makeup, costumes, and a grand stage show. They eventually hooked up with two other New Yorkers, Peter Criscoula and Paul Frehley. All the members changed their names (Eisen became Paul Stanley; Criscoula to Peter Criss; Frehley to Ace Frehley; and Klein was re-christened Gene Simmons), and assumed identities relating to their personalities. Kiss then became one of the top hard rock acts of the 70s and beyond.
While Kiss' fame was sky-rocketing, Simmons tried his hand at another facet of the music biz: scouting up-and-coming talent. He tried to convince Kiss' manager to sign a young California band called Mammoth in the mid-'70s, who eventually renamed themselves Van Halen. Simmons' pleas fell on deaf ears, but the event sowed the seeds for Simmons launching his own record company (albeit short-lived) in the '80s, Simmons Records, as well as briefly managing Liza Minnelli. In addition to his work with Kiss, Simmons has tried his hand at acting on the big screen with varying degrees of success; Runaway, Trick Or Treat, Wanted: Dead Or Alive, and Never Too Young to Die are just some of the films he's appeared in. Simmons is also a shrewd businessman, often credited as the main force behind turning Kiss into a mega-dollar-generating, merchandising machine (look no further than Kiss' top-grossing 1996-1997 reunion tour).
With Kiss announcing their Farewell Tour in 2000, some assumed that it would be the last the public would hear from Simmons and company. But this proved hardly to be the case, as the band toured the world (off and on) for the next few years. Meanwhile, Simmons became involved in numerous projects: including penning an autobiography (2001's Kiss & Make-Up), creating his own magazine (Gene Simmons' Tongue), developing his own clothing line ("Gene Simmons' Dragonfly"), hosting the TV show Hit Men, and was in discussions for re-launching his Simmons Records label, his acting career, and starting up his own TV talk show (The Gene Simmons Show). Simmons took a break from farewell tours in 2004 and released his second solo album, ***HOLE, on the Sanctuary label.
Songwriting
Mark Addison / Nina Singh
Gene Simmons / Frank Zappa
Burning Up with Fever
Gene Simmons / Scott VanZen / Scott Zen
Drinkin' Scotch
Eugene Simmons
Kim Deal / Anne Dudley / Keith Flint / Trevor Horn / Liam Howlett / Jonathon J. Jeczalik / Gary Langan / Paul Morley
Fred Burch
Ace Cannon
Robert Geddins
Jeff Simmons
I Done Told You
Bag / Gene Simmons
Sean Delaney / Gerald Marks / Howard Marks Advertising / Gene Simmons
Bob Kulick / Gene Simmons
Jack Clement
Peroxide Blonde and a Hopped-Up Model Ford
Radioactive
Sean Delaney / Howard Marks Advertising
Calhoun
Bernie Lowe / Kal Mann
Spinning Wheel feat. Engelbert Humperdinck
David Clayton-Thomas
Sweet & Dirty Love
Teddy Bear
Carl Perkins
Bob Dylan / Gene Simmons
Gene Simmons / Dave Williams
Leigh Harline / Ned Washington
Bill Black
All Credits Additional Personnel Associate Producer Audio Production Band Bass Bass (Electric) Bass Instrument Composer Composer/Lyricist Design Drums Duet Executive Producer Featured Artist Group Member Guest Artist Guitar Guitar (Acoustic) Guitar (Bass) Guitar (Electric) Guitar (Rhythm) Interviewer Lyricist Main Personnel Member of Attributed Artist Mixing Performer Piano Primary Artist Producer Quotation Author Songwriter Spiritual Advisor Story Vocals Vocals (Background)
2018  Spaceman  Ace Frehley  Bass, Composer
2017  20 #1's: Classic Rock Vol. 2   Composer
2017  Now That's What I Call Tailgate Anthems   Composer
2017  Rebels  Black Veil Brides  Composer
2017  Throwback Tunes: Classic Rock   Composer
2016  Buenos Aires 1994  Kiss  Composer
2016  Kiss Rocks Vegas [Video]  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar (Bass), Group Member, Composer
2016  McGraw: The Ultimate Collection  Tim McGraw  Composer
2016  Origins, Vol. 1  Ace Frehley  Composer
2016  Time Capsule  Lita Ford  Composer
2014  Best of Classic Rock   Composer
2014  Engelbert Calling  Engelbert Humperdinck  Duet, Guest Artist, Primary Artist, Vocals
2014  Kiss 40 Years: Decades of Decibels  Kiss  Main Personnel, Associate Producer, Composer, Primary Artist, Producer
2014  Stand Up and Cheer  Western Kentucky University Big Red Marching Band  Composer
2014  The Art of McCartney   Vocals
2014  The Rockabilly Rebel   Primary Artist
2013  100 Hits: Driving Rock [2013]   Composer
2013  5 Classic Albums  Kiss  Group Member, Bass, Composer, Vocals
2013  Best of Kiss  Kiss  Composer
2013  Icon  Poison  Composer
2013  Latest & Greatest Guitar Heroes   Composer
2013  Oh Yes We Can Love: The History of Glam Rock   Composer
2013  The Ritz on Fire  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar (Bass), Composer
2012  Monster  Kiss  Vocals, Bass, Composer
2012  Sun 60th Anniversary   Primary Artist
2012  The Casablanca Singles: 1974-1982  Kiss  Composer, Primary Artist, Producer
2011  Double Dose: Ultimate Hits  Poison  Composer
2011  Rock Diva  Elysium III  Composer
2011  Surtur Rising  Amon Amarth  Composer
2011  The Chosen Few  Judas Priest  Quotation Author
2010  BK3  Bruce Kulick  Guest Artist, Composer, Featured Artist, Vocals
2010  Babies Go Kiss   Composer
2010  Countdown to the New Year   Composer
2010  Icon  Kiss  Composer
2010  Icon 2  Kiss  Composer, Producer
2010  Nothin' But a Good Time: The Poison Collection  Poison  Composer
2010  Punk Goes Classic Rock   Composer
2010  Sounds of Vancouver 2010: Canada's Hockey Anthems   Composer
2010  The Volebeats  The Volebeats  Composer
2010  The Big To-Do  Drive-By Truckers  Composer
2010  Total Drivetime   Composer
2009  Kitsune Tabloid  Phoenix  Performer
2009  Legends of Rock  Kiss  Composer
2009  Legends of Rock   Composer
2009  Lil Rock Starz  Lil' Rockstarz  Composer
2009  Sonic Boom  Kiss  Vocals, Bass, Composer
2009  Sun Rockabilly Meltdown   Primary Artist
2008  Alive: The Millennium Concert  Kiss  Vocals, Bass, Composer
2008  All-Star Sports Jams   Composer
2008  At the Roxy (Atlanta '93)  Phish  Composer, Featured Artist
2008  Classic Rock BBQ   Composer
2008  Classics  Kiss  Composer
2008  Discoveries  Kiss  Composer
2008  Favorites  Kiss  Composer
2008  Greatest Hits, Vols. 1-3: Limited Edition  Tim McGraw  Composer
2008  IKONS  Kiss  Audio Production, Member of Attributed Artist, Guitar (Bass), Vocals (Background), Composer, Primary Artist
2008  Now That's What I Call Classic Rock   Composer
2008  One Live Kiss  Paul Stanley  Composer
2008  One Live Kiss  Paul Stanley  Composer
2008  Playlist Plus  Kiss  Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Guitar (Bass), Vocals (Background), Composer
2008  Playlist Your Way  Kiss  Composer
2008  The Best of Kiss: Green Series  Kiss  Composer
2008  The Complete Collection  Kiss  Composer
2008  The Sun Album (I Betcha Gonna Like It)  Showaddywaddy  Composer
2008  Torture Pit  Debauchery  Composer
2007  Heavy Karaoke: Hits of Kiss [DVD]   Composer
2007  Heavy Metal [Rhino Box Set]   Vocals, Bass
2007  Legends Informercial Set   Composer
2007  Poison'd!  Poison  Composer
2007  Rockopilatorio   Composer
2007  Ultimate Collection  Billie Jo Spears  Composer
2006  20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection, Vol. 3  Kiss  Producer, Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Guitar (Bass), Bass, Composer
2006  Ace, Gene, Peter and Paul (Solos Box Set)  Kiss  Composer, Primary Artist
2006  Classic Rock Masters: Current Music   Primary Artist
2006  Instant Sun Rock N Roll   Primary Artist
2006  Kiss Alive! 1975-2000  Kiss  Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Guitar (Bass), Bass, Composer
2006  Live in Bloomington 1977-1978  Gizmos  Composer
2006  The Best of Poison: 20 Years of Rock  Poison  Composer
2005  Bag  Bag  Spiritual Advisor, Composer
2005  Best of Hard Rock, Vol. 2: Kiss/Scorpions/Alice Cooper   Composer
2005  Chronicles  Cher  Composer
2005  Chronicles  Kiss  Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Bass Instrument, Group Member, Composer
2005  Drew's Famous Poker Party Night  Drew's Famous  Composer
2005  Greatest Kiss  Kiss  Composer
2005  Motor City Resurrection  The 69 Eyes  Composer
2005  Rock Around the Clock: 36 All Time Rock and Roll C   Primary Artist
2004  ***HOLE  Gene Simmons  Primary Artist, Producer, Mixing, Audio Production, Main Personnel, Vocals, Guitar, Guitar (Bass), Vocals (Background), Bass, Guitar (Rhythm), Composer
2004  20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Kiss, Vol. 2  Kiss  Composer
2004  60 Greatest Hits by Kids and Fun Songs   Composer
2004  Billboard Top 10 Karaoke: 1970's   Composer
2004  Dreaming the Blues  Robin Trower  Composer
2004  Drew's Famous Kids Go Wild  Drew's Famous  Composer
2004  Gold: 1974-1982 - Sound+Vision  Kiss  Producer, Vocals, Guitar, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), Piano, Guitar (Bass), Bass, Guitar (Rhythm), Story, Group Member, Composer, Primary Artist
2004  Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas [Box Set]   Composer
2004  Great Soundclash Swindle  Keoki  Composer
2004  Mighty McFly  Mighty McFly  Composer
2004  Rockabilly, Vol. 2: The Sun Legend   Primary Artist
2004  Songs for Your Little Prince   Composer
2004  Speaking in Tongues  Gene Simmons  Primary Artist, Composer
2004  Speaking in Tongues [DVD]  Gene Simmons  Primary Artist
2004  Spin the Bottle: An All-Star Tribute to Kiss  SPIN the BOTTLE  Composer
2004  The Core of Rockabilly   Primary Artist
2004  The String Quartet Tribute to Kiss  Vitamin String Quartet  Composer
2004  The Ultimate Pretty Boy Floyd  Pretty Boy Floyd  Composer
2004  Ultimate Tribute  Baltimore  Composer
2004  World Cup Of Hockey 2004   Composer
2003  20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Kiss  Kiss  Composer
2003  4Us  4Us  Composer
2003  All Time Greatest Smashed Hits  Rodney James  Composer
2003  All the Way  David Paul Strom  Composer
2003  Ash Wednesday   Composer
2003  Blessed Devils  Blessed Devils  Composer
2003  Box of the Blues   Composer
2003  Drew's Famous 30 Greatest Hits Sung by Kids   Composer
2003  Drew's Famous Kids New Year's Party   Composer
2003  Drew's Famous Kids Pop Halloween Hits   Composer
2003  Drew's Famous Kids Pop Rock N Roll Hits [2003]  Drew's Famous  Composer
2003  Fu2  First Degree the D.E.  Composer
2003  Golden Age of American Rock 'n' Roll: Special Novelty Edition   Primary Artist
2003  Hardcore UFOs Box Set: Revelations, Epiphanies and Fast Food in the Western Hemisphere  Guided by Voices  Composer
2003  In Heat  Black 'N Blue  Producer
2003  Jazz for Those Peaceful Moments [Savoy Jazz]   Composer
2003  Kids Party Pop   Composer
2003  Killbox 13  Overkill  Composer
2003  Kiss My Grass: A Hillbilly Tribute to Kiss  Hayseed Dixie  Composer
2003  Kiss Symphony: Alive IV  Kiss  Bass, Group Member, Composer
2003  Kiss Symphony: The Single Disc  Kiss  Composer
2003  Live in London  Toilet Boys  Composer
2003  Now This Is What We Call Blues, Vol. 420   Composer
2003  Party Tyme Karaoke: Standards, Vol. 1 [#2]  Sybersound  Composer
2003  Posthumous  The Banner  Composer
2003  Rock Baby, Rock It! [Rhino]   Primary Artist
2003  Tribute to the Devil's Music  Acheron  Composer
2002  Alien Peep Show  Black Eyed Soul  Composer
2002  All Time Crooners   Composer
2002  DJ's Choice: Graduation 2002 Party Music  DJ's Choice  Composer
2002  Drew's Famous Sporty at 40: Music for Your Party  Drew's Famous  Composer
2002  Fight  Doro  Composer
2002  Gaga for Gigi  Volumizer  Composer
2002  Live  Undermind  Composer
2002  Metal Mania [Boxsets]   Composer
2002  Power Games: The Anthology  Jaguar  Composer
2002  Put Your Love in Me: Love Songs for the Apocalypse  Plasmatics  Audio Production
2002  Silent Whispers  Banig  Composer
2002  Sun Record Company: 50 Golden Years 1952-2002   Primary Artist
2002  Sun Records 50th Anniversary Box   Primary Artist
2002  Sun Records 50th Anniversary Collection   Primary Artist
2002  Sun Records: 25 Red-Hot Rockabilly Classics   Primary Artist
2002  The Hand That Rocks  Jesse Damon  Songwriter
2002  The Very Best of Kiss  Kiss  Composer
2002  Tribute to Frank Sinatra  David Osborne  Composer
2002  Unpainted: A Tribute to Kiss   Composer
2002  West Coast Thing  Junebug Slim  Composer
2002  Xicano Outlaws   Composer
2001  Dallas Cowboys: The Ultimate Team   Composer
2001  Dans la Rue  Chibuku  Composer
2001  Denver Broncos: Greatest Hits, Vol. 2   Composer
2001  Doxology  xDISCIPLEx A.D.  Composer
2001  Drew's Famous More Party Music  Drew's Famous  Composer
2001  Esto Es Lo Nuestro: 20 Exitos  La Mafia  Composer
2001  Good and Bad Medicine  Dionne  Composer
2001  Greatest Hits [Headcase]  Murray Head  Composer
2001  Metal Thunder: Arena Rock Classics   Composer
2001  Permanently High  Popium  Composer
2001  Romancing the Sax  Bruce Abbott  Composer
2001  The Box Set  Kiss  Producer, Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Drums, Vocals (Background), Bass, Associate Producer, Design, Composer, Primary Artist
2001  The Legendary Sun Records Story, Vol. 2   Primary Artist
2001  The Soulful Sound of Percy Sledge  Percy Sledge  Composer
2001  The Sun Records Story   Primary Artist
2001  Ultimate Collection  Black 'N Blue  Composer
2000  A World Without Heroes: A Kiss Tribute   Composer
2000  As Good as It Gets: Rockabilly   Primary Artist
2000  Good Old Rock and Roll   Primary Artist
2000  Live Anthology: 1975-1981  Van Halen  Composer
2000  Nowhere to Hide  Praying Mantis  Composer
2000  Retrospective  Billy Preston  Composer
2000  Slammin' Sports Jams, Vol. 4  The Pioneer Creek Gang  Composer
2000  Things Falling Apart  Nine Inch Nails  Composer
199?  Up in Flames   Composer
1999  Club Days  Van Halen  Composer
1999  Core of Rockabilly, Vol. 1   Primary Artist
1999  Coupe du Monde 98  Jean Freber  Composer
1999  Coverkill  Overkill  Composer
1999  Crank It Up! Rock Remixes '99  The Next Wave  Composer
1999  Detroit Rock City   Composer
1999  ESP  ESP  Composer
1999  Gene Simmons Interview  Kiss  Primary Artist
1999  Hi Records: Early Years, Vols. 1 & 2   Composer, Primary Artist
1999  Industrial Madness, Vol. 2   Composer
1999  Kings of the Night Time World  Kiss  Composer
1999  Live in the Galaxy  Union  Composer
1999  Porn Stars  Pretty Boy Floyd  Composer
1999  The Best of Sun Rockabilly, Vol. 2   Primary Artist
1999  The Fragile  Nine Inch Nails  Composer
1999  The Kiss of Death: A Sikk Tribute to Kiss   Composer
1999  Yes Tonight Josephine  Johnnie Ray  Composer
1998  A Bridge Too Fuckin' Far  '68 Comeback  Composer
1998  Alive and Talking [Interview and Poster]  Kiss  Primary Artist
1998  Chant Down Babylon [Best of Reggae]   Composer
1998  Don't Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes  Skeets McDonald  Composer
1998  Kiss: The Second Coming I & II [Video]  Kiss  Vocals, Bass (Electric)
1998  Lost Hits of the 60's   Primary Artist
1998  More Lovin' From Our Oven  Pansy Division  Composer
1998  Psycho Circus  Kiss  Vocals, Bass (Electric), Vocals (Background), Bass, Composer
1998  Psycho Circus [3-D Video]  Kiss  Vocals, Bass (Electric)
1998  Ska: The Third Wave Checkered Box Set   Composer
1998  They Rock They Roll They Swing  Jumpin' Jimes  Composer
1997  12 Picks  Ace Frehley  Composer
1997  Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions  Kiss  Producer, Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Bass, Composer
1997  Country Hits [Riviere]   Composer
1997  Greatest Kiss  Kiss  Vocals, Bass (Electric), Vocals (Background), Composer
1997  Hit Me  SKAndalous All Stars  Composer
1997  Hot Rod: Hot Rod Rebels   Composer
1997  I Like Rock [4 Track EP]  Bennet  Composer
1997  Kiss My Ass [Bootleg]  Kiss  Vocals, Bass (Electric), Composer
1997  Return of the Comet: Tribute to Ace Frehley   Composer
1997  Ska: Cover It Up   Composer
1997  That'll Flat Git It!, Vol. 14   Composer
1997  The Essential Sun Rockabillies, Vol. 3   Composer
1997  Video Stew  The Mighty Mighty Bosstones  Guest Artist
1997  Wreaking Havoc   Composer
1997  Ye Olde Space Band: Plays Classic Rock Hits  The Moog Cookbook  Composer
1996  Bordello of Blood [Original Soundtrack]   Composer
1996  Calling Dr. Luv  Electric Hellfire Club  Composer
1996  Complete Sun Singles, Vol. 3   Primary Artist
1996  Drain  Sometime Sunday  Composer
1996  El Chupa Chavas  Rubén Ramos  Composer
1996  Greatest Hits  Loleatta Holloway  Composer
1996  Greatest Hits [1998]  Kiss  Vocals, Bass (Electric), Composer
1996  MTV Unplugged  Kiss  Vocals, Bass, Composer
1996  MTV Unplugged [Video/DVD]  Kiss  Composer
1996  Milkman  Mad Cobra  Composer
1996  Rock Boppin' Baby: Sun Rockabilly, Vol. 5   Primary Artist
1996  Spacewalk: A Salute to Ace Frehley   Composer
1996  Tejano Award Nominees   Composer
1996  The Best of Dramarama: 18 Big Ones  Dramarama  Composer
1996  The Interviews, Vol. 2  Kiss  Performer, Primary Artist
1996  The Legend  Roy Orbison  Composer
1996  Unissued Sun Masters   Primary Artist
1996  Viper's Freestyle Hit Parade, Vol. 8   Composer
1996  With a Song On My Lips  The Blackwood Brothers  Composer
1996  You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best!!  Kiss  Vocals, Bass, Composer
1995  Chikko  Chikko  Composer
1995  Classic Live Performances, Vol. 2   Composer
1995  Dancehall Kings   Composer
1995  Hold On  The Williams Brothers  Composer
1995  Injected  Phunk Junkeez  Composer
1995  Jock Rock, Vol. 2   Composer
1995  Octagon  Bathory  Composer
1995  Only You  Giovanni  Composer
1995  Stomp 442  Anthrax  Composer
1995  Tommy Boy (Music from the Motion Picture)   Composer
1994  20th Century Blues  Robin Trower  Composer
1994  Chess Rhythm & Roll   Composer
1994  Homenaje a Los Panchos  The Lancers  Composer
1994  Kiss My Ass: Classic Kiss Regrooved   Producer, Composer
1994  Kiss My Ass: The Video [VHS]  Kiss  Composer
1994  Salsoul 12" Gold Master Series, Vol. 1   Composer
1994  Tejano Club Favorites, Vol. 2   Composer
1994  Trust  Baphomet  Composer
1993  Alive III  Kiss  Vocals, Bass, Composer
1993  Back Stage Pass (Live & Rockin')   Composer
1993  Bailar Cumbias   Composer
1993  Black Lodge [CD Single]  Anthrax  Guest Artist, Vocals, Primary Artist
1993  Classic Rock, Vol. 5: Glitter Bands   Composer
1993  Dazed and Confused [Music from the Motion Picture]   Composer
1993  Embalmed Existence  Resurrection  Composer
1993  From Bessie to Brazil  Susannah McCorkle  Composer
1993  Hit Parader Salutes 20 Years of Metal   Composer
1993  Houdini  Melvins  Composer
1993  I'll Run Your Hurt Away  Ruby Johnson  Composer
1993  Killer  George Michael  Composer
1993  Kiss Konfidential  Kiss  Composer
1993  Konfidential and X-Treme Close Up  Kiss  Composer
1993  Musica Para Sonar [Sony International]   Composer
1993  Nuestras Mejores Canciones: 17 Super Exitos  La Mafia  Composer
1993  Rhythm   Composer
1993  Totem Poles & Glory Holes/Down in Earthquake Town  Russ Tolman  Composer
1992  A Todo Color  La Mafia  Composer
1992  Amor Sin Dueno [Love without an Owner]  Alejandro Avalos  Composer
1992  Doll Hut/Fiesta en la Biblioteca  The Pontiac Brothers  Composer
1992  Echoes from France, Vol. 2  Villafontana Magic Strings  Composer
1992  Hard to Believe: Kiss Covers Compilation   Composer
1992  Original Salsoul Classics: The 20th Anniversary   Composer
1992  Revenge  Kiss  Vocals, Bass, Composer
1992  The Gold Pack  La Mafia  Composer
1991  All-Time Greatest Hits  Chris Montez  Composer
1991  Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey [Soundtrack]   Composer
1991  Country Greats  Billie Jo Spears  Composer
1991  Love Hurts  Cher  Composer
1991  Mr. Scarface Is Back  Scarface  Composer
1991  Party Time  La Mafia  Composer
1991  Rattlebone [EP]  Rattlebone  Composer
1991  Speed Metal   Composer
1991  The Best of Pat Travers  Pat Travers  Composer
1990  20 Super Hits  Sugar Minott  Composer
1990  Cee Cee Chapman  Cee Cee Chapman  Composer
1990  Dick Clark's All-Time Hits, Vol. 3   Composer
1990  Doro  Doro  Producer, Executive Producer
1990  Heart on a Chain  Robin Lee  Composer
1990  Holy Ground: Alvin Ranglin's GG Records   Composer
1990  Lowrider Soundtrack, Vol. 1 [2005]   Composer
1990  Private Life  Private Life  Composer
1990  The Best of Van Morrison [Mercury]  Van Morrison  Composer
1989  Acordeon de Paris, Vol. 1  Jean Freber  Composer
1989  Don't Touch Me There  Silent Rage  Producer
1989  Hot in the Shade  Kiss  Producer, Vocals, Bass (Electric), Vocals (Background), Composer
1989  Larger Than Life  Jody Watley  Composer
1989  Magnum Cum Louder  Hoodoo Gurus  Composer
1989  Master of Disguise  Lizzy Borden  Composer
1989  Ozma  Melvins  Composer
1989  Rock & Roll Originals, Vol. 5   Primary Artist
1989  Strange Cargo  David Van Tieghem  Composer
1989  Sun Years [Rhino]  Roy Orbison  Composer
1989  Works  Trisomie 21  Composer
1988  Creator  The Lemonheads  Composer
1988  Down in Earthquake Town  Russ Tolman  Composer
1988  Early Years, Vol. 2   Composer
1988  House of Lords  House of Lords  Executive Producer
1988  Live  Bad Brains  Composer
1988  Rock the Room  Dazz Band  Composer
1988  Smashes, Thrashes & Hits  Kiss  Producer, Bass, Composer
1988  The Decline Of Western Civilization, Part II: The Metal Years   Additional Personnel
1987  Crazy Nights  Kiss  Bass, Composer
1987  EZO  EZO  Producer
1987  Exposed  Kiss  Interviewer, Composer
1987  Hi Records: The Early Years   Primary Artist
1987  Interview Disc  Kiss  Bass
1987  Less Than Zero   Composer
1987  Pursuit of Happiness  Beat Farmers  Composer
1986  Humungousfungusamongus  Adrenalin O.D.  Composer
1986  Nasty, Nasty  Black 'N Blue  Producer
1986  The Final Frontier  Keel  Producer, Audio Production, Composer
1985  Animalize: Live Uncensored [Video]  Kiss  Composer
1985  Anyone Would Love You  Jonathan Schwartz  Composer
1985  Asylum  Kiss  Producer, Bass, Composer
1985  The Right to Rock  Keel  Producer, Quotation Author, Composer, Lyricist
1985  Winding Skill   Composer
1984  Animalize  Kiss  Associate Producer, Composer
1984  Cool Cats: 25 Years of Rock 'N' Roll Style   Composer
1984  Hysteria  The Human League  Composer
1984  Teen Babes from Monsanto  Redd Kross  Composer
1984  W.O.W.  Wendy O. Williams  Producer, Audio Production, Vocals (Background), Bass
1983  Lick It Up  Kiss  Producer, Bass, Composer
1982  Creatures of the Night  Kiss  Producer, Bass, Composer
1982  Killers  Kiss  Vocals, Bass (Electric), Vocals (Background), Composer
1982  Let Me Rock You  Peter Criss  Composer
1982  Never Surrender  Triumph  Composer
1982  Shade  Murray Head  Composer
1981  Magic Man  Robert Winters  Composer
1981  Music from "The Elder"  Kiss  Vocals, Bass, Composer
1981  The Best of the Solo Albums  Kiss  Bass
1980  First Class Gospel  The Williams Brothers  Composer
1980  Unmasked  Kiss  Vocals, Bass, Composer
1979  Dynasty  Kiss  Bass, Band, Composer
1979  Rock n' Roll Nights  Bachman-Turner Overdrive  Composer
1979  Take Me Home  Cher  Vocals (Background)
1978  Double Platinum  Kiss  Bass, Composer
1978  Gene Simmons  Kiss / Gene Simmons  Primary Artist, Producer, Vocals, Guitar, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), Composer
1978  The Originals II  Kiss  Vocals, Bass (Electric), Vocals (Background)
1977  Alive II  Kiss  Producer, Composer
1977  Love Gun  Kiss  Producer, Bass, Composer
1977  Sneak Attack  Kiss  Composer
1976  Destroyer  Kiss  Bass, Group Member, Composer
1976  Hit Machine   Composer
1976  Mindbender   Composer
1976  Rock and Roll Over  Kiss  Bass, Composer
1976  The Originals  Kiss  Vocals, Bass (Electric), Vocals (Background), Composer
1976  The Singing Cowboy  Jimmy Wakely  Composer
1975  Alive!  Kiss  Bass, Composer
1975  Discomania [K-Tel 1975]   Composer
1975  Dressed to Kill  Kiss  Producer, Bass, Composer
1974  Hotter Than Hell  Kiss  Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Bass Instrument, Bass (Electric), Bass, Group Member, Composer
1974  Kiss  Kiss  Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Bass Instrument, Bass, Composer
1973  Thirty Seconds Over Winterland  Jefferson Airplane  Composer
1970  His Band and the Street Choir  Van Morrison  Composer
1951  Bing's Buddies  Bing Crosby  Composer
 100 Rock   Composer
 100% Rock Guitar Anthems [Mood Media]   Composer
 101 70s Rock Anthems   Primary Artist
 20 #1's Classic Rock [2018]   Composer/Lyricist
 2001 Rock and Roll Anthems   Composer
 30 Best Hits of the 70's  Eclipse  Composer
 Agora Ballroom, 1974  Kiss  Composer
 Album, Vol. 1   Composer
 Arena Rock, Vol. 1   Composer
 Best of 70s Rock, Vol. 2: 20th Century Masters   Composer, Composer/Lyricist
 Bierkonig Die Erste Hits!   Composer
 Billboard 70s, Vol. 1   Composer/Lyricist
 Billboard Karaoke: Top 10 Box Set, Vol. 1   Composer/Lyricist
 CAPS: Campus and Pub Songs   Composer
 Chess Blues   Primary Artist
 Classic Rock Icons   Composer
 Classic Rock Workout   Composer
 Dancin' Country  Joey Welz  Composer
 Don't Think. Feel!: SHM-CD Compilation Rock/Soul/Blues Edition   Composer
 Dressed To Thrill: A Tribute To Kiss With Female Vocalists   Composer
 Dressed to Kiss  Kiss  Composer
 Drew's Famous House Party  The Hit Crew  Composer
 Drew's Famous Instrumental Country Collection, Vol. 23   Composer/Lyricist
 Essential Rockabilly: The Sun Story   Primary Artist
 Euphoria Classics   Composer
 First Kiss, Last Licks [Box]  Kiss  Producer, Vocals, Bass (Electric), Vocals (Background), Composer
 Good Old Rock & Roll   Performer
 Headbanger's Hits, Vol. 5   Composer
 Hockey Anthems: 1st Period-The Legends   Composer
 Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Live at San Francisco [Video]  Y&T  Composer
 New Year's Eve Countdown   Composer
 Old School Memories - Rock Classics  Drew's Famous  Producer
 Party Tyme Karaoke: Country Male Hits 3  Party Tyme Karaoke  Composer
 Party Tyme Karaoke: Rock Male Hits 6  Party Tyme Karaoke  Composer
 Piano Tribute to Kiss  The Piano Tribute Players  Composer
 Powerful Passionate Favorites  Doro  Composer, Lyricist
 Promo Only: Alternative Club (July 2004)   Primary Artist
 Radioactive: Mainstream Rock Series (June 2004)   Primary Artist
 Road Trip Sing-Along Songs   Composer
 Rockabilly Guys, Vol. 2   Primary Artist
 Rollin'  Bill Grant & Delia Bell  Composer
 Shaped Picture Disc Interview  Gene Simmons  Primary Artist
 Simply Rockabilly   Primary Artist
 Super Hits, Vol. 5 [Gusto]   Performer
 Swampbilly Shindig   Primary Artist
 The Heart of Classic Rock [Box Set]   Composer
 The Nice Guys   Composer
 The Legendary Story of Sun Records [Castle]   Primary Artist
 They'll Be Waking Up Soon  Frankenstein 3000  Composer
 Torcida 2018: Nacional e Internacional   Composer
 Total 90s   Composer
 Undercover  Monkey3  Composer
 Unfinished Business  Eric Carr  Composer, Lyricist
 Ways of the Wise  Tony Melendez  Composer
 Whole Lotta Rockabilly   Primary Artist
Similar To
Blackie Lawless
Bobby Dall
Cliff Williams
Dee Dee Ramone
Derek Smalls
Dusty Hill
Frank Bello
Geezer Butler
GWAR
Jason Newsted
Joey DeMaio
John Deacon
King Diamond
Lemmy
Marilyn Manson
Mark Mendoza
Mel Schacher
Melvins
Michael Anthony
Nikki Sixx
Rex Rocker
Rob Zombie
Rudy Sarzo
Skid Row
Soundgarden
Steve Harris
Tom Hamilton
Tom Petersson
Influenced By
Alice Cooper
Black Sabbath
Cliff Burton
Cream
Dennis Dunaway
Ian Hill
Jeff Beck
Jimi Hendrix
John Paul Jones
Led Zeppelin
The Beatles
The Rolling Stones
The Yardbirds
Arthur Brown
Elvis Presley
Jerry Lee Lewis
Screamin' Jay Hawkins
Followed By
GWAR
Marilyn Manson
Mindless Self Indulgence
Rob Zombie
Slipknot
Trent Reznor
Associated With
Paul Stanley
Vinnie Vincent
Kiss
EZO
Collaborated With
Ace Frehley
Bob Ezrin
Bruce Kulick
Dave Wittman
Eddie Kramer
Eric Carr
Michael James Jackson
Peter Criss

MARK ST JOHN
Background information
Birth name
Mark Leslie Norton
Born
February 7, 1956
Origin
Hollywood, California
Died
April 5, 2007 (aged 51)
Genres
Hard rock, heavy metal, glam metal, classical, blues, progressive rock
Occupation(s)
Guitarist
Instruments
Guitar, vocals
Years active
1984–2003
Associated acts
Front Page
Dali
The Keep[1]
The Mark St. John Project[2]
Kiss
White Tiger
Mark Leslie Norton (February 7, 1956 – April 5, 2007), better known as Mark St. John, was an American guitarist best known for his brief stint with the rock band Kiss from April to November 1984. His work can be heard on the band's 1984 album Animalize. St. John died suddenly under murky circumstances in early April 2007, after being badly beaten during a brief stay in an Orange County jail.
Career
Prior to Kiss
Before joining Kiss, St. John was a well-known and respected teacher and guitarist for the Southern California cover band Front Page. After leaving Kiss, he formed a band called White Tiger, featuring David Donato (lead vocals), his brother Michael Norton (bass/backing vocals), and Brian James Fox (drums). Demos that the band had recorded with producer Andy Johns and guitarist Neil Citron, prior to St. John joining, apparently led to Donato's equally short tenure with another legendary band, Black Sabbath.
Kiss
St. John was only with Kiss a short time, but he was featured on the album Animalize, the second album of the "unmasked" period. This turned out to be one of Kiss's most successful studio albums, aside from those made by the original lineup. St. John's only video appearance with Kiss is in the video for the hit single "Heaven's on Fire".
During the sessions for the album, which was recorded in mid-1984, St. John clashed with the other members of the band, and according to Paul Stanley, they had difficulty putting together solos, with Stanley saying that St. John had trouble playing the same thing twice. Stanley also said that he had to dub in certain parts during St. John's solos to make them work better with the song. He also developed reactive arthritis, which caused his hands and arms to swell. He was all but unable to perform live as a member of Kiss, and only played two full shows and one partial show during the Animalize tour, with Bruce Kulick playing the rest.[3] St. John was officially replaced by Bruce Kulick on December 8, 1984.[4]
He is also the only Kiss member not to appear on any album front cover, since the Animalize cover only features a tapestry of animal prints. However, he is posing with the rest of the band on the album's back cover.[citation needed]
After Kiss
In January 1985 St. John teamed up with vocalist David Donato and drummer Barry Brandt of Angel to work on developing some demo ideas. By March he was playing live again, appearing at an all-star jam session at the FM Station Club. The lineup included Rudy Sarzo and Tommy Aldridge (Kiss Revolution, April/May 1985). St. John also performed at a sold-out audience at a benefit jazz concert for Greenpeace. Some of the legendary jazz musicians playing alongside St. John included the Steve Hooks Band, Stu Nevitt (Shadowfax), Slyde Hyde (Tom Scott/Supertramp), Al Aarons (Count Basie), plus other special all-star guests.[citation needed]
St. John and Donato soon formed White Tiger. They had written most of the material for the album by mid-1985 and set out to complete a lineup with which to record. The band also included St. John's younger brother, Michael, on bass, but was completed with the addition of Brian James Fox on drums. While the independent release did well on that level selling some 50,000 copies, and the band gigged around California, St. John and his band White Tiger joined up with Garry Lane owner of Logic Productions who promoted many top bands in LA. St. John and Lane became good friends meeting for a second time at Trojan Studios in Garden Grove, California. That is where St. John and Lane came up with the idea to play the legendary club known as THE HOT SPOT located in Huntington Beach, California owned by Gennie Gromet who was the ex-wife of Dick Dale from the band Dick Dale and the Del-Tones. The band didn't manage to break and split while working on demos for a second album in 1988. St. John teamed up with Jeff Scott Soto in 1988 to make a demo. St. John also did some session work performing lead guitar on "Livin' for My Lord" on Ken Tamplin's 1990 album, Axe to Grind. Tamplin is an inspirational Christian rocker more famed for his involvement in the band Shout. Tamplin has also co-written material with Gene Simmons of Kiss. St. John also worked with former Knight Rider star David Hasselhoff, even appearing in his video, "Is Everyone Happy".[citation needed]
St. John made a demo in 1990 with fellow former Kiss member Peter Criss. This band, known as the Keep, became what was essentially White Tiger, with Peter Criss replacing Brian Fox on drums, and David Donato replacing original vocalist David MacDonald. This lineup performed live just once, on May 2, 1990 at a drum clinic at the Guitar Center music store in Lawndale, California.[5]
When the band started shopping their demo (credited as Peter Criss) around the response was universally negative. One cassette demo to circulate simply featured "Love for Sale", "Long Time", and "All Night Long", though they had also covered Lee Michaels' 1971 hit "Do You Know What I Mean", and had other original material such as "Between the Lines". By early 1991, the difficulty shopping the demo, and St. John's need to get on with making a living, led to friction between Criss and him, and he left the band (which eventually became Criss).[citation needed]
He was in a short-lived band with Phil Naro called the Mark St. John Project that released a limited edition EP in 1999, and he also made an appearance on a KISS expo in New Jersey. He later released an all instrumental CD in 2003 called Magic Bullet Theory.[citation needed]
In later years, St. John did not make many public appearances. However, he was rumored to have returned to his pre-Kiss gig as a guitar instructor in the Southern California area.[citation needed]
Decline and death
Beginning on September 14, 2006, St. John was incarcerated for several days at Theo Lacy Jail in Orange County, California, after being charged with possession of unspecified drug paraphernalia, attempted destruction of evidence, and resisting arrest. He was initially housed at the facility's D Barracks, a medium-security dormitory for nonviolent offenders. He was later moved to F-West Barracks after telling guards he had stolen crackers from another inmate's property box and was in fear for his safety.[6] A guard named Kevin Taylor conspired with a group of inmates to have St. John assaulted for the transgression, and subsequently St. John was brutally beaten and stabbed with pencils by a group of up to twenty inmates.[7] The guard was later placed on paid leave pending an investigation into this and other violent incidents inside the jail. In an interview with the OC Weekly, a fellow inmate described St. John's encounter with jailhouse justice:
He got caught stealing something. I guess he did that somewhere else in the jail, but we found out about it somehow. . . . The Kiss guy got beat up pretty bad.[6]
His girlfriend, who said he was unrecognizable after the vicious beating, believed the incident was directly responsible for his untimely death several months later. A couple of days before the beating, St. John told her that he had "snitched" on a drug dealer several years earlier, and he believed he was certain to be attacked if this became known by the other inmates.[7]
For the next several months after leaving Theo Lacy Jail, St. John suffered severe headaches and body aches and many times told his girlfriend that the chronic ailments were absolutely the result of the beating at Theo Lacy. While it's not known what medical attention he received inside the jail, after his release he refused to see a doctor due to having no medical insurance, and thus his health deteriorated. St. John died on April 5, 2007, due to what the coroner described as a brain hemorrhage brought on by an accidental overdose of methamphetamines.[8] His girlfriend was with him the night before he died and she has been adamant that he wasn't taking drugs, refuting the coroner's official ruling. She is convinced the bleeding was caused by his assault at the jail several months earlier.[7]
Friends claimed that St. John was never the same after the beating and would not discuss his brief time at Theo Lacy Jail. Another friend stated that St. John fell deep into depression and drug addiction after being released, selling all his outfits, and mowing lawns and doing roofing to afford a drug habit that spiraled out of control.[9]
References
Gooch, Curt; Suhs, Jeff (2002). Kiss Alive Forever: The Complete Touring History. New York: Billboard Books. ISBN 0-8230-8322-5.
Notes
1.Jump up ^ "Kiss Related Recordings; The Tree (a.k.a. The Keep) - demo 1989 - 1990". Kiss-related-recordings.nl. Retrieved 2 December 2017.
2.Jump up ^ "Kiss Related Recordings; The Mark St. John Project ; EP 1999". Kiss-related-recordings.nl. Retrieved 2 December 2017.
3.Jump up ^ Gooch and Suhs, Kiss Alive Forever, pp. 145-146.
4.Jump up ^ Gooch and Suhs, "Kiss Alive Forever", p. 146.
5.Jump up ^
6.^ Jump up to: a b Schou, Nick (17 April 2008). "Theo Lacy Unmasked: Was Ex-Kiss Guitarist Mark St. John a Victim of Brutal Jailhouse Justice?". Ocweekly.com. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
7.^ Jump up to: a b c Schou, Nick (19 June 2008). "DA's Office Says Alleged Jail Beating of Former Kiss Guitarist Referred to Sheriff's Department". Ocweekly.com. Retrieved 2 December 2017.
8.Jump up ^
9.Jump up ^
External links
Allmusic Mark St. John biography
Billboard.com article about St. John's death
Kissinuk Mark St. John 2003 interview
Preceded by
Vinnie Vincent  Lead guitarist of Kiss
1984  Succeeded by
Bruce Kulick
Kiss
Paul Stanley ·
 Gene Simmons ·
 Tommy Thayer ·
 Eric Singer
Ace Frehley ·
 Peter Criss ·
 Eric Carr ·
 Vinnie Vincent ·
 Mark St. John ·
 Bruce Kulick
Studio albums
Kiss ·
 Hotter Than Hell ·
 Dressed to Kill ·
 Destroyer ·
 Rock and Roll Over ·
 Love Gun ·
 Dynasty ·
 Unmasked ·
 Music from "The Elder" ·
 Creatures of the Night ·
 Lick It Up ·
 Animalize ·
 Asylum ·
 Crazy Nights ·
 Hot in the Shade ·
 Revenge ·
 Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions ·
 Psycho Circus ·
 Sonic Boom ·
 Monster
'78 solo albums
Ace Frehley ·
 Gene Simmons ·
 Paul Stanley ·
 Peter Criss
Live albums
Alive! ·
 Alive II ·
 Alive III ·
 Kiss Unplugged ·
 You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best!! ·
 Kiss Symphony: Alive IV ·
 Kiss Instant Live ·
 Alive! The Millennium Concert ·
 Kiss Alive 35 ·
 Kiss Sonic Boom Over Europe ·
 Kiss Rocks Vegas
Compilations
Double Platinum ·
 Killers ·
 Chikara ·
 Smashes, Thrashes & Hits ·
 Greatest Kiss ·
 The Very Best of Kiss ·
 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Kiss ·
 The Best of Kiss, Volume 2: The Millennium Collection ·
 Gold ·
 The Best of Kiss, Volume 3: The Millennium Collection ·
 Jigoku-Retsuden ·
 Kiss 40 ·
 Kissworld
Box sets
The Originals ·
 The Box Set ·
 Kiss Chronicles: 3 Classic Albums ·
 Kiss Alive! 1975–2000 ·
 Ikons
Video albums
Animalize Live Uncensored ·
 Exposed ·
 Crazy Nights ·
 X-treme Close-Up ·
 Kiss Konfidential ·
 Kiss My Ass: The Video ·
 Kiss Unplugged ·
 Psycho Circus 3-D Video ·
 The Second Coming ·
 Kiss Symphony: The DVD ·
 Rock the Nation Live! ·
 Kissology Volume One: 1974–1977 ·
 Kissology Volume Two: 1978–1991 ·
 Kissology Volume Three: 1992–2000 ·
 Kiss Rocks Vegas
Tribute albums
Hard to Believe: A Kiss Covers Compilation ·
 Kiss My Ass: Classic Kiss Regrooved ·
 A Tribute to the Creatures of the Night ·
 Kiss My Grass: A Hillbilly Tribute to Kiss ·
 Spin the Bottle: An All-Star Tribute to Kiss ·
 Gods of Thunder: A Norwegian Tribute to Kiss ·
 Lick It Up – A Millennium Tribute to Kiss ·
 Kiss My Ankh ·
 Sheep in KISS Make Up
Concert tours
The Early Days of Kiss ·
 Kiss Tour ·
 Hotter than Hell Tour ·
 Dressed to Kill Tour ·
 Alive! Tour ·
 Destroyer Tour ·
 Rock & Roll Over Tour ·
 Love Gun Tour ·
 Alive II Tour ·
 Dynasty Tour ·
 Unmasked Tour ·
 Creatures of the Night Tour ·
 Lick It Up World Tour ·
 Animalize World Tour ·
 Asylum Tour ·
 Crazy Nights World Tour ·
 Hot in the Shade Tour ·
 Revenge Tour ·
 Kiss My Ass Tour ·
 Alive/Worldwide Tour ·
 Psycho Circus World Tour ·
 Kiss Farewell Tour ·
 World Domination Tour ·
 Rock the Nation World Tour ·
 Rising Sun Tour ·
 Hit 'n Run Tour ·
 Alive 35 World Tour ·
 Sonic Boom Over Europe Tour ·
 The Hottest Show on Earth Tour ·
 The Tour ·
 Monster World Tour ·
 The KISS 40th Anniversary World Tour ·
 Freedom to Rock Tour ·
 Kissworld Tour ·
 One Last Kiss: End of the Road World Tour
Films
Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park ·
 Detroit Rock City ·
 Scooby-Doo! and Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery
Merchandising
Action figures ·
 Comics ·
 Kiss: Psycho Circus ·
 Pinball ·
 Pinball video game ·
 Kiss: Psycho Circus: The Nightmare Child ·
 Kiss Kasket ·
 Kiss by Monster Mini-Golf ·
 Los Angeles Kiss ·
 Bibliography
Related
Articles
Discography ·
 Videography ·
 Band members ·
 Songs ·
 Awards ·
 Kiss Army ·
 Operation Payback ·
 The Elder ·
 Stephen Coronel
Bands
Black 'n Blue ·
 Black Sabbath ·
 Chelsea ·
 Eric Singer Project ·
 Frehley's Comet ·
 Grand Funk Railroad ·
 Mini Kiss ·
 Union ·
 Vinnie Vincent Invasion ·
 White Tiger ·
 Wicked Lester
Albums
Gene Simmons Vault ·
 Live to Win ·
 One Live Kiss ·
 The Original Wicked Lester Sessions ·
 Origins, Vol. 1 ·
 Rockology ·
 Unfinished Business
The most mysterious of all the members to have passed through the Kiss ranks over the years would have to be short-lived guitarist Mark St. John. Although he appeared on only one album with Kiss, 1984's Animalize, it remains Kiss' best-selling release from their non-makeup era (and helped restore the band's reputation with the worldwide heavy metal faithful). Born Mark Norton on February 7, 1956, in Hollywood, CA, little is known about his early years -- although he taught guitar prior to his joining Kiss once Vinnie Vincent left in early 1984. Rumor has it that guitar-maker Grover Jackson recommended Norton to Kiss when Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley inquired about up-and-coming talent.
While he didn't have much to do in the songwriting department, his highly technical six-string skills helped ignite the album, spawning the popular MTV video "Heaven's on Fire" (the only Kiss clip in which Mark appeared). With his name changed to Mark St. John, the new lineup set out on a European tour in the fall of 1984 as Animalize broke into the U.S. Top 20. Although this should have been a blissful time for the new guitarist, he never quite saw eye to eye with the other members and, worse, a medical condition began to hamper his playing. Bouts of stress and unhappiness brought on arthritis attacks in his hands, preventing him from playing -- friend of the band Bruce Kulick had to substitute for St. John throughout the tour. Although St. John played a few shows, by year's end St. John was out of the band and Kulick was in.
Shortly after exiting Kiss, St. John formed a glam metal band, White Tiger, which issued a 1986 self-titled debut independently but sunk from sight soon after. Little was heard from St. John after the demise of White Tiger (although he joined forces with ex-Kiss drummer Peter Criss for a short time), until he appeared at Kiss conventions in the 1990s. In 1999, he issued his first true solo album, the limited-edition Mark St. John Project EP. Sadly, on April 5, 2007, St. John died of a brain hemorrhage.
All Credits Drums Guitar Main Personnel Primary Artist Producer Vocals Vocals (Background)
2014  Kiss 40 Years: Decades of Decibels  Kiss  Main Personnel
2008  The Coolest Songs in the World, Vol. 6   Producer, Vocals, Drums
2007  Tight Turns in the Sunset  Mark St. John  Primary Artist
2001  The Box Set  Kiss  Guitar
1988  Smashes, Thrashes & Hits  Kiss  Guitar
1984  Animalize  Kiss  Guitar, Vocals (Background)
 Mental  Mark St. John  Primary Artist
Collaborated With
Peter Criss

PAUL STANLEY
Birth name
Stanley Bert Eisen
Also known as
"The Starchild"
Born
January 20, 1952
Manhattan, New York City, United States
Origin
Queens, New York, United States
Genres
Hard rock, heavy metal
Occupation(s)
Musician, singer-songwriter, record producer, painter, actor
Instruments
Vocals, guitar
Years active
1965–present
Labels
New Door, Universal Music Group
Associated acts
Kiss
Wicked Lester
Paul Stanley's Soul Station
Stanley Bert Eisen (born January 20, 1952), known professionally by his stage name Paul Stanley, is an American musician, singer, songwriter and painter best known for being the rhythm guitarist and singer of the rock band Kiss. He is the writer or co-writer of many of the band's highest-charting hits. Stanley established The Starchild character for his Kiss persona.
Early life
Stanley Bert Eisen was born January 20, 1952, in upper Manhattan, near 211th Street and Broadway; the Inwood neighborhood near Inwood Hill Park. Both of his parents are Jewish, he was the second of two children and born two years after his sister Julia. His mother came from a family that fled Nazi Germany to Amsterdam, Netherlands, and then to New York City. His father's parents were from Poland. Stanley was raised Jewish, although he did not consider his family very observant and did not celebrate his bar mitzvah.[1] His parents listened to classical music and light opera; Stanley was greatly moved by Beethoven's works. His right ear was misshaped from a birth defect called microtia; he was unable to hear on that side, thus he found it difficult to determine the direction of a sound, and he could not understand speech in a noisy environment.[2] Attending PS 98, he was taunted by other children for his deformed ear.
Despite his hearing problem, Stanley enjoyed listening to music, and he watched American Bandstand on television. His favorite musical artists included Eddie Cochran, Dion and the Belmonts, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard. Stanley learned to sing harmony with his family, and he was given a child's guitar at age seven.[3][4]
Stanley's family relocated to the Kew Gardens neighborhood in Queens in 1960.[5] He listened to a lot of doo-wop music, but when the Beatles and the Rolling Stones played on U.S. television he was inspired by the performance aspect, which he thought was not out of his reach. Stanley received his first real guitar at age 13, an acoustic one that he would have preferred to be electric. He played tunes by Bob Dylan, the Byrds, the Lovin' Spoonful and more.[3]
All through his childhood Stanley had been recognized for his talent at graphic arts, so he attended the High School of Music & Art in New York City, graduating in 1970.[6] Despite his skill as a graphic artist, he abandoned that as a career, and instead played in bands.
Kiss
Main article: Kiss (band)
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Before Kiss, Stanley was in a local band, Rainbow (not to be confused with Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow) and was a member of Uncle Joe and Post War Baby Boom. Through a mutual friend of Gene Simmons, Stanley joined Simmons' band Wicked Lester in the early 1970s. The band recorded an album in 1972, but it has not been officially released (although songs from the album appeared on Kiss's 2001 box set). Wicked Lester fell apart and Stanley and Simmons answered Peter Criss's advertisement in Rolling Stone (August 31, 1972): "Expd. Rock & Roll drummer looking for orig. grp. doing soft & hard music." Soon after recruiting Criss, they held auditions for a lead guitarist, with Stanley placing an ad in the Village Voice (December 14, 1972). Despite what Stanley, Criss, and Simmons admit was a shaky first impression, Ace Frehley won the group over with his playing, which all admit was nearly a perfect fit to the group's sound, and with his style, showing up to the audition wearing Converse shoes in two different colors (one red, one orange). Kiss released their self-titled debut album in February 1974.
At this point, Stanley had the idea of changing his name not only for marketing purposes but also the fact he had always hated his birth name. Inspired by Paul McCartney and Paul Rodgers, he legally changed his name to Paul Stanley.[7]
Stanley's 'The Starchild' make-up
Stanley's persona in Kiss is "The Starchild" displaying one star over his right eye. For a brief time, Stanley changed his character to "The Bandit", with a "Lone Ranger" style mask design make-up pattern. This make-up design was only used during a few mid-1973 shows. "I even tried painting my face all red," he admitted. "I looked like a longhaired tomato! Before settling on the star, I'd just paint a black ring around my eye… Each of us wears something that reflects who we are. I always loved stars and always identified with them – so, when it came time to put something on my face, I knew it would be a star."[8]
In his book Sex Money Kiss, Gene Simmons says Stanley was the driving force for KISS during the period in the 1980s when the band performed without makeup. Those years, Stanley noted, "were fine for me. I found them very satisfying because I got a chance to be out there without makeup, which I craved at that point. I think it was easier for me [than Simmons] because my persona was one that wasn't really defined by the makeup… The makeup was just reinforcing what you were seeing and who I was."[9]
In 2006, Stanley resumed[further explanation needed] his association with Washburn Guitars, using the Washburn PS2000. Previously, he has had four signature guitars made by Silvertone, and tweaked the Ibanez Iceman to his specifications, calling it the PS10.
Stanley singing "Love Gun" in Montreal.
In 2007 (prior to the final show of the Hit 'N Run Tour on July 27), Stanley was hospitalized with tachycardia. In his absence, Kiss performed live as a trio for the first time in decades. The concert was the first Kiss performance Stanley missed.[10]
In September 2007, Stanley took part in Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp as a guest star for his second time in New York City.
In 2009 he recorded three voice ads for the charity Kars4Kids. Stanley continues to tour with Kiss; the KISS 2010 The Hottest Show on Earth Tour (a continuation of the Sonic Boom Over Europe Tour, itself a continuation of the Kiss Alive/35 World Tour) which started March 2010 and ended at Guadalajara, Mexico in October.
Solo career
Stanley has very rarely recorded or performed outside of Kiss. He wrote and recorded material for a solo album in 1987–88, which was shelved in favor of the Kiss compilation, Smashes, Thrashes & Hits. While never officially released, songs such as "Don't Let Go" and "When Two Hearts Collide" have circulated as bootleg recordings. One song from the project, "Time Traveler", was released as part of Kiss' 2001 box set.
In 1989, Stanley embarked on a brief club tour. His touring band included guitarist Bob Kulick and future Kiss drummer Eric Singer. The same year, Stanley sang lead on the title track for the soundtrack of the Wes Craven horror flick Shocker.
Stanley, Singer and Thayer performing at the Azkena Rock Festival; June 26, 2010.
Twenty-eight years after releasing his first solo album (as part of the four simultaneously released Kiss solo albums), Stanley released a second album, Live to Win, on October 24, 2006. The title song of his solo album, "Live to Win", appeared on the South Park episode "Make Love, Not Warcraft". In October and November 2006, Stanley embarked on a theater tour in support of Live to Win. His touring band was the house band from the CBS TV show Rock Star, composed of Paul Mirkovich (keyboards), Jim McGorman (guitar), Rafael Moreira (lead guitar), Nate Morton (drums), and Sasha Krivtsov (bass). In April 2007, Stanley extended the tour to include Australia, playing in Coolangatta, Wollongong, Newcastle, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide. Portions of the tour were filmed for a documentary titled Paul Stanley: Live to Dream by the Chicago-based Film Foetus.[11] The band's performance at the House of Blues in Chicago was captured on film and released in 2008 on DVD and digital audio download formats as One Live Kiss.
In 2008, Stanley sang a duet with Sarah Brightman, "I Will Be with You", on her Symphony album. In 2016, he guested in Ace Frehley's covers album Origins, Vol. 1, singing "Fire and Water" by Free.
Vocals
Stanley tends to sing in the high register of his vocal range. On Music From "The Elder" he experimented with falsetto ("Just a Boy", "The Oath").
Other projects
In 1999, Stanley starred in a Toronto production of The Phantom of the Opera, in which he played the role of the Phantom. He appeared in the musical from May 25 to August 1, and again that year from September 30 to October 31, 1999. Stanley made his debut as a painter in 2006, exhibiting and selling original works of art. Stanley collaborated with Boston-based power pop group Click Five on their hit single, "Angel To You (Devil To Me)". In the past, Stanley has been asked to produce albums for Poison but he was never able to commit due to his work on Kiss projects. However, Stanley did produce a debut album for an up-and-coming band called New England. The first single from that album in 1978 was called "Don't Ever Wanna Lose Ya" and went on to become a Top-40 hit in 1979.[12]
On August 15, 2013, Stanley, Gene Simmons and manager Doc McGhee became a part of the ownership group that created the L.A. Kiss Arena Football League team, which plays their home games at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
In April 2014, Stanley published his memoir, Face the Music: A Life Exposed.[13][14][15][16] In the memoir, Stanley, who is Jewish,[17] accused former bandmates Ace Frehley and Peter Criss of anti-Semitism.[18]
In 2012, Stanley partnered with Gene Simmons and three other investors to form the restaurant franchise Rock & Brews.
Personal life
In 2001, Stanley's first wife, actress Pamela Bowen, filed for divorce after nine years of marriage. They have one son, Evan Shane Stanley, born on June 6, 1994. On November 19, 2005, Stanley married longtime girlfriend Erin Sutton at the Ritz-Carlton, Huntington in Pasadena, California. They had their first child, Colin Michael Stanley, on September 6, 2006. The couple had their second child, Sarah Brianna, on January 28, 2009, in Los Angeles.[19] On August 9, 2011, they had their third child, Emily Grace.[20][21]
Stanley has had two hip-replacement surgeries: one after the "Rock the Nation" tour in October 2004, and a second in December 2004 after complications arose from the first surgery. He has announced[when?] that he will require a third hip surgery in the future. He regards the degeneration of his left hip as partly the product of thousands of shows performed in platform boots since the early 1970s.[citation needed]
In October 2011, Stanley had surgery on his vocal cords. He said, "I hold myself to a higher standard than others do. With that in mind, I wanted to remedy a few minor issues that come with 40 years of preaching rock 'n' roll."[22]
Because of his birth defect microtia, Stanley is an ambassador for the charitable organization AboutFace, an organization that provides support and information to people with facial differences. He has appeared at fundraising events and in videos to raise awareness.[23]
Awards
Stanley was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2006
Stanley got the Showman of the Year award of the Classic Rock Awards for 2008
Stanley received the Classic Gold Telly Award for his concert film One Live Kiss in 2009.
Stanley received the Sound Partners Lifetime Achievement Award from the House Research Institute[24]
Stanley, along with original Kiss members, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss and Ace Frehley, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
Discography
Studio albums
Paul Stanley (1978)
Live to Win (2006)
Live albums
One Live Kiss (2008) (DVD and digital download)
Kiss
Paul Stanley ·
 Gene Simmons ·
 Tommy Thayer ·
 Eric Singer
Ace Frehley ·
 Peter Criss ·
 Eric Carr ·
 Vinnie Vincent ·
 Mark St. John ·
 Bruce Kulick
Studio albums
Kiss ·
 Hotter Than Hell ·
 Dressed to Kill ·
 Destroyer ·
 Rock and Roll Over ·
 Love Gun ·
 Dynasty ·
 Unmasked ·
 Music from "The Elder" ·
 Creatures of the Night ·
 Lick It Up ·
 Animalize ·
 Asylum ·
 Crazy Nights ·
 Hot in the Shade ·
 Revenge ·
 Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions ·
 Psycho Circus ·
 Sonic Boom ·
 Monster
'78 solo albums
Ace Frehley ·
 Gene Simmons ·
 Paul Stanley ·
 Peter Criss
Live albums
Alive! ·
 Alive II ·
 Alive III ·
 Kiss Unplugged ·
 You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best!! ·
 Kiss Symphony: Alive IV ·
 Kiss Instant Live ·
 Alive! The Millennium Concert ·
 Kiss Alive 35 ·
 Kiss Sonic Boom Over Europe ·
 Kiss Rocks Vegas
Compilations
Double Platinum ·
 Killers ·
 Chikara ·
 Smashes, Thrashes & Hits ·
 Greatest Kiss ·
 The Very Best of Kiss ·
 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Kiss ·
 The Best of Kiss, Volume 2: The Millennium Collection ·
 Gold ·
 The Best of Kiss, Volume 3: The Millennium Collection ·
 Jigoku-Retsuden ·
 Kiss 40 ·
 Kissworld
Box sets
The Originals ·
 The Box Set ·
 Kiss Chronicles: 3 Classic Albums ·
 Kiss Alive! 1975–2000 ·
 Ikons
Video albums
Animalize Live Uncensored ·
 Exposed ·
 Crazy Nights ·
 X-treme Close-Up ·
 Kiss Konfidential ·
 Kiss My Ass: The Video ·
 Kiss Unplugged ·
 Psycho Circus 3-D Video ·
 The Second Coming ·
 Kiss Symphony: The DVD ·
 Rock the Nation Live! ·
 Kissology Volume One: 1974–1977 ·
 Kissology Volume Two: 1978–1991 ·
 Kissology Volume Three: 1992–2000 ·
 Kiss Rocks Vegas
Tribute albums
Hard to Believe: A Kiss Covers Compilation ·
 Kiss My Ass: Classic Kiss Regrooved ·
 A Tribute to the Creatures of the Night ·
 Kiss My Grass: A Hillbilly Tribute to Kiss ·
 Spin the Bottle: An All-Star Tribute to Kiss ·
 Gods of Thunder: A Norwegian Tribute to Kiss ·
 Lick It Up – A Millennium Tribute to Kiss ·
 Kiss My Ankh ·
 Sheep in KISS Make Up
Concert tours
The Early Days of Kiss ·
 Kiss Tour ·
 Hotter than Hell Tour ·
 Dressed to Kill Tour ·
 Alive! Tour ·
 Destroyer Tour ·
 Rock & Roll Over Tour ·
 Love Gun Tour ·
 Alive II Tour ·
 Dynasty Tour ·
 Unmasked Tour ·
 Creatures of the Night Tour ·
 Lick It Up World Tour ·
 Animalize World Tour ·
 Asylum Tour ·
 Crazy Nights World Tour ·
 Hot in the Shade Tour ·
 Revenge Tour ·
 Kiss My Ass Tour ·
 Alive/Worldwide Tour ·
 Psycho Circus World Tour ·
 Kiss Farewell Tour ·
 World Domination Tour ·
 Rock the Nation World Tour ·
 Rising Sun Tour ·
 Hit 'n Run Tour ·
 Alive 35 World Tour ·
 Sonic Boom Over Europe Tour ·
 The Hottest Show on Earth Tour ·
 The Tour ·
 Monster World Tour ·
 The KISS 40th Anniversary World Tour ·
 Freedom to Rock Tour ·
 Kissworld Tour ·
 One Last Kiss: End of the Road World Tour
Films
Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park ·
 Detroit Rock City ·
 Scooby-Doo! and Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery
Merchandising
Action figures ·
 Comics ·
 Kiss: Psycho Circus ·
 Pinball ·
 Pinball video game ·
 Kiss: Psycho Circus: The Nightmare Child ·
 Kiss Kasket ·
 Kiss by Monster Mini-Golf ·
 Los Angeles Kiss ·
 Bibliography
Related
Articles
Discography ·
 Videography ·
 Band members ·
 Songs ·
 Awards ·
 Kiss Army ·
 Operation Payback ·
 The Elder ·
 Stephen Coronel
Bands
Black 'n Blue ·
Black Sabbath ·
Chelsea ·
Eric Singer Project ·
Frehley's Comet ·
Grand Funk Railroad ·
Mini Kiss ·
Union ·
Vinnie Vincent Invasion ·
White Tiger ·
Wicked Lester
Albums
Gene Simmons Vault ·
Live to Win ·
One Live Kiss ·
The Original Wicked Lester Sessions ·
Origins, Vol. 1 ·
Rockology ·
Unfinished Business
Along with his longtime companion, Gene Simmons, singer/guitarist/songwriter Paul Stanley has kept Kiss rocking and rolling along since the early '70s, successfully navigating through numerous peaks and valleys during the course of their lengthy career. With his posing, prancing, and oft-times corny stage raps, Stanley is one of arena rock's quintessential frontmen. Born Stanley Eisen on January 20, 1952, in Manhattan, NY (but raised in nearby Queens), Stanley began playing guitar and penning his own songs at an early age (the Beatles being a key early influence), as he joined his first band, the Post War Baby Boom, at the age of 15. By the early '70s, Stanley had met another up-and-coming songwriter, bassist/singer Gene Klein, and the two soon began playing together in groups, including Wicked Lester, which recorded an album for Epic that went unreleased. What follows is a story that just about any Kiss fan can recite in their sleep: Stanley and Gene soon changed their names to Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, hooked up with drummer Peter Criss and guitarist Ace Frehley, and formed Kiss in 1973. It didn't take long for Kiss to become one of the most successful (and later, influential) groups of the decade, as their grease-painted faces, costumes, over-the-top stage show, and hard rock anthems struck a chord with teenagers worldwide. Simmons and Stanley penned the lion's share of Kiss' songs, with Stanley responsible for such Kiss classics as "Rock and Roll All Nite" (co-written with Simmons), "Firehouse," "Strutter," "Detroit Rock City," "Love Gun," "I Was Made for Lovin' You," and even a song that would eventually become Simmons' trademark, "God of Thunder." In 1978, when all four Kiss members released their own individual solo albums simultaneously, Stanley's was the most "Kiss-sounding" of the bunch, which showed that he was largely responsible for the group's sound/style. At the turn of the '80s, however, Kiss' standing among the hard rock masses began to falter (due to a few unfocused albums and merchandise oversaturation), and at the behest of Stanley, the group decided to finally unmask in 1983. The move paid off, as Kiss once again became one of hard rock's most popular bands (despite Stanley and Simmons being the only original members left by this point). It was also during the '80s that Stanley nearly produced albums for Guns N' Roses and Poison, but for reasons unknown, that failed to happen. 1989 also saw Stanley launch a brief solo tour along the U.S. East Coast, where he played uncommon Kiss songs (many from his 1978 solo set). Kiss continued to coast along until the original lineup reunited during the late '90s for an enormously successful tour, before bandmembers began to come and go again. With Kiss appearing to be solely a touring band by the early 21st century, Stanley (and Simmons) disclosed in 2003 that both were at work on their first solo releases since their 1978 releases. Stanley's arrived in 2006 when Live to Win appeared on the Universal imprint New Door. Additionally, Stanley has guested on other artists' recordings, including, among others, Anthrax, Wendy O. Williams, and New England (for the latter of which he produced a 1979 self-titled debut).
Songwriting
Michael Japp
Andreas Carlsson / Desmond Child / Paul Stanley
Andreas Carlsson / Harry Sommerdahl / Harry "Slick" Sommerdahl / Paul Stanley
Bob Ezrin / Kim Fowley / Paul Stanley
Peter Masitti / Paul Stanley
Andy Fraser / Paul Rodgers
Desmond Child / Holly Knight / Paul Stanley
Vincent John Cusano / Paul Stanley
I Will Be with You (Where the Lost Ones Go)  feat. Sarah Brightman
Holly Knight / Charlie Midnight / Paul Stanley
Lady in Waiting [From "Goldilocks"]  feat. Russell Nype
Desmond Child / Marti Frederiksen / Paul Stanley
Love Her All I Can  feat. Anthrax / Kiss / Gene Simmons
Paul Stanley / Vinnie Vincent
Vincent John Cusano / Paul Stanley
Michael Japp / Paul Stanley
Mr. Speed  feat. Sean Delaney
Sean Delaney / Paul Stanley
Andreas Carlsson / Paul Stanley
Gene Simmons / Paul Stanley
Michael Japp / Paul Stanley
Andreas Carlsson / Desmond Child / Paul Stanley
Desmond Child / John Lowery / Paul Stanley
All Credits Additional Personnel Arranger Audio Production Backwards Vocals Band Bass Bass (Electric) Cello Composer Composer/Lyricist Design E-Bow Executive Producer Featured Artist Group Member Guest Artist Guitar Guitar (Acoustic) Guitar (Baritone) Guitar (Electric) Guitar (Rhythm) Interviewer Keyboards Lyricist Main Personnel Mastering Member of Attributed Artist Mixing Package Concept Percussion Performer Photo Concept Photography Primary Artist Producer Programming Quotation Author Rhythm Story String Arrangements Vocal Ad-Libs Vocals Vocals (Background)
2018  Grainsville  Steve 'n' Seagulls  Composer
2018  Under the Covers  Metallica  Composer
2017  20 #1's: Classic Rock Vol. 2   Composer
2017  For Sale: Live at Maxwell's 1986  The Replacements  Composer
2017  Now That's What I Call Tailgate Anthems   Composer
2016  Buenos Aires 1994  Kiss  Composer
2016  Kiss Rocks Vegas [Video]  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar (Rhythm), Group Member, Composer
2016  Origins, Vol. 1  Ace Frehley  Primary Artist, Producer, Vocals, Vocals (Background)
2015  The Complete Studio Albums: 1981-1990  The Replacements  Composer
2015  The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto: A Musical Companion to the Novel by Mitch Albom [Original Soundtrack]   Composer
2014  Best of Classic Rock   Composer
2014  Icon  The Mighty Mighty Bosstones  Composer
2014  Kiss 40 Years: Decades of Decibels  Kiss  Main Personnel, Composer, Primary Artist, Producer
2014  Latest & Greatest Driving Rock Anthems   Composer
2014  Live in London  Girl  Composer
2014  Stand Up and Cheer  Western Kentucky University Big Red Marching Band  Composer
2014  The Art of McCartney   Vocals
2014  The Essential Eric Carmen  Eric Carmen  Quotation Author
2013  100 Hits: Driving Rock [2013]   Composer
2013  5 Classic Albums  Kiss  Group Member, Composer, Guitar (Rhythm), Vocals
2013  Best of Kiss  Kiss  Composer
2013  Fast Loud Death  Lost Society  Composer, Lyricist
2013  Icon  Poison  Composer
2013  Latest & Greatest Guitar Heroes   Composer
2013  Oh Yes We Can Love: The History of Glam Rock   Composer
2013  The Collection  Bonnie Tyler  Composer
2013  The Ritz on Fire  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar (Rhythm), Composer
2012  80s Revolution: Disco Fox, Vol. 4   Composer
2012  Monster  Kiss  Producer, Vocals, Guitar, Composer
2012  The Casablanca Singles: 1974-1982  Kiss  Composer, Primary Artist, Producer
2011  Double Dose: Ultimate Hits  Poison  Composer
2011  Gods of Guitar [Universal]   Composer
2011  Khaos Legions  Arch Enemy  Composer
2011  Kidz Bop Sings Monster Ballads  Kidz Bop Kids  Composer
2011  Live in Germany 1993  Bonnie Tyler  Composer
2011  Live in Germany 1993 [Video]  Bonnie Tyler  Composer
2011  Rock Diva  Elysium III  Composer
2011  Super DX Hitz  Peelander-Z  Composer
2011  The Ballads IV  Axel Rudi Pell  Composer, Lyricist
2011  The Dilemma [Original Soundtrack]   Composer
2011  The World as We Love It  Pushking  Featured Artist, Vocals
2011  Toppers in Concert 2011  Toppers  Composer, Lyricist
2010  2010 Les Enfoirés: La Crise de Nerfs!  Les Enfoirés  Composer
2010  Babies Go Kiss   Composer
2010  Bounce! Vol. 2   Composer
2010  Countdown to the New Year   Composer
2010  Fishdick Zwei: The Dick Is Rising Again  Acid Drinkers  Composer
2010  Glee: The Music, Vol. 3 - Showstoppers  Glee  Composer
2010  Icon  Kiss  Composer
2010  Icon 2  Kiss  Composer, Producer
2010  Le Meilleur des Enfoirés: 20 Ans  Les Enfoirés  Composer
2010  Live in Hamburg 2010  Scooter  Composer
2010  NRJ Hit List 2010   Composer
2010  Nothin' But a Good Time: The Poison Collection  Poison  Composer
2010  Parents Night At The Leper Colony  The Leisure Class  Cello, Guest Artist
2010  Punk Goes Classic Rock   Composer
2010  Rock Anthems [Universal 2010]   Composer
2010  Sounds of Vancouver 2010: Canada's Hockey Anthems   Composer
2010  The Big To-Do  Drive-By Truckers  Composer
2010  Time to Burn  Taking Dawn  Composer
2010  Total 80s Pop   Composer
2010  Total Drivetime   Composer
2009  Dad Rocks!   Composer
2009  Erik Grönwall  Erik Grönwall  Composer
2009  Kitsune Tabloid  Phoenix  Performer, Composer
2009  Legends of Rock   Composer
2009  Legends of Rock  Kiss  Composer
2009  Lil Rock Starz  Lil' Rockstarz  Composer
2009  Now That's What I Call Power Ballads [1]   Composer
2009  Rock and Rave   Composer
2009  Sonic Boom  Kiss  Producer, Vocals, Guitar, Package Concept, Group Member, Composer
2009  Under the Radar Over the Top  Scooter  Composer
2008  100 Hits: Drive Time   Composer
2008  4Play, Vol. 08 Mixed by Jimmy Z   Composer
2008  Absolute Rock Anthems   Composer
2008  Alive: The Millennium Concert  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar (Rhythm), Composer
2008  All-Star Sports Jams   Composer
2008  At the Roxy (Atlanta '93)  Phish  Composer
2008  Classic Rock BBQ   Composer
2008  Classics  Kiss  Composer
2008  DJ Masters Unmixed, Vol. 17   Composer
2008  Die Ultimative Chartshow: Rock Classics   Composer
2008  Discoveries  Kiss  Composer
2008  Enter the Realm of the Gods  Iced Earth  Composer
2008  Favorites  Kiss  Composer
2008  Foute CD Van Q-Music, Vol. 4   Composer
2008  Hits'n'kids   Composer
2008  I Love Metal [Central Station]   Composer
2008  IKONS  Kiss  Mixing, Audio Production, Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Guitar, Composer, Primary Artist
2008  KISSology  Kiss  Group Member
2008  Lessons to be Learned  Gabriella Cilmi  Keyboards, Programming, Composer
2008  Let Sleeping Corpses Lie  White Zombie  Composer
2008  Lick It Up: A Millenium Tribute to Kiss   Composer
2008  Masterpieces  HammerFall  Composer, Lyricist
2008  Now That's What I Call Classic Rock   Composer
2008  One Live Kiss  Paul Stanley  Primary Artist, Composer
2008  One Live Kiss  Paul Stanley  Primary Artist, Vocals, Guitar, Executive Producer, Composer
2008  Playlist Plus  Kiss  Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Guitar, Composer
2008  Playlist Your Way  Kiss  Composer
2008  Pure Temptations   Composer
2008  Senza Voce  Anthony Tyler  Composer
2008  Skitz Mix, Vol. 29  Nick Skitz  Composer
2008  Slave to the Dark: The Century Media Years [14CD/DVD]  Iced Earth  Composer
2008  Symphony  Sarah Brightman  Guest Artist, Additional Personnel, Featured Artist, Primary Artist
2008  The 70s Collection   Composer
2008  The Best of 1979: 20th Century Masters   Composer
2008  The Best of Hard Rock, Vol. 2: 20th Century Masters the Millennium Collection   Composer
2008  The Best of Kiss: Green Series  Kiss  Composer
2008  The Complete Collection  Kiss  Composer
2008  The World's Best Ever Beer Songs: 10th Anniversary   Composer
2007  At the BBC  Shed Seven  Photography
2007  Die Ultimative Rock Box   Composer
2007  Halloween [2007 Original Soundtrack]   Composer
2007  Heavy Karaoke: Hits of Kiss [DVD]   Composer
2007  Heavy Metal [Rhino Box Set]   Vocals, Guitar, Composer
2007  Jumping All Over the World  Scooter  Composer
2007  Legends Informercial Set   Composer
2007  Les 100 Plus Grands Tubes   Composer
2007  Mei Siedie  Pikku-Orava  Composer
2007  Now That's What I Call the 80s [3 CD]   Composer
2007  Old Skool of Rock   Composer
2007  Poison'd!  Poison  Composer
2007  Tough Choices  Serge Rahoerson  Photography
2007  True Disco   Composer
2007  Vom Rest das Beste: Die DTH Single B-Seiten Kollektion  Die Toten Hosen  Composer, Lyricist
2006  20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection, Vol. 3  Kiss  Producer, Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Guitar, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Rhythm), Composer
2006  Ace, Gene, Peter and Paul (Solos Box Set)  Kiss  Producer, Vocals, Guitar, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), E-Bow, Vocals (Background), Mastering, Composer, Primary Artist
2006  Bad Candy  Bad Candy  Composer
2006  Extended Versions  Britny Fox  Composer
2006  Girls Got Rhythm!   Composer
2006  Hallelujah Live [DVD]  Espen Lind  Composer
2006  II  Deacon Street  Composer
2006  In Memory of Quorthon, Vol. 3  Bathory  Composer, Lyricist
2006  Kiss Alive! 1975-2000  Kiss  Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Guitar, Guitar (Rhythm), Composer
2006  Live in Bloomington 1977-1978  Gizmos  Composer
2006  Live to Win  Paul Stanley  Primary Artist, Producer, Audio Production, Main Personnel, Vocals, Guitar, Percussion, Vocals (Background), String Arrangements, Composer
2006  Melody Mountain  Susanna and the Magical Orchestra  Composer
2006  New and Used: The Best of Apologetix  Apologetix  Composer
2006  Paris Derniere, Vol. 5   Composer
2006  Planet 70's   Composer
2006  R35: Rock & Pops Super Hits   Composer
2006  The Best of Poison: 20 Years of Rock  Poison  Composer
2006  Ultimate Party Anthems  The Goldkeepers  Composer
2006  Voodoo Man  Dan Wos  Composer
2005  20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones  The Mighty Mighty Bosstones  Composer
2005  Angel to You (Devil to Me)  The Click Five  Composer
2005  Best of Hard Rock, Vol. 2: Kiss/Scorpions/Alice Cooper   Producer, Vocals, Guitar
2005  Bot Box  1L  Composer
2005  Chronicles  Kiss  Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Guitar, Group Member, Composer
2005  Chronicles  Cher  Composer
2005  Crown Jewels  Crown of Thorns  Producer
2005  Distortion  Rev Run  Composer
2005  Drew's Famous Poker Party Night  Drew's Famous  Composer
2005  Greatest Kiss  Kiss  Composer
2005  Greetings from Imrie House  The Click Five  Composer
2005  How the Great Have Fallen  Raging Speedhorn  Composer
2005  Instant Live: Alltel Pavillion at Walnut Creek - Raleigh, NC, 07/27/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
2005  MTV Unplugged, Vol. 3   Composer
2005  Mad About the Boy, Vol. 11   Composer
2005  Rock the Nation: Live  Kiss  Group Member
2005  Rockin' the Corps   Vocals, Guitar, Composer
2005  Rockin' the Corps [DVD]   Composer
2005  Summer Beach Club, Vol. 1   Composer
2005  Swamp Tech  Quintron  Composer
2005  The Men Album  Jarboe  Composer
2004  20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Kiss, Vol. 2  Kiss  Producer, Group Member, Composer
2004  60 Greatest Hits by Kids and Fun Songs   Composer
2004  Billboard Top 10 Karaoke: 1970's   Composer
2004  Chartbuster Karaoke: Greatest Party Songs, Vol. 3   Composer
2004  Drew's Famous Kids Go Wild  Drew's Famous  Composer
2004  Expose This  Gioia  Composer
2004  Gold: 1974-1982 - Sound+Vision  Kiss  Producer, Mixing, Audio Production, Vocals, Guitar, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Rhythm), Story, Group Member, Composer, Primary Artist
2004  Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas [Box Set]   Composer
2004  Instant Live: Clark County Amphitheatre - Ridgefield, WA, 06/22/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
2004  Instant Live: Ford Pavilion at Montage Mountain - Scranton, PA, 07/23/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
2004  Instant Live: Tweeter Center - Tinley Park, IL, 07/09/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
2004  Instant Live: Verizon Wireless Amphitheater - Virginia Beach, VA, 07/25/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
2004  Legends: My Generation   Composer
2004  Leisure Class Recordings 1979-1994   Guest Artist, Cello
2004  Let's Hear It for the Boy, Vol. 4   Composer
2004  Mighty McFly  Mighty McFly  Composer
2004  Songs for Your Little Prince   Composer
2004  Spin the Bottle: An All-Star Tribute to Kiss  SPIN the BOTTLE  Composer
2004  Supergrass Is 10: The Best of 1994-2004  Supergrass  Photography
2004  Supergrass Is 10: The Best of 1994-2004 [DVD]  Supergrass  Photography
2004  The String Quartet Tribute to Kiss  Vitamin String Quartet  Composer
2004  The Ultimate Pretty Boy Floyd  Pretty Boy Floyd  Composer
2004  Trenton Makes the Cryptkeeper Five  The Cryptkeeper Five  Composer
2004  Verschwende Deine Zeit  Silbermond  Composer
2004  Very Best of MTV Unplugged, Vol. 3 [Bonus DVD]   Composer
2004  World Cup Of Hockey 2004   Composer
2003  20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of '80s Rock   Composer
2003  20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Kiss  Kiss  Composer
2003  Ash Wednesday   Composer
2003  Beyond the Darkness  Balzac  Composer
2003  DJ's Choice: Christmas Movies  DJ's Choice  Composer
2003  DJ's Choice: Night Night Sleep Tight  DJ's Choice  Composer
2003  Divas of Broadway: Great Women of Stage and Song   Composer
2003  Drew's Famous 30 Greatest Hits Sung by Kids   Composer
2003  Drew's Famous Kids New Year's Party   Composer
2003  Drew's Famous Kids Pop Broadway Hits  Drew's Famous  Composer
2003  Drew's Famous Kids Pop Halloween Hits   Composer
2003  Drew's Famous Kids Pop Rock N Roll Hits [2003]  Drew's Famous  Composer
2003  Family Christmas  Andrea McArdle  Composer
2003  Fu2  First Degree the D.E.  Composer
2003  Hardcore UFOs Box Set: Revelations, Epiphanies and Fast Food in the Western Hemisphere  Guided by Voices  Composer
2003  Joe Maynard's Favourites  Poor Rich Ones  Composer
2003  Kids Party Pop   Composer
2003  Kill the DJ  Keoki  Composer
2003  Kiss My Grass: A Hillbilly Tribute to Kiss  Hayseed Dixie  Composer
2003  Kiss Symphony: Alive IV  Kiss  Group Member, Composer
2003  Kiss Symphony: The DVD  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Rhythm)
2003  Kiss Symphony: The Single Disc  Kiss  Composer
2003  Love Songs  Loverboy  Composer
2003  Music to Crash Your Car To, Vol. 1  Mötley Crüe  Composer
2003  P-Bone Steak  Peelander-Z  Composer
2003  Razmanaz  Razmanaz  Composer
2003  Rock Heroes   Composer
2003  Sons of Satan Praise the Lord  Entombed  Composer
2003  The Curse of the Singapore Sling  Singapore Sling  Composer
2003  The Sound of Fashion: The Sexiest Music For Catwalks   Composer
2003  We're a Happy Family: A Tribute to the Ramones   Producer
2003  What a Way to End It All: The Anthology  Deaf School  Composer
2003  Where Have You Been Tonight? Live  Shed Seven  Photography
2003  While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Vol. 2   Composer
2002  Alien Peep Show  Black Eyed Soul  Composer
2002  As Heard on Radio Soulwax, Pt. 2  2 Many DJ's  Composer
2002  Border Girl  Paulina Rubio  Composer
2002  Cover Ups  Good Riddance  Composer
2002  Crimson Thunder  HammerFall  Composer
2002  DJ's Choice: Graduation 2002 Party Music  DJ's Choice  Composer
2002  DJ's Choice: I Wuv U This Much  DJ's Choice  Composer
2002  DJ's Choice: Kids Pop Songs  DJ's Choice  Composer
2002  Dark Genesis  Iced Earth  Composer
2002  Drew's Famous Kids Pop Hits  Drew's Famous  Composer
2002  Drew's Famous Sporty at 40: Music for Your Party  Drew's Famous  Composer
2002  Fashion Week   Composer
2002  Freak Guitar  Mattias "IA" Eklundh  Composer
2002  Frosh, Vol. 5   Composer
2002  Great Ladies of Rock & Roll: The '50s   Composer
2002  Horizon  Rocking Horse Winner  Composer
2002  Live  Undermind  Composer
2002  Metal Mania [Boxsets]   Composer
2002  Moulin Rouge [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]   Composer
2002  My Number  Girl  Composer
2002  One More for Rock and Roll  Jetboy  Composer
2002  Pure 80's Rocks   Composer
2002  Push the Beat for This Jam  Scooter  Composer
2002  Silent Whispers  Banig  Composer
2002  Special Days...  Myrna Cohen  Composer
2002  The Complete Vee-Jay Recordings  Billy Preston  Composer
2002  The Singles Collection  Peggy Lee  Composer
2002  The Very Best of Kiss  Kiss  Producer, Composer
2002  Too Many DJs  Soulwax  Composer
2002  Tribute to the Gods  Iced Earth  Composer
2002  Twist at the Top Plus  Howie Casey  Composer
2002  Two Originals  Pretty Maids  Composer
2002  Unpainted: A Tribute to Kiss   Composer
2002  Very Best Bonfire  Bonfire  Composer
2002  West Coast Thing  Junebug Slim  Composer
2002  Xicano Outlaws   Composer
2001  24 #1's of the 60's   Composer
2001  70's Megamix   Composer
2001  Born to Loose  Strychnine  Composer
2001  Dallas Cowboys: The Ultimate Team   Composer
2001  Denver Broncos: Greatest Hits, Vol. 2   Composer
2001  Drew's Famous More Party Music  Drew's Famous  Composer
2001  Everything I Am  Anna Vissi  Composer
2001  Grievous Acoustic Behaviour: Live at the 12 Bar  Ginger  Composer
2001  I Believe [Bear Family]  Frankie Laine  Composer
2001  I Won't Grow up: Broadway for Kids   Composer
2001  KGGO: Kiss This CD!!!   Composer
2001  Metal Thunder: Arena Rock Classics   Composer
2001  Rock Star   Composer
2001  The Box Set  Kiss  Producer, Mixing, Vocals, Guitar, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Rhythm), Design, Composer, Primary Artist
2000  A World Without Heroes: A Kiss Tribute   Composer
2000  Danger  Kae Lynette  Composer
2000  Disco Dance Floor  Countdown Mix Masters  Composer
2000  Heavy Halloween  Drew's Famous  Composer
2000  Hot Hits: Disco Fever  Countdown Mix Masters  Composer
2000  Kiss Covered in Scandinavia [Limited 2CD Edition]   Composer
2000  Live Anthology: 1975-1981  Van Halen  Composer
2000  Lucky Numbers   Composer
2000  Naughty Platinum Rock   Composer
2000  Party Animals  Party Animals  Composer, Lyricist
2000  Retrospective  Billy Preston  Composer
2000  Seventies Mix   Composer
2000  Slammin' Sports Jams, Vol. 4  The Pioneer Creek Gang  Composer
2000  Things Falling Apart  Nine Inch Nails  Composer
1999  Bootleg Live On-Air: Generic Version   Composer
1999  Club Days  Van Halen  Composer
1999  Crank It Up! Rock Remixes '99  The Next Wave  Composer
1999  Detroit Rock City   Composer
1999  Disco Fever [#1]  Countdown Mix Masters  Composer
1999  Disco Nights  Countdown Mix Masters  Composer
1999  Everything Is Peaches Down in Georgia  Bob Schulz  Composer
1999  Freq's, Geeks & Mutilations  Freq Nasty  Composer
1999  Garage Punk Unknowns, Vol. 2   Composer
1999  Grown Up, Fuc*ed Up  The Reatards  Composer
1999  Kings of the Night Time World  Kiss  Composer
1999  Live in the Galaxy  Union  Composer
1999  Porn Stars  Pretty Boy Floyd  Composer
1999  Step Up to the Plate  Dem Brooklyn Bums  Composer
1999  Stock Car Smashes  Magnificent Tracers / Obscure  Composer
1999  Swing Sucks   Composer
1999  The Fragile  Nine Inch Nails  Composer
1999  The Kiss of Death: A Sikk Tribute to Kiss   Composer
1999  The New Swing Collection: Swing Swing Swing   Composer
1999  Ultra Swing Nouveau   Composer
1999  World of Wrestling Rocks  Magnificent Tracers  Composer
1998  Alien Fashion Show  Alien Fashion Show  Composer
1998  Alive and Talking [Interview and Poster]  Kiss  Primary Artist
1998  Bravo Hits, Vol. 23   Composer
1998  Broadway Show Stoppers   Composer
1998  Bugsy Malone [Original Cast Recording]   Composer
1998  Club Breakers, Vol. 1   Composer
1998  Don't Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes  Skeets McDonald  Composer
1998  Gewoon Een Vrouw  Liliane Saint-Pierre  Composer
1998  Greatest Hits Live: The Encore Collection  Eddie Money  Composer
1998  Had Enough  Eric Jerardi  Composer
1998  Kiss: The Second Coming I & II [Video]  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar (Electric), Guitar (Rhythm)
1998  Psycho Circus  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar, Guitar (Electric), Guitar (Baritone), Vocals (Background), Guitar (Rhythm), Composer
1998  Psycho Circus [3-D Video]  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar (Electric), Guitar (Rhythm), Composer
1998  Red and Clear  Giant's Chair / Giants Chair  Composer
1998  Rock the Party  Jive Bunny & the Mastermixers  Composer
1998  Ska: The Third Wave Checkered Box Set   Composer
1998  Spooked  Pretty Maids  Composer
1998  Stone Cold Metal  Steve Austin  Composer
1998  They Rock They Roll They Swing  Jumpin' Jimes  Composer
1997  12 Picks  Ace Frehley  Composer
1997  Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions  Kiss  Producer, Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Guitar, Composer
1997  Come on Feel the Metal   Composer
1997  Entombed  Entombed  Composer
1997  Everybody Loves Christmas  Eddie Money  Composer
1997  Greatest Kiss  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar (Electric), Vocals (Background), Guitar (Rhythm), Composer
1997  Hit Me  SKAndalous All Stars  Composer
1997  I Like Rock [4 Track EP]  Bennet  Composer
1997  Kiss My Ass [Bootleg]  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar (Rhythm), Composer
1997  Naked Thunder  Ian Gillan  Composer
1997  Return of the Comet: Tribute to Ace Frehley   Composer
1997  Secrets of the Past & Future  Scarab  Composer
1997  Shakin' with the Money Man  Eddie Money  Composer
1997  Ska: Cover It Up   Composer
1997  Strikeforce, Vol. 2   Composer
1997  Top 30  Alex Chilton  Composer
1997  Wreaking Havoc   Composer
1997  Ye Olde Space Band: Plays Classic Rock Hits  The Moog Cookbook  Composer
1996  Feel the Rage  Galactic Cowboys  Composer
1996  Greatest Hits [1998]  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar (Electric), Guitar (Rhythm), Composer
1996  Heavy Breathing: The Crunch High-Energy Workout   Composer
1996  MTV Unplugged  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar, Composer
1996  MTV Unplugged [Video/DVD]  Kiss  Composer
1996  Spacewalk: A Salute to Ace Frehley   Composer
1996  Viper's Freestyle Hit Parade, Vol. 8   Composer
1996  You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best!!  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar, Composer
1995  Brick  Hostility  Composer
1995  Classic Live Performances, Vol. 2   Composer
1995  Clubcutz America   Composer
1995  Hard Rock Essentials: 1980s   Composer
1995  I Should Coco  Supergrass  Photography
1995  Jock Rock, Vol. 2   Composer
1995  Masters of Metal: Thunder n' Spice   Composer
1995  Rare Doowop   Composer
1995  Stomp 442  Anthrax  Composer
1995  Straight Out of Cleveland   Composer
1995  The Best of Easy Street Records: Body Work   Composer
1995  Tommy Boy (Music from the Motion Picture)   Composer
1995  Viper's Freestyle Hit Parade, Vol. 6   Composer
1994  Among Our Souvenirs  The Lennon Sisters  Composer
1994  Down Low  Jeff Redd  Composer
1994  Hot City Nights [Alex]   Composer
1994  Kiss My Ass: Classic Kiss Regrooved   Producer, Composer
1994  Kiss My Ass: The Video [VHS]  Kiss  Composer
1994  Master of the Rings  Helloween  Composer
1994  Soul Music  Harold Rayford  Composer
1994  Speed [Original Soundtrack]   Performer, Composer, Primary Artist
1994  The Best Rock Album in the World...Ever!   Composer
1993  Alive III  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar, Composer
1993  Back Stage Pass (Live & Rockin')   Composer
1993  Black Lodge [CD Single]  Anthrax  Guest Artist, Vocals, Performer, Composer, Primary Artist
1993  Dazed and Confused [Music from the Motion Picture]   Composer
1993  Hit Parader Salutes 20 Years of Metal   Composer
1993  Hollowman  Entombed  Composer
1993  Kiss Konfidential  Kiss  Composer
1993  Konfidential and X-Treme Close Up  Kiss  Composer
1993  Marquee Metal   Composer
1993  Now: 1987 [40 Tracks]   Composer
1993  Out of Hand  Entombed  Composer
1993  Take It Off  C.C. Lemonhead  Composer
1993  Techno/Retro/Disco, Vol. 1   Composer
1992  B-Sides Ourselves  Skid Row  Composer
1992  Capitol Collectors Series  The Honeys  Composer
1992  Demons Down  House of Lords  Guest Artist, Vocals (Background)
1992  Hard to Believe: Kiss Covers Compilation   Composer
1992  Hung Up On...  Magnolias  Composer
1992  Live Extreme, Vol. 2  Racer X  Composer
1992  Revenge  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar, Composer
1992  When  The Kalin Twins  Composer
1991  19 Years: A Collection  Alex Chilton  Composer
1991  Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey [Soundtrack]   Composer
1991  Delight in Disorder  Pop Poppins  Composer
1991  Discipline  Desmond Child  Composer
1991  Duke  Heads Up!  Composer
1991  Epidemic  Panic  Composer
1991  First Degree Metal   Composer
1991  Human  Death  Composer, Lyricist
1991  Love Hurts  Cher  Composer
1991  Magnet to Steele  Chrissy Steele  Composer
1991  U.S. Golden Hits  Villafontana Magic Strings  Composer
1990  Back to Church   Composer
1990  Dick Clark's All-Time Hits, Vol. 3   Composer
1990  Lowrider Soundtrack, Vol. 1 [2005]   Composer
1990  Rarities, Vol. 1  Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons  Composer
1990  Rock & Roll Meltdown   Composer
1990  Spoon So Easy: The Chess Years  Jimmy Witherspoon  Composer
1990  Twisted Metal   Composer
1989  God of Thunder  White Zombie  Composer
1989  Hardcore  Paul Dean  Guest Artist
1989  Hot in the Shade  Kiss  Producer, Vocals, Guitar (Electric), Vocals (Background), Guitar (Rhythm), Composer
1989  Ileana  Ileana  Composer
1989  Lightning Strikes Twice  Molly Hatchet  Composer
1989  Master of Disguise  Lizzy Borden  Composer
1989  Ozma  Melvins  Composer
1989  Shocker [Original Soundtrack]   Vocals, Composer
1989  Trouble Walkin'  Ace Frehley  Composer
1989  Trouble or Nothin'  Robin Beck  Backwards Vocals, Composer
1988  Live  Bad Brains  Composer
1988  Notes from America  Bonnie Tyler  Composer
1988  Smashes, Thrashes & Hits  Kiss  Producer, Guitar, Composer
1988  The British Invasion: History of British Rock, Vol. 2   Composer
1987  Crazy Nights  Kiss  Guitar, Keyboards, Composer
1987  Exposed  Kiss  Interviewer, Composer
1987  Interview Disc  Kiss  Guitar
1987  Less Than Zero   Composer
1987  Pursuit of Happiness  Beat Farmers  Composer
1987  The EP Collection  The Hollies  Composer
1986  Hear 'n Aid   Composer
1985  Animalize: Live Uncensored [Video]  Kiss  Composer
1985  Asylum  Kiss  Producer, Guitar, Composer
1985  Fly on the Wall  AC/DC  Composer
1985  Running Wild  Girlschool  Composer
1985  The Best of the Hollies, Vol. 1  The Hollies  Composer
1984  Animalize  Kiss  Producer, Photo Concept, Group Member, Composer
1984  Cool Cats: 25 Years of Rock 'N' Roll Style   Composer
1984  Let It Be  The Replacements  Composer
1984  The Best of the Standells  The Standells  Composer
1984  W.O.W.  Wendy O. Williams  Guest Artist, Main Personnel, Guitar, Composer
1983  Lick It Up  Kiss  Producer, Guitar, Group Member, Composer
1982  Black Metal  Venom  Composer
1982  Creatures of the Night  Kiss  Producer, Guitar, Group Member, Composer
1982  Killers  Kiss  Vocals, Bass (Electric), Vocals (Background), Guitar (Rhythm), Composer
1981  Endless Love [1981] [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]   Composer
1981  Music from "The Elder"  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar, Group Member, Composer
1981  Take It Off  Chic  Composer
1981  The Best of the Solo Albums  Kiss  Guitar
1981  Xanadu  Menudo  Composer
1980  Sheer Greed  Girl  Composer
1980  Unmasked  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar, Group Member, Composer
1979  Desmond Child & Rouge  Desmond Child & Rouge  Main Personnel, Composer
1979  Dynasty  Kiss  Guitar, Band, Composer
1979  New England  New England  Producer, Audio Production
1978  Double Platinum  Kiss  Guitar, Composer
1978  Paul Stanley  Kiss / Paul Stanley  Primary Artist, Producer, Mixing, Vocals, Guitar, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), E-Bow, Vocals (Background), Bass, Performer, Group Member, Composer
1978  Take My Album... Please! or Take 2 Sets For the Price of One  Henny Youngman  Composer
1978  The Originals II  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar (Electric), Vocals (Background), Guitar (Rhythm)
1977  Alive II  Kiss  Producer, Composer
1977  Love Gun  Kiss  Producer, Guitar, Composer
1977  Sneak Attack  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar (Rhythm), Composer
1977  Stage Pass  Michael Stanley  Composer
1976  Destroyer  Kiss  Guitar, Group Member, Composer
1976  Hit Machine   Composer
1976  Mindbender   Composer
1976  Rock and Roll Over  Kiss  Guitar, Composer
1976  The Originals  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar (Electric), Vocals (Background), Composer
1975  Alive!  Kiss  Guitar, Composer
1975  Discomania [K-Tel 1975]   Composer
1975  Dressed to Kill  Kiss  Producer, Guitar, Composer
1974  Hotter Than Hell  Kiss  Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Guitar, Group Member, Composer
1974  Kiss  Kiss  Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Guitar, Guitar (Rhythm), Rhythm, Composer
1966  Why Pick on Me  The Standells  Composer
 "Shut Up & Dance!"  Rudeboy  Composer
 100 Rock   Composer
 100% Rock Guitar Anthems [Mood Media]   Composer
 101 70s Rock Anthems   Primary Artist
 17 Top Hits of 1984   Composer
 20 #1's Classic Rock [2018]   Composer/Lyricist
 20 No. 1’s: 80's Rock   Composer
 2001 Rock and Roll Anthems   Composer
 30 Best Hits of the 70's  Eclipse  Composer
 A Year in the Life of Heavenly Bodies 2013, Pt. 1   Composer
 Agora Ballroom, 1974  Kiss  Composer
 Album, Vol. 1   Composer
 Alive and Exposed  Paul Stanley  Primary Artist
 Antyradio: Najlepszy Rock Na Swiecie, Vol. 4   Composer
 Atop the World  Casey Kranz  Composer
 Beer Blokes & BBQs, Vol. 3   Composer
 Best of 70s Rock, Vol. 2: 20th Century Masters   Composer, Composer/Lyricist
 Best of 80s Rock, Vol. 2: 20th Century Masters   Composer
 Best of Gregorian: 1990-2010  Gregorian  Composer, Lyricist
 Better Than the Original: A Selection of Finest Acoustic Cover Versions   Composer, Lyricist
 Bierkonig Die Erste Hits!   Composer
 Billboard 70s, Vol. 1   Composer/Lyricist
 Billboard Karaoke: Top 10 Box Set, Vol. 1   Composer/Lyricist
 Blaas of Glory  Blaas of Glory  Composer
 Burning Point  Burning Point  Composer
 CAPS: Campus and Pub Songs   Composer
 Catalyst  DJ Gomi  Composer
 Classic Collaborations, Vol. 3   Primary Artist
 Classic Rock Anthems [Spectrum]   Composer
 Classic Rock Radio   Composer, Composer/Lyricist
 Classic Rock Workout   Composer
 Creatures of the Black  Mpire of Evil  Composer
 Dad's Jukebox: The Very Best Of The 60's, 70's & 80's   Composer
 Dressed To Thrill: A Tribute To Kiss With Female Vocalists   Composer
 Dressed to Kiss  Kiss  Composer
 Drew's Famous House Party  The Hit Crew  Composer
 Driving Rock   Composer
 Electric Overdrive  Heavy Star  Arranger, Composer
 First Kiss, Last Licks [Box]  Kiss  Producer, Vocals, Guitar (Electric), Guitar (Rhythm), Composer
 Gods of Guitar [Deluxe Digital]   Composer
 Génération Enfoirés  Les Enfoirés  Composer
 Hard Rock Gold   Composer
 Headbanger's Hits, Vol. 5   Composer
 Heavenly Sunset, Vol. 3   Composer
 Hell or Hallelujah  Kiss  Composer
 Hockey Anthems: 1st Period-The Legends   Composer
 House Sweet House Selected & Mixed by Diego Lirussi   Composer
 Hurley's Tracks: LOST EP   Composer/Lyricist
 Insatiable  Jim Crean  Composer
 Instant Live: Chronicle Pavilion - Concord, CA, 06/20/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
 Instant Live: Cricket Pavilion - Phoenix, AZ, 06/18/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
 Instant Live: Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion - Houston, TX, 06/12/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
 Instant Live: DTE Energy Music Theatre - Clarkston, MI, 06/30/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
 Instant Live: Darien Lake Pac - Darien Center, NY, 07/14/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
 Instant Live: Float-Rite Amphitheatre - Somerset, WI, 06/26/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
 Instant Live: Germain Amphitheatre - Columbus, OH, 07/10/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
 Instant Live: Hershey Park Pavilion - Hershey, PA, 07/18/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
 Instant Live: Journal Pavilion - Albuquerque, NM, 06/16/04  Kiss  Guitar, Vocal Ad-Libs
 Instant Live: Marcus Amphitheater - Milwaukee, WI, 07/07/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
 Instant Live: Nissan Pavilion - Bristow, VA, 07/24/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
 Instant Live: Post-Gazette Pavillion - Pittsburgh, PA, 07/04/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
 Instant Live: Riverbend Music Center - Cincinnati, OH, 07/11/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
 Instant Live: Smirnoff Music Centre - Dallas, TX, 06/11/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
 Instant Live: Sound Advice Amphitheatre - West Palm Beach, FL, 07/30/04  Kiss  Guitar, Vocal Ad-Libs
 Instant Live: Starwood Amphitheatre - Nashville, TN, 07/02/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
 Instant Live: Tommy Hilfiger at Jones Beach Theater - Wantagh, NY, 07/21/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
 Instant Live: Trump Taj Mahal - Atlantic City, NJ, 07/17/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
 Instant Live: Tweeter City - Mansfield, MA, 07/16/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
 Instant Live: Tweeter Waterfront - Camden, NJ, 07/13/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
 Instant Live: Umb Bank Pavilion - Maryland Heights, MO, 06/28/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
 Instant Live: Verizon Wireless Amphiteater - Selma, TX, 06/10/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
 Instant Live: Verizon Wireless Amphitheater - Bonner Springs, KS, 06/27/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
 Instant Live: Verizon Wireless Amphitheater - Irvine, CA, 06/19/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
 Instant Live: Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre - Charlotte, NC, 07/28/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
 Instant Live: Verizon Wireless Music Center - Nobelsville, IN, 07/03/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
 Instant Live: Verizon Wireless Music Center-Birmingham - Pelham, AL, 08/03/04  Kiss  Vocals, Guitar
 Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Legacy 1998-2014  Lullacry  Composer
 Mirror Mirror  Gema Pearl  Composer
 Molly: Do Yourself a Favor [Original TV Soundtrack]   Composer
 New  Jasmin Paan  Composer
 New Year's Eve Countdown   Composer
 Now That's What I Call Power Ballads: Hits   Composer
 Old School Memories - Rock Classics  Drew's Famous  Composer, Producer
 Paris By Night: L'Intégrale De La Musique De Paris Dernière In Sept Volumes  Béatrice Ardisson  Composer
 Party Tyme Karaoke: Classic Rock Hits 1  Party Tyme Karaoke  Composer
 Party Tyme Karaoke: Classic Rock Hits 2  Party Tyme Karaoke  Composer
 Party Tyme Karaoke: Country Male Hits 2  Party Tyme Karaoke  Composer
 Party Tyme Karaoke: Rock Male Hits 2  Party Tyme Karaoke  Composer
 Party Tyme Karaoke: Rock Male Hits 5  Party Tyme Karaoke  Composer
 Piano Tribute to Kiss  The Piano Tribute Players  Composer
 Reimaginator  Rock Sugar  Composer
 Rise  Cruel Season  Composer
 Road Trip Sing-Along Songs   Composer
 Rock Icons   Composer
 Rock N Roll Hell Yeah   Composer
 Seventies Collected   Composer
 Soiree Deluxe  Tape Five  Composer
 Soul Traders  Swing Dealers  Composer
 Sure Know Something  Discorocks  Composer
 Swinging Through the Night [ZYX]   Composer
 The Best '80s Hits Collection   Composer
 The Best of Classic Rock: Green Series   Composer
 The Black Album  Buttafuko  Composer
 The Heart of Classic Rock [Box Set]   Composer
 The Nice Guys   Composer
 The Remixes  Discorocks / Naika  Composer
 The Best Rock Anthems ...Ever!   Composer
 The Mills Brothers  The Mills Brothers  Composer
 Torcida 2018: Nacional e Internacional   Composer
 Unfinished Business  Eric Carr  Composer, Lyricist
 Warm Aanbevolen Uit 25 Jaar Top 40   Composer
Similar To
Ann Wilson
Blackie Lawless
Bon Scott
Brad Delp
Bret Michaels
Brian Johnson
Dave Meniketti
David Coverdale
David Johansen
David Lee Roth
Dee Snider
Freddie Mercury
Gary Cherone
Ian Hunter
Jani Lane
Joan Jett
Joe Elliott
Joey Belladonna
John Bush
Jon Bon Jovi
Kip Winger
Lita Ford
Marc Bolan
Marilyn Manson
Mark Farner
Mark Slaughter
Mike Tramp
Ozzy Osbourne
Paul Di'Anno
Rob Halford
Rob Zombie
Robin Zander
Saigon Kick
Sebastian Bach
Stephen Pearcy
Steven Tyler
Tom Keifer
Vince Neil
Frehley's Comet
Influenced By
Alice Cooper
Cream
Jimi Hendrix
Robert Plant
Rod Stewart
The Beatles
The Yardbirds
Led Zeppelin
New York Dolls
The Rolling Stones
Wizzard
Bo Diddley
Carl Perkins
Chris Dreja
Jimmy Page
Wes Montgomery
Followed By
Izzy Stradlin
Mark Arm
Stone Gossard
Associated With
Ace Frehley
Gene Simmons
Kiss
Peter Criss
Vinnie Vincent
Collaborated With
Bob Ezrin
Bruce Kulick
Dave Wittman
Eddie Kramer
Eric Carr
Michael James Jackson

PETER CRISS
Birth name
George Peter John Criscuola
Also known as
"The Catman"
Born
December 20, 1945
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Genres
Hard rock, heavy metal
Occupation(s)
Musician, songwriter, producer, actor, author
Instruments
Drums, percussion, vocals
Years active
1964–2017
Labels
Casablanca, Mercury
Associated acts
Kiss, Chelsea
George Peter John Criscuola (born December 20, 1945), better known by his stage name Peter Criss, is a retired American musician and actor, best known as a co-founder, original drummer, and occasional vocalist of the hard rock band Kiss. Criss established the "Catman" character for his Kiss persona. In 2014, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Kiss.[1]
Early years
Criss was born in Brooklyn, New York, the oldest of five children of Loretta and Joseph Criscuola. His father's family came from Scafati, Salerno, Italy. He grew up in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn.[2][3] He was a childhood friend of Jerry Nolan, who would later find success as the drummer of the New York Dolls.[4]
Criss was an avid art student and a swing aficionado.[5] While playing with bandleader Joey Greco, Criss ended up studying under his idol, Gene Krupa, at the Metropole Club in New York.[6] This turned into an active musical career as he went on to play jazz and rock with a number of bands in New York and New Jersey throughout the 1960s.[citation needed]
Chelsea
Criss was involved with a number of bands throughout the mid-to-late 1960s. It was during this time that Criss joined Chelsea, who had a two-album deal with Decca Records; the group released a self-titled album in 1970. They never recorded a second album, and in August 1971 became Lips (a trio consisting of Criss and his Chelsea bandmates Michael Benvenga and Stan Penridge). By the spring of 1972, Lips was just the duo of Criss and Penridge.
In 1973, Pete Shepley and Mike Brand recorded an unreleased album which included post-Chelsea Michael Benvenga, and pre-Kiss Peter Criss and Gene Simmons as session musicians. It was titled Captain Sanity.[7][8]
Kiss
After the demise of his band Lips, Criss placed an advertisement in the East Coast edition of Rolling Stone Magazine, which read:
The Catman
The advertisement was answered by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, who were looking for new members for their band. Ace Frehley was added to the lineup in December 1972, and the band was named Kiss later that month. However, Simmons describes first meeting Criss in his book Kiss And Make-Up thus:
One afternoon I run across an ad in Rolling Stone Magazine that said "Drummer available – Will do anything." I called the guy on the telephone, and even though he was in the middle of a party, he took my call. I introduced myself and said we were starting a band and that the band was looking for a drummer, and was he willing to do anything to make it? He says that he was, right away.[citation needed]
Simmons later in the chapter describes going to a small Italian Club in Brooklyn to meet the drummer "The drummer started to sing, and this Wilson Pickett-style voice came out of him. Paul and I said 'That's it, that's our drummer.' His name was Peter Criscuola."[citation needed] Criss also decided on the "Catman" makeup he would go on to make famous as a member of Kiss, stating on more than one occasion that he felt he had nine lives to survive his rough street upbringing in Brooklyn.
Kiss released their self-titled debut in February 1974. Throughout his Kiss career, Criss was the lead singer on several songs including "Black Diamond", "Hard Luck Woman", and their breakthrough hit "Beth". Many of Criss' contributions to Kiss were written with the help of Stan Penridge, who was a bandmate of Criss' in Chelsea and Lips.[citation needed]
Criss co-wrote the ballad "Beth", a Top 10 hit for Kiss on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at #7 in 1976. The song remains the highest-charting song for Kiss in the United States and it earned them a People's Choice Award for "Young People's Favorite New Song" in 1977, tied with "Disco Duck". The song was written before Criss had joined Kiss, while he was still a member of Chelsea. Criss came up with the melody for the song while on a train to New York City from New Jersey where the band practiced. He and Penridge wrote the song together.[10]
A demo exists of the song from 1971,[11] but the song's title was "Beck", after fellow band member Mike Brand's wife, Becky, who would call often during practices to ask Mike when he was coming home.[citation needed]
Departure from Kiss
In 1978, Criss was injured in a serious car crash.[12][not in citation given]
On the 1979 release Dynasty, he only played on his own composition, "Dirty Livin'",[13] and did not play at all on Unmasked (1980). Anton Fig, who also played on Ace Frehley's 1978 solo album, was hired as session drummer for Dynasty and Unmasked.
Gene Simmons has said Criss was fired; Paul Stanley discussed Criss' departure in several interviews, including the commentary on Kissology 2. Ace Frehley in his 2011 book, No Regrets, also stated that Criss was fired during a band meeting in which Frehley was outvoted by Simmons and Stanley. A spoken word CD released in 1999 titled 13 Classic Kiss Stories, features Bill Aucoin (Kiss' first manager) where he also discusses Criss being "let go". Criss, however, has maintained that he quit the band. The video for "Shandi" was shot in one day, and Peter was out of the band at that time; Stanley said of the shoot, "We shot a video for the song 'Shandi' after the decision to let Peter go had been confirmed. He came to the video shoot knowing it was the last time he would appear with KISS. At the end of the day, he took his makeup case with him and left. It wasn't tearful, but it was a big moment. Peter was leaving. We had fired him, and this was the last time we were going to see him in the band".[14]
Criss officially left Kiss on May 18, 1980. As a result, Kiss postponed the European tour until the end of August, thus giving the band enough time to find a replacement drummer, who they found in Brooklyn-born Eric Carr.[citation needed]
Solo career
In March 1980, Criss began recording his second solo album, Out of Control. Released later in the year, the album was a commercial failure, despite remaining a favorite with Criss fans. The follow-up album, 1982's Let Me Rock You, which contained one song written by Gene Simmons, was a similar failure. The album cover featured Criss without his Kiss makeup, but was not released in the U.S. at the time.
For the rest of the 1980s and early 1990s, Criss was involved with a number of bands, each usually lasting less than a year. One of them was The Keep, which featured ex-Kiss guitarist Mark St. John. Criss also played with Balls of Fire from the spring of 1986 to December 1986, with Jane Booke on lead vocals, Bob Raylove on bass and JP (John Pakalenka) on guitar, who currently plays for Buckner Funken Jazz in Denver, Colorado. Balls of Fire played only 7 shows before Criss left the band to enjoy his daughter Jenilee growing up.[15] Another was the Criss Penridge Alliance, essentially Peter Criss and Stan Penridge with the 1970s jazz rock fusion band Montage (Mike Hutchens - guitar,[16] Allen Woody - bass (Govt Mule, Allman Brothers Band), John Moss - drums and Tony Crow - keyboards) who rehearsed 39 songs including from the first 3 Peter Criss solo albums, and played around 10 shows in total.[17]
While Kiss was promoting their upcoming release Crazy Nights, Criss appeared on the syndicated radio program Metal Shop and discussed his time in Kiss from a more positive perspective than before; he promoted the book he was writing at the time, an autobiography to be titled A Face without a Kiss. He also mentioned his dream of one day opening up his own recording studio and starting his own record label, to be called Catman Records. He briefly reunited with former Kiss bandmate Ace Frehley on Frehley's 1989 album Trouble Walkin' (singing and playing percussion on one track).
In the early 1990s, Criss assembled a band named "Criss", which would feature future Queensrÿche guitarist Mike Stone. This band released the Criss EP in December 1993 and the Cat #1 album in August 1994.[18]
Return to Kiss
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In 1995, Criss appeared at the official Kiss Konvention in Los Angeles that led to the Kiss live performance that was recorded for MTV Unplugged. In April 1996, Kiss held a press conference to announce a reunion tour with all four original members. The 1996–97 Alive/Worldwide Tour was an enormous success, and the reunited Kiss released a studio album, 1998's Psycho Circus.
Criss only played drums on one track on the album ("Into the Void", Ace Frehley's one lead vocal track), although Criss did have one lead vocal (a track called "I Finally Found My Way", written by guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley and Bob Ezrin) and a co-vocal taking turns in the verses with the rest of the band for the song "You Wanted the Best".
Second and third departures
Tensions arose once again between Criss and Kiss. On October 7, 2000, at the end of the band's show in North Charleston, South Carolina, Criss destroyed his drum kit on stage.[19] Though fans thought it was part of the act, it was in reality an act of frustration on Criss' part.[20]
It was his last show on the tour, as he left over a contract dispute and was replaced by Eric Singer in 2001. He rejoined the band in late 2002 and appeared on the Kiss Symphony: Alive IV DVD and CD before departing from Kiss again in March 2004. The band had opted not to renew his contract following the Rocksimus Maximus Tour. He was once again replaced by Singer, who assumed the "Catman" persona.[citation needed]
Criss said of Kiss performing with replacements for Ace Frehley and himself:
No matter who they get to put stuff on their face, it ain't us. You can take the mask off the Lone Ranger and put it on someone else, but it ain't the Lone Ranger.[21]
Personal life
Since 2004, Criss has kept his public appearances to a minimum. Criss now resides in Wall Township, New Jersey.[22] He released a solo album, titled One for All July 23, 2007, on Silvercat Records.[citation needed]
Criss is a gun enthusiast, and has stated that he has a large collection of firearms with which he target-shoots, but does not hunt with, as he told host Tom Snyder during the October 31, 1979 interview of Kiss on The Tomorrow Show. This segment of the infamous interview features Criss referencing his gun collection.[citation needed]
As of November 2008, Criss has been married three times: Lydia Di Leonardo (from 1970 to 1979), former Playboy Playmate and coppertone model Debra Jensen (from 1979 to 1994) and Gigi Criss (from May 1998 to present).[23] Criss has a daughter, Jenilee, born in 1981.[23]
Criss was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008.[24] While working out, he noticed a lump on his chest that prompted him to visit a doctor. He was successfully treated with a lumpectomy.[25]
Criss released his autobiography, Makeup to Breakup: My Life In and Out of Kiss, co-written with author Larry Sloman, on October 23, 2012.
Acting
In addition to playing himself in 1978's Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park and 1999's Detroit Rock City, Criss has appeared on two television programs in minor roles. In 1998 he appeared as "Nice Cop" on the "...Thirteen Years Later" episode of Millennium.
In 2002, he appeared in two episodes of the HBO prison drama Oz as inmate Martin Montgomery. He also plays the role of Mike in the motion picture about the JFK assassination, Frame of Mind.[26]
Discography
Chelsea
Chelsea (1970)
Kiss
Kiss (1974)
Hotter Than Hell (1974)
Dressed to Kill (1975)
Destroyer (1976)
Rock and Roll Over (1976)
Love Gun (1977)
Dynasty (1979)[27]
Psycho Circus (1998)[28]
Solo
Peter Criss (September 18, 1978)
Out of Control (September 1980)
Let Me Rock You (May 1982)
Cat #1 (August 16, 1994)
One for All (July 24, 2007)
Ace Frehley
Trouble Walkin' (1989)
Live
Alive! (1975)
Alive II (1977)
Kiss Unplugged (1996)
Kiss Symphony: Alive IV (2003)
Alive! The Millennium Concert (2006)
Greatest Hits
Double Platinum (1978)
Killers (1982)
Smashes, Thrashes & Hits (1988)
Greatest Kiss (1997)
You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best!! (1996)
The Very Best of Kiss (2002)
Gold (Kiss album) (2005)
Kiss 40 (2014)
Kissworld (2017)
Box Set Albums
The Originals (1976)
The Originals II (1978)
The Box Set (Kiss) (2001)
Kiss Chronicles: 3 Classic Albums (2005)
Kiss Alive! 1975–2000 (2006)
Ikons (2008)
The Casablanca Singles 1974-1982 (2012)
Kissteria - The Ultimate Vinyl Case (2014)
Preceded by
Original  Drummer for Kiss
1973–1980  Succeeded by
Eric Carr
Preceded by
Eric Singer  Drummer for Kiss
1996–2001  Succeeded by
Eric Singer
Preceded by
Eric Singer  Drummer for Kiss
2002–2004  Succeeded by
Eric Singer
Peter Criss rose to fame in the 1970s as the drummer for theatrical heavy metal-ists Kiss. Born Peter George Criscoula on December 20, 1947, in Brooklyn, NY, Criss got his start drumming after discovering legendary jazz drummer Gene Krupa (which he's rumored to have actually taken lessons from at one point) and such '60s rockers as the Rolling Stones. Playing in local bands throughout the '60s and early '70s, Criss was becoming increasingly fed up when none of his bands went anywhere -- especially after a tryout for Elton John's band didn't pan out and close friend Jerry Nolan landed the drum slot with trash/glam/punk pioneers the New York Dolls. But his luck was just about to change when a pair of fellow New Yorkers answered an ad Criscoula had placed in a music paper, stating "drummer with 11 years experience, willing to do anything."
The pair turned out to be none other than Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons (then known as Stanley Eisen and Gene Klein, respectively), who were in the midst of putting a new group together that would be a reaction against all the then-prevalent boring hippie bands. Criscoula got the gig, soon after changing his name to Peter Criss. After the trio enlisted guitarist Ace Frehley, the quartet agreed on the name Kiss and specialized in high-volume rock, but with a strong melodic edge (courtesy of Simmons and Stanley's admiration of the Beatles). It was also agreed that the bandmembers would choose a "character" and wear makeup and costumes relating to their choice; Criss selected a cat.
Alive!
 After signing with Casablanca Records in 1973, Kiss rocketed to stardom in 1975 with their classic Alive! release -- becoming one of the most popular and instantly recognizable hard rock acts of all time. When Kiss was recording their follow-up to Alive!, 1976's Destroyer, Criss dug up an old song he'd written with one of his previous bands, a heartfelt ballad called "Beck." After changing the title to "Beth," and an orchestral accompaniment was set to the lyrics, the song became a surprise Top Ten smash for the band. Later in the year, it was Criss' Rod Stewart-esque lead vocals that landed the Paul Stanley-penned acoustic "Hard Luck Woman" into the Top 20 as well.
Dynasty
 But despite Kiss' wild success, not all was well behind the scenes. Criss admitted in later years that he "O.D.'d on fame" and developed a drug problem in the process, leading to a serious car crash in 1978 and unpredictable behavior. It was that same year that all four members released solo albums, as Criss' disco-laced release hinted that he was moving away from Kiss' familiar hard rock sound. Criss left Kiss in 1980 amid rumors of a breakup swirling (it became known in later years that Criss didn't play on most of 1979's Dynasty and not even a note on 1980's Unmasked, despite being credited on both). Criss automatically launched a solo career with such releases as 1980's Out of Control and 1982's Let Me Rock You, but fans were reluctant to embrace Criss' new, mature soft rock sound (besides the fact that Kiss themselves were experiencing a nosedive in popularity). Criss attempted to resurface with other bands throughout the rest of the '80s (such as the Alliance and Balls of Fire, both of which didn't issue any recordings), but didn't release another album until 1994's independent Criss Cat #1. On a humorous note, Criss appeared on an episode of Phil Donahue in the late '80s when an imposter appeared on the show pretending to be Peter Criss, claiming he was penniless and homeless.
Psycho Circus
 A year later, Kiss fans got their wish when Criss and Frehley (who himself had left the band two years after Criss' exit) reunited with Stanley and Simmons for a taping of MTV's Unplugged. The concert was a success, which led to a permanent re-formation of the original four bandmembers. This resulted in 1996-1997's highly successful Alive Worldwide Tour and their first original album in nearly 20 years, 1998's Psycho Circus (despite the fact that it wasn't Frehley and Criss playing on the entire album). But once again, turmoil lurked right around the corner. After the U.S. leg of Kiss' Farewell Tour wrapped up in late 2000, Criss supposedly had a falling out with Simmons and Stanley over his salary, resulting in his second ousting from the band. To add insult to injury, the group continued their tour with early-'90s Kiss drummer Eric Singer taking Criss' spot behind the drums and donning his cat makeup and costume. Criss began pursuing an acting career, landing a part on the HBO prison series Oz in early 2002. The ambitious and biographical album One for All appeared in 2007.
Songwriting
Sarah Durkee / Paul Jacobs
Peter Criss / Jim Roberge
Peter Criss / Bob Ezrin / Stan Penridge
Peter Criss / Stan Penridge / David Wolfert
Charlie Midnight / Kash Monet / Jeff Schoen
Peter Criss / Charles Kipps / Mike McLaughlin
Gene Simmons
Steve Stevens
Peter Criss / Stan Penridge / Vincent Poncia
Peter Criss / Stan Penridge / Stanley Penridge / Vincent Poncia
Sean Delaney
Peter Criss / Stan Penridge / David Wolfert
Peter Criss / Stan Penridge / Stanley Penridge
John Lennon
Peter Criss / Mike McLaughlin
Davey Faragher / Tommy Faragher / Brie Howard
Peter Criss / Vincent Poncia / Vini Poncia
David Buskin / Peter Criss / David Wolfert
Sean Delaney
Stephen Sondheim
Russ Ballard / Russell Ballard
Peter Criss / Mark Montague
Laurie Anderson
Vincent John Cusano / Vinnie Cusano / Adam Mitchell
Peter Criss / Stan Penridge / Stanley Penridge
Ritchie Adams / Malou Rene
Stanley Adams / María Mendez Grever
Peter Criss / Mike McLaughlin
Peter Criss / Stan Penridge
Eddie Brigati / Felix Cavaliere
Michael Morgan / Michael Morgan / Vincent Poncia / Vini Poncia / John Vastano
All Credits Arranger Art Direction Audio Production Band Composer Cover Art Concept Design Drums Drums (Snare) Group Member Guest Artist Guitar Harmonica Interviewer Main Personnel Member of Attributed Artist Musician Percussion Performer Primary Artist Producer Vocals Vocals (Background)
2014  Kiss 40 Years: Decades of Decibels  Kiss  Main Personnel, Composer, Primary Artist
2014  NOW: 25 Top Hits of the 1970's   Composer
2013  5 Classic Albums  Kiss  Group Member, Composer, Drums, Vocals
2013  Best of Kiss  Kiss  Composer
2012  The Casablanca Singles: 1974-1982  Kiss  Composer, Primary Artist
2010  Babies Go Kiss   Composer
2010  Glee: The Music, Vol. 3 - Showstoppers  Glee  Composer
2010  Icon  Kiss  Composer
2010  Icon 2  Kiss  Composer
2009  I Love You, Beth Cooper   Composer
2009  Kitsune Tabloid  Phoenix  Performer, Composer
2008  Alive: The Millennium Concert  Kiss  Vocals, Drums, Composer
2008  Favorites  Kiss  Composer
2008  IKONS  Kiss  Producer, Member of Attributed Artist, Drums, Vocals (Background), Composer, Primary Artist
2008  Lick It Up: A Millenium Tribute to Kiss   Composer
2008  Playlist Plus  Kiss  Member of Attributed Artist, Drums, Vocals (Background), Composer
2008  Playlist Your Way  Kiss  Composer
2008  The Best of 1976: 20th Century Masters   Composer
2008  The Best of Kiss: Green Series  Kiss  Composer
2008  The Complete Collection  Kiss  Composer
2007  Cat Tales  Kiss  Interviewer
2007  Heavy Metal [Rhino Box Set]   Drums
2007  One for All  Peter Criss  Primary Artist, Producer, Arranger, Audio Production, Main Personnel, Art Direction, Design, Musician, Composer
2007  The Ultimate Rock Ballads Collection [Time Life]   Composer
2006  20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection, Vol. 3  Kiss  Member of Attributed Artist, Drums
2006  Ace, Gene, Peter and Paul (Solos Box Set)  Kiss  Vocals, Drums, Percussion, Vocals (Background), Primary Artist
2006  Greatest Hits Live  Ace Frehley  Guest Artist
2006  Kiss Alive! 1975-2000  Kiss  Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Drums, Composer
2006  Sounds of Revolution  Fire Ball  Composer
2005  Chronicles  Kiss  Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Drums, Group Member, Composer
2005  Greatest Kiss  Kiss  Composer
2005  Power Ballads Gold   Composer
2004  Gold: 1974-1982 - Sound+Vision  Kiss  Vocals, Drums, Percussion, Group Member, Composer, Primary Artist
2004  Hooligan  Another Damn Disappointment  Composer
2004  The String Quartet Tribute to Kiss  Vitamin String Quartet  Composer
2003  20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Kiss  Kiss  Composer
2003  Kiss Symphony: Alive IV  Kiss  Group Member, Composer
2003  Kiss Symphony: The DVD  Kiss  Vocals, Drums, Vocals (Background)
2003  Kiss Symphony: The Single Disc  Kiss  Composer
2003  The Singles  Harvey Milk  Composer
2002  Emmanuel  Dennis Brown  Composer
2002  Global Dance Mix   Composer
2002  Reggae and Ska Twin Pack  Dennis Brown  Composer
2002  The Very Best of Kiss  Kiss  Composer
2001  The Box Set  Kiss  Vocals, Drums, Composer, Primary Artist
2000  Kiss Covered in Scandinavia [Limited 2CD Edition]   Composer
1999  Kings of the Night Time World  Kiss  Composer
1999  Payin' the Dues  The Hellacopters  Harmonica
1998  Alive and Talking [Interview and Poster]  Kiss  Primary Artist
1998  Kiss: The Second Coming I & II [Video]  Kiss  Vocals, Drums
1998  Loaded Deck  Ace Frehley  Guest Artist
1998  Psycho Circus  Kiss  Vocals, Drums, Drums (Snare), Vocals (Background)
1998  Psycho Circus [3-D Video]  Kiss  Vocals, Drums
1998  Supershitty to the Max!  The Hellacopters  Harmonica
1997  12 Picks  Ace Frehley  Vocals, Percussion
1997  70s & 80s, Vol. 26   Composer
1997  Greatest Kiss  Kiss  Vocals, Drums, Vocals (Background), Composer
1997  Kiss My Ass [Bootleg]  Kiss  Vocals, Drums, Composer
1996  Appetite for Adrenochrome  The Groovie Ghoulies  Composer
1996  Beautiful Girls   Composer
1996  Greatest Hits [1998]  Kiss  Vocals, Drums, Vocals (Background), Composer
1996  MTV Unplugged  Kiss  Guest Artist, Vocals, Drums, Composer
1996  MTV Unplugged [Video/DVD]  Kiss  Composer
1996  You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best!!  Kiss  Vocals, Drums, Composer
1994  Criss Cat #1  Criss  Primary Artist, Composer
1994  Kiss My Ass: The Video [VHS]  Kiss  Composer
1993  Demon Box  Motorpsycho  Composer
1993  Konfidential and X-Treme Close Up  Kiss  Composer
1992  Hard to Believe: Kiss Covers Compilation   Composer
1992  Hot Number  Frankie Paul  Composer
1991  Heavy Metal Love   Composer
1991  Sounds of the Seventies: 1976 - Take Two   Composer
1990  20 Massive Hits  Frankie Paul  Composer
1989  Hot in the Shade  Kiss  Vocals, Drums, Vocals (Background)
1989  Ozma  Melvins  Composer
1989  Trouble Walkin'  Ace Frehley  Guest Artist, Vocals, Percussion
1988  Smashes, Thrashes & Hits  Kiss  Drums, Vocals (Background), Composer
1987  Exposed  Kiss  Vocals, Drums, Composer
1982  Let Me Rock You  Peter Criss  Primary Artist, Vocals, Drums, Composer
1982  Tears  Peter Criss  Primary Artist
1981  The Best of the Solo Albums  Kiss  Drums
1980  By Myself  Peter Criss  Primary Artist
1980  Out of Control  Peter Criss  Primary Artist, Producer, Vocals, Drums, Percussion, Vocals (Background), Cover Art Concept, Composer
1980  Unmasked  Kiss  Group Member
1979  Chelsea  Chelsea  Drums, Vocals (Background)
1979  Dynasty  Kiss  Drums, Band, Composer
1978  Double Platinum  Kiss  Drums, Composer
1978  Peter Criss  Peter Criss / Kiss  Primary Artist, Producer, Vocals, Drums, Percussion, Vocals (Background), Performer, Composer
1978  The Originals II  Kiss  Vocals, Drums, Vocals (Background)
1977  Alive II  Kiss  Producer, Composer
1977  Love Gun  Kiss  Producer, Drums, Composer
1977  Sneak Attack  Kiss  Vocals, Drums, Composer
1976  Destroyer  Kiss  Drums, Group Member, Composer
1976  Rock and Roll Over  Kiss  Drums, Composer
1976  The Originals  Kiss  Vocals, Drums, Vocals (Background), Composer
1975  Alive!  Kiss  Drums
1975  Dressed to Kill  Kiss  Producer, Drums
1974  Hotter Than Hell  Kiss  Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Guitar, Drums, Group Member
1974  Kiss  Kiss  Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Drums, Composer
 20 #1's: Classic Rock   Composer
 20 #1's: Power Ballads   Composer
 20 #1’s: Classic Rock Love Songs   Composer
 Album, Vol. 1   Composer
 Beautiful Girls   Composer
 Candlelight Romance: An Intimate Instrumental Collection   Composer
 Chart Show: Die Erfolgreichsten Song Girls Aller Zeiten   Composer
 Classic Power Ballads   Composer
 Down That Road  Laughon Bryant / The Midnite Riders  Composer
 First Kiss, Last Licks [Box]  Kiss  Vocals, Drums, Vocals (Background), Composer
 Hit It  The Slam  Composer
 Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park  Kiss  Primary Artist
 Lisa Mann  Lisa Mann  Composer
 Party Tyme Karaoke: Show Tunes, Vol. 3  Party Tyme Karaoke  Composer
 Piano Tribute to Kiss  The Piano Tribute Players  Composer
 Rarities, Vol. 1: The Covers  No Use for a Name  Composer
 The Heart of Classic Rock [Box Set]   Composer
 We're Sorry  Brian / Brian Lisik and the Unfortunates  Composer
Similar To
Alex Van Halen
Blas Elias
Bobby Rock
Bun E. Carlos
Charlie Benante
Clive Burr
Dale Crover
Dave Grohl
Eric Carr
Eric Singer
Frank Beard
Fred Coury
Jerry Nolan
Joey Kramer
Les Binks
Marky Ramone
Neal Smith
Neil Peart
Paul Geary
Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor
Phil Rudd
Randy Castillo
Rikki Rockett
Rob Affuso
Roger Taylor
Sean Kinney
Sib Hashian
Tommy Aldridge
Tommy Lee
Vinnie Paul
Vinnie Vincent
Lita Ford
Mötley Crüe
Sammy Hagar
Twisted Sister
UFO
Winger
Influenced By
Alice Cooper
Bill Ward
Charlie Watts
Don Brewer
Gene Krupa
Ginger Baker
Ian Paice
John Bonham
Keith Moon
Noel Redding
Ringo Starr
Mitch Mitchell
Followed By
Dale Crover
Dave Grohl
Travis Barker
Associated With
Kiss
Paul Stanley
Stan Penridge
Collaborated With
Ace Frehley
Bob Ezrin
Eddie Kramer
Gene Simmons

VINNIE VINCENT
Birth name
Vincent John Cusano
Also known as
"The Ankh Warrior"
Born
August 6, 1952
Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States
Genres
Glam metal, heavy metal, hard rock
Occupation(s)
Musician, songwriter
Instruments
Guitar, vocals
Years active
1970–1997, 2018-Present
Associated acts
Vinnie Vincent Invasion, Kiss, Dan Hartman, Treasure, Laura Nyro, Warrior, Heat
Vincent John Cusano (born August 6, 1952), better known by his stage name Vinnie Vincent, is an American guitarist and songwriter. He is a former member of the rock band Kiss from 1982 until mid-1984 during the band's transition out of their 1973–1983 makeup period. Vincent was the last member to wear a unique makeup/costume configuration, as the character of "Ankh Warrior" (a design created by Paul Stanley), until he and the band were first shown without the makeup during an interview on MTV in September 1983.[1] He also was the leader of his own band, Vinnie Vincent Invasion.[2][3]
Early life
Vincent John Cusano was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the son of Theresa "Terri" (Ferraro) and Alfonso Cusano, musicians. Both of his parents were of Italian descent.[4] He picked up the guitar at an early age and was inspired by bluegrass and rock and roll.[5] Cusano's first introduction to working with internationally renowned artists was working with Felix Cavaliere (mostly widely known from "The Rascals" and their hit "Good Lovin" prior) as part of the band "Treasure". This resulted in an album of the same name being released on Epic Records in 1977 on Epic Records. It was recorded in New York City at Sound Ideas recording studios [6] In 1980, Vincent moved to Los Angeles, California where he became a staff songwriter for the television series Happy Days and Joanie Loves Chachi. Many of the series songs were written on Vincent's acoustic guitar while sitting at the Cunninghams' kitchen table on the Happy Days set, during off-time from the show's rehearsal schedule. Vincent has said the times of working at the Paramount lot were genuinely "happy days".[7] According to the site "Kiss Related Recordings", Vincent has played with Dan Hartman as well as the bands Hunter, Warrior, Hitchhikers and Heat going as far back as 1970.
Kiss
"The Ankh Warrior"
After being introduced to the band by songwriter Adam Mitchell,[8] Vincent was brought in as the replacement for guitarist Ace Frehley. Vincent's personality meshed well with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, thus enabling him to play lead guitar on six of the nine tracks on the Creatures of the Night album as well as co-writing three. After a disappointing Creatures of the Night/Tenth Anniversary tour, that finished on a high at what ended up being the "last" makeup show (and Kiss' largest crowd attendance) at Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, Vincent returned to the studio with Kiss to record the Lick It Up album. His work was productive, yielding eight co-writes out of the ten songs on the album (a record for any member until Bruce Kulick's nine on Carnival of Souls and Stanley's ten on Monster).
Though contributing to Creatures of the Night as a session player before being named as Frehley's replacement in December 1982, Vincent, for all the public knew, was the official guitarist in Kiss and played all the lead guitar tracks on Lick it Up. In what was a frequent occurrence for former guitarist Frehley, a "ghost player" was asked to play on the album, with Rick Derringer recording the solo on the opening track. Album producer Michael James Jackson explains, "There were just some things that Vinnie couldn’t play. His sensibility was often too melodic for the band’s style. Vinnie was always struggling to find his place within Kiss, both musically and personally. As I recall we brought Rick Derringer in to take a pass. Moments like this were difficult for Vinnie, but the attitude all of us maintained was that the quality of the record would always be a priority rather than anybody’s ego!"
Exciter with Vinnie Vincent solo.
Though the band seemed to have renewed vigor on stage, all was not well. Vincent's refusal to sign the employment contract strained the relationship with Simmons/Stanley. Due partly to disputes over what his role in the band was and his pay would be (some reports indicated that Vincent had asked for, and was flatly denied, a percentage of the band's gross profits), and despite the exhortations of both Simmons and Stanley, all through his tenure with the band Vincent refused to sign any contract, making his employment unofficial. This ultimately led to Vincent leaving the band after the North American leg of the "Lick It Up" tour.[9]
At a March show in Quebec City, as the band prepared to close out their set, Vincent broke into an impromptu solo, leaving the other band members standing onstage with nothing to do. After the Lick It Up Tour ended in March 1984, Vincent was terminated from the band, and replaced by Mark St. John.[9] Despite parting on bad terms, 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". Vincent again fell out of favor with Simmons and Stanley, as they claimed that Vincent again began "making all kinds of crazy demands and pulling the same kind of crazy stuff all over again".[9]
Vinnie Vincent Invasion
Following his departure from Kiss in mid-1984, Vincent used his money that he made from his tenure in the band and took a long vacation and traveled the world for a full year visiting places like Tahiti, Philippines, Mozambique, India and Europe, including a visit to the small town Mora in Dalarna, Sweden.[10] Then he formed the band Vinnie Vincent Invasion with, among others, former Journey singer Robert Fleischman in the mid-1980s and released two studio albums: Vinnie Vincent Invasion in 1986 and All Systems Go in 1988. The band broke up in 1989. After that, the band's singer Mark Slaughter and bassist Dana Strum formed Slaughter.
Later career
In 1996, Vincent released a solo EP from the studio sessions he did in 1990 (some say 1989–91), called Euphoria, once again with Robert Fleischman on vocals. Vincent, as well as playing all the guitars, played bass and did the drum programming under the guise of "V. Meister". Andre LaBelle provided drum tracks to the CD but they were replaced by Vincent's drum programming. LaBelle can be heard on various tracks on the bootleg Guitarmaggedon/Guitars from Hell CD that featured five more songs than the Euphoria EP.
A tribute album entitled Kiss My Ankh: A Tribute To Vinnie Vincent was released by SplitScreen Entertainment on August 27, 2008. The album consists of new recordings of songs from Vincent's careers with Kiss and the Vinnie Vincent Invasion. Featured artists include Steve Brown of Trixter, Troy Patrick Farrell of White Lion, T.J. Racer of Nitro, Mike Weeks of Robert Fleischman's band, Sheldon Tarsha of Adler's Appetite, Chris Caffery of Savatage and Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Ryan Roxie from the Alice Cooper band and rock and roll comic C.C. Banana, who performs a parody of the Kiss song "Unholy" (rewritten as a roast of Danger Danger vocalist Ted Poley).[11]
Appearances in 2018
After 22 years of being off the radar, Vinnie Vincent agreed to appear at the 2018 Atlanta Kiss Expo in January.[12] Vincent fulfilled his commitment and appeared at the sold-out expo. He said he considers Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley family, wishing them nothing but the best. After some e-mail exchanges with Gene Simmons, Vincent agreed to appear with Simmons on stage in April 2018 which will be[needs update] the first time they have met in person in over two decades. He also gave an exclusive interview to Eddie Trunk for Sirius XM, which was his first in over two decades, and held multiple question-and-answer sessions with fans.[13]
On February 16, 2018, it was announced via Facebook that Vinnie would appear at the Days of the Dead convention in Charlotte, North Carolina in May 2018.[14]
Vinnie Vincent's first concert in 30 years is scheduled for December 7, 2018 at Graceland, in Memphis, Tennessee.[15]
Personal life
Vincent was married to AnnMarie Peters, and has twin daughters with her.[16] AnnMarie was murdered in 1998, after she and Vincent had divorced.[17]
Discography
Kiss
Creatures of the Night (1982)
Lick It Up (1983)
Revenge (1992) songwriting credits only
Compilation
Smashes, Thrashes & Hits (1988)
Alive III (1993) songwriting credits only
Kiss Unplugged (1995) songwriting credits only
The Box Set (2001)
The Very Best of Kiss (2002)
Kiss Symphony: Alive IV (2003) songwriting credits only
The Best of Kiss, Volume 2: The Millennium Collection (2004)
The Best of Kiss, Volume 3: The Millennium Collection (2006) songwriting credits only
Kiss Alive! 1975-2000 (2006) songwriting credits only
The Best of KISS: Green Series (2008)
Playlist Plus (2008)
Playlist Your Way (2008)
Jigoku-Retsuden (2008) songwriting credits only
15 Classics (2008) digital download only
15 Discoveries (2008) digital download only
45 The Complete Collection (2008) digital download only
Alive! The Millennium Concert (2008) songwriting credits & digital download only
Vinnie Vincent Invasion
Vinnie Vincent Invasion (1986)
All Systems Go (1988)
Pyro Messiah aka Guitars from Hell (1991, Unreleased)
Euphoria (EP) (1996)
Speedball Jamm (2002)
Black Satin
Black Satin featuring Fred Parris (1976)
The Hitchhikers
The Hitchhikers (1976)
Wendy O. Williams
WOW (1984 Passport)
"Ain't None Of Your Business" Songwriter (Simmons, Carr & Vincent) & Guitar
Peter Criss
Let Me Rock You (1982)
John Waite
No Brakes (1984 EMI)
Songwriter "Tears" (1981)
Dan Hartman
Instant Replay (1978)
Rhythm & Acoustic Guitars, Tambourine, Backing Vocal
Laura Nyro
Nested (1978)
Treasure
Treasure (1977 Epic)
Guitar & Lead Vocals on "Innocent Eyes" & "Turn Yourself Around" (with Felix Cavaliere: of The Rascals)
Felix Cavaliere
Castles in the Air (1979)
HEAT
Still Waiting (1981)
Tribute albums
Kiss My Ankh: A Tribute to Vinnie Vincent (2008)
The Bangles
Everything (1988) Songwriting credit & Guitars for "Make a Play for Her Now" [18]
Was Not Was
Born to Laugh at Tornadoes (1983)
Warrior
Warrior (2017 HNE Recordings). Collection of Demos.
Preceded by
Ace Frehley  Lead guitarist of Kiss
1982–1984  Succeeded by
Mark St. John
Categories: 1952 births
Living people
Musicians from Bridgeport, Connecticut
American people of Italian descent
American heavy metal guitarists
American rock guitarists
American male guitarists
Lead guitarists
Glam metal musicians
Kiss (band) members
Vinnie Vincent Invasion members
Guitarists from Connecticut
20th-century American guitarists
Vinnie Vincent Invasion
Background information
Origin
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres
Hard rock, Heavy metal, Glam metal
Years active
1984–1989
Labels
Chrysalis
Associated acts
Slaughter
Past members
Vinnie Vincent
Dana Strum
Bobby Rock
Mark Slaughter
Robert Fleischman
Vinnie Vincent Invasion was an American Glam metal band formed in 1984 by former Kiss guitarist Vinnie Vincent.
History
Forming the band in the mid-1980s, Vinnie Vincent recruited bassist Dana Strum, who had served as a talent scout in L.A., recruiting band members for the likes of Ozzy Osbourne. Strum had found both Jake E. Lee and the late Randy Rhoads for Ozzy Osbourne, so when Paul Stanley had contacted Osbourne to inquire about where he found the guitarists, he was given Strum's name. Unable to find anyone KISS considered to be on Vincent's level, Strum decided to find Vincent himself in hopes of working together. Bobby Rock came on board as the drummer. With the nucleus of the band completed, the band searched for a lead vocalist.
Former Journey singer Robert Fleischman provided vocals on Vinnie Vincent Invasion's self-titled debut album. The record included primarily the style of glam metal, with much of it re-worked versions of demos Vincent recorded in 1982 with former New England members Hirsch Gardner, Gary Shea, and Jimmy Waldo under the band name Warrior, with Vincent essentially replacing John Fannon as guitarist and vocalist. Warrior disbanded when Vincent was selected to be a member of KISS.
Fleischman exited the band during a contract dispute and a video was produced for the song "Boyz Are Gonna Rock" with new vocalist Mark Slaughter lipsyncing over Fleischman's vocal track. With Slaughter now on board, the band released their second album, All Systems Go in May 1988. The album featured one of the group's best-known hits, "Ashes to Ashes," and "Love Kills," which appeared on the A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master soundtrack.
Later in 1988, the band was released from their contract with Chrysalis Records. Having grown annoyed with what they perceived to be Vincent's domination of the project, Slaughter and Strum left to form the band Slaughter, which would go on to have success. Bobby Rock has played as a touring drummer for Slaughter, but was not in the initial line-up. After Vinnie Vincent Invasion broke up, he briefly joined Nitro, later Nelson, and then went on to play as a session musician with Gary Hoey and other bands. Subsequent to the band's release from their Chrysalis contract and the resultant split of Slaughter and Strum to form Slaughter, Vincent reunited with original Vinnie Vincent Invasion vocalist Robert Fleischman and recorded the unreleased album Pyro Messiah (aka Guitars From Hell). Andre LaBelle, (drummer from 1989 to 1992), along with Fleischman, formed a new band "The Sky" in 2011.[1]
A tribute album entitled KISS MY ANKH: A Tribute To Vinnie Vincent was released by SplitScreen Entertainment on August 27, 2008. The album consists of new recordings of songs from Vincent's careers with KISS and Vinnie Vincent Invasion. Featured artists include Steve Brown of Trixter, Troy Patrick Farrell of White Lion, T.J. Racer of Nitro, Sheldon Tarsha of Adler's Appetite, Chris Caffery of Savatage and Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Ryan Roxie and Rick Marty of Alice Cooper, and rock and roll comic C.C. Banana, who performs a parody of the KISS song "Unholy" (rewritten as a roast of Danger Danger vocalist Ted Poley).[2]
Band members
Vinnie Vincent – guitars, backing vocals (1984–1989)
Dana Strum – bass guitar, backing vocals (1984–1989)
Bobby Rock – drums (1984–1989)
Mark Slaughter – lead vocals (1986–1989)
Robert Fleischman – lead vocals (1984–1986)
Vinnie Vincent Invasion (album)
Vinnie Vincent Invasion
Studio album by Vinnie Vincent Invasion
Released
August 2, 1986
Recorded
Baby 'O Recorders, Hollywood, California
Genre
Heavy metal ·
 glam metal ·
 shred metal
Length
47:55
Label
Chrysalis
Producer
Vinnie Vincent and Dana Strum
Vinnie Vincent Invasion chronology
Vinnie Vincent Invasion
(1986)  All Systems Go
(1988)
Vinnie Vincent Invasion is the debut studio album by Vinnie Vincent Invasion.
Background
Two singles were released, "Boyz Are Gonna Rock" and "Back on the Streets". A music video was only made for "Boyz Are Gonna Rock". In the video for "Boyz Are Gonna Rock," the singer in the video is Mark Slaughter rather than the actual singer Robert Fleischman. Fleischman left the band prior to filming the video and Mark Slaughter lip synched to Fleischman's vocals.
"Back on the Streets" was originally written by Vincent and recorded by 3 Speed for the 1984 movie Voyage of the Rock Aliens. It was later covered by Europe's original guitarist John Norum for his 1987 solo album Total Control. This song was also played by Ace Frehley during his earliest shows with his post-Kiss band Frehley's Comet in 1985 and also demoed by his band as well during this time, but the song has never appeared on any of Ace Frehley's solo albums.
The song "Invasion" (for the CD and cassette versions) contained about three minutes of looping guitar feedback at the end of the song. The record version had the same feedback, but the difference was that it never ended until you picked up the needle. This was because the sound went all the way to the end of the vinyl, causing the needle to loop it over and over again. The liner notes state (somewhat implausibly) that no pedals, outboard gear or synthesizers were used anywhere on the album.
The band opened for Alice Cooper in 1986 and Iron Maiden in 1987 to support the record. The song "Animal" appeared on the soundtrack for the 1987 movie Summer School.
The songs "Boyz Are Gonna Rock" and "Back on the Streets" are 2 of 4 Vinnie Vincent Invasion songs featured on the 2008 tribute album KISS MY ANKH: A Tribute to Vinnie Vincent. Mike Weeks played the guitar, bass and did the vocals on a very accurate version of "Boys Are Gonna Rock" which also featured drums by Andre Labelle, who had previously recorded drums on Vinnie's third (and unreleased) album "Guitarmaggedon/Guitars from Hell".[1]
Reception
Rating
Allmusic 3/5 stars [2]
Crusher magazene (favorable)[3]
Sleaze Roxx (favorable)[4]
The album was listed number 8 on Kerrang!s list of hard rock albums in 1986. The same magazine listed the album number 100 on their list of 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time.[5] In the book Fargo Rock City, journalist Chuck Klosterman names it the second greatest heavy metal album of the 1980s, behind only Appetite For Destruction by Guns N' Roses. Rolling Stone listed it 39th on their 2015 list of Greatest Hair Metal albums of all time.[6]
Track listing
All songs written by Vinnie Vincent except where noted.
1. "Boyz Are Gonna Rock"   4:54
2. "Shoot U Full of Love"   4:44
3. "No Substitute"   3:52
4. "Animal"   5:33
5. "Twisted"   4:49
6. "Do You Wanna Make Love" Vincent, Robert Fleischman 3:23
7. "Back on the Streets" Vincent, Richard Friedman 4:50
8. "I Wanna Be Your Victim"   4:36
9. "Baby-O"   3:43
10. "Invasion" Vincent, Fleischman 7:50
Personnel[edit]
Robert Fleischman - vocals
Vinnie Vincent - guitars, vocals
Dana Strum - bass, backing vocals
Bobby Rock - drums
Although he forged a brief solo career in the late '80s, guitarist Vinnie Vincent is best known for his short stint in Kiss, from 1982-1984. Born Vincent Cusano on August 5, 1952, in Connecticut, he picked up guitar at a very early age, inspired by the speed of bluegrass (!) and rock & roll. Throughout the '70s, he recorded an unnoticed album with the band Treasure, and paid the bills by doing session work (for Laura Nyro, Dan Hartman, and writing music for the TV show Happy Days). After returning to heavy metal with the outfit Warrior, Cusano met Kiss' Gene Simmons through a mutual friend. Kiss was experiencing problems with original guitarist Ace Frehley at this time, so Simmons invited Vinnie to co-write some songs and play lead on 1982's Creatures of the Night. When it became clear that Frehley was leaving the band for good after the album's release, Cusano was asked to join the band.
Lick It Up
 Changing his name to Vinnie Vincent and assuming the alter ego of an Egyptian warrior (which his facial makeup and outfit reflected), he joined Kiss on their first U.S. tour in three years. Unfortunately, the public didn't welcome the band back with open arms, as the tour and the album weren't successful (even though Creatures was their best and heaviest release in years). After a string of mammoth, sold-out live dates in Rio de Janeiro in the summer of 1983, Vincent worked with Kiss on their next album, Lick It Up, with which Vinnie had more of a prominent songwriting role. With extra publicity added to the album's release by the group finally "unmasking," Lick It Up was Kiss' first record in three years to obtain gold certification in the U.S. The subsequent tour was a rocky one for Vincent, however. Reportedly bickering over his salary, he was fired after a European tour, but was rehired for the American leg. When writing began for their next album (what would be 1984's Animalize), Vincent was either fired or left on his own, and replaced by Mark St. John.
All Systems Go
Vincent soon formed the Vinnie Vincent Invasion, which signed to Chrysalis and issued a self-titled debut in 1986. The album was more pop-based than his heavier work with Kiss (the songs were mostly an excuse for Vincent to shred away on his six-string) but fit in with the then-popular glam/pop-metal climate (Poison, Bon Jovi, Ratt, etc.). After just one more album (1988's All Systems Go), the band split up, with singer Mark Slaughter and bassist Dana Strum finding chart success with Slaughter in the early '90s. With a much delayed solo album and rumored box set never materializing, little was heard from Vincent as he appeared as a guest at Kiss conventions throughout the early '90s. He helped Kiss with some of the songwriting for their 1992 back-to-basics album Revenge, but the reconciliation with his former bandmembers didn't last long. By 1997, he had issued a multi-million-dollar lawsuit against Kiss, declaring that he had not received the royalties he was entitled to.
All Credits Arranger Composer Featured Artist Group Member Guest Artist Guitar Guitar (12 String) Lyricist Main Personnel Performer Primary Artist Producer Vocals Vocals (Background)
2017  Warrior  Warrior  Featured Artist, Composer
2016  Buenos Aires 1994  Kiss  Composer
2014  Kiss 40 Years: Decades of Decibels  Kiss  Main Personnel, Composer
2010  Babies Go Kiss   Composer
2010  Icon 2  Kiss  Composer
2010  Total Drivetime   Composer
2009  Rock and Rave   Composer
2009  Sonic Boom  Kiss  Composer
2008  Alive: The Millennium Concert  Kiss  Composer
2008  Discoveries  Kiss  Composer
2008  Gospel Bombs  Vincent Vincent & the Villains  Primary Artist
2008  Lick It Up: A Millenium Tribute to Kiss   Composer
2008  One Live Kiss  Paul Stanley  Composer
2008  Playlist Plus  Kiss  Composer
2008  The Complete Collection  Kiss  Composer
2006  20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection, Vol. 3  Kiss  Composer
2006  Girls Got Rhythm!   Composer
2006  Kiss Alive! 1975-2000  Kiss  Composer
2006  Tin  Vinnie Vincent  Primary Artist
2004  20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Kiss, Vol. 2  Kiss  Group Member, Composer
2004  Gold: 1974-1982 - Sound+Vision  Kiss  Composer
2004  Speedball Jamm  Vinnie Vincent  Primary Artist
2004  Vincent & Mr. Green  Vincent & Mr. Green  Composer
2003  Killbox 13  Overkill  Composer
2003  Kiss Symphony: Alive IV  Kiss  Composer
2003  Kiss Symphony: The Single Disc  Kiss  Composer
2003  The Curse of the Singapore Sling  Singapore Sling  Composer
2002  Different Light/Everything  Bangles  Composer
2002  Manic Monday  Bangles  Composer
2002  The Very Best of Kiss  Kiss  Composer
2002  Unpainted: A Tribute to Kiss   Composer
2001  Rock Star   Composer
2001  The Box Set  Kiss  Guitar, Composer
2000  A World Without Heroes: A Kiss Tribute   Composer
2000  Hot Rod Series: Pedal to the Metal   Primary Artist
2000  Naughty Platinum Rock   Composer
1999  Grown Up, Fuc*ed Up  The Reatards  Composer
1999  This Is Chono Metal   Primary Artist
1997  All Over the Place/Different Light/Everything  Bangles  Guitar (12 String), Composer
1997  Return of the Comet: Tribute to Ace Frehley   Composer
1996  MTV Unplugged  Kiss  Composer
1996  MTV Unplugged [Video/DVD]  Kiss  Composer
1995  Hard Rock Essentials: 1980s   Composer
1993  Alive III  Kiss  Composer
1993  Killer  George Michael  Composer
1993  Kiss Konfidential  Kiss  Composer
1993  Starbox  Bangles  Composer
1992  Hard to Believe: Kiss Covers Compilation   Composer
1992  Metal Madness, Vol. 1 [Madacy]   Composer, Primary Artist
1992  Metal Tech Speed  Vinnie Vincent  Primary Artist
1992  Revenge  Kiss  Composer
1991  Head Banging Metal   Performer
1991  Heavy Metal Love   Performer, Composer
1991  The Best of Pat Travers  Pat Travers  Composer
1990  Twisted Metal   Composer
1988  All Systems Go  Vinnie Vincent Invasion  Producer, Arranger, Primary Artist, Guitar, Composer
1988  Everything  Bangles  Guest Artist, Guitar (12 String), Composer, Guitar
1988  Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master   Producer, Performer, Composer, Primary Artist
1988  Smashes, Thrashes & Hits  Kiss  Guitar, Composer
1987  Exposed  Kiss  Guitar
1987  Total Control  John Norum  Composer
1986  Vinnie Vincent Invasion  Vinnie Vincent Invasion  Producer, Arranger, Primary Artist, Vocals, Guitar, Vocals (Background), Composer
1985  Animalize: Live Uncensored [Video]  Kiss  Composer
1984  A Nightmare on Elm Street [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]  Charles Bernstein  Primary Artist
1983  Born to Laugh at Tornadoes  Was (Not Was)  Guest Artist, Guitar
1983  Lick It Up  Kiss  Group Member, Composer
1982  Creatures of the Night  Kiss  Guest Artist, Guitar, Composer
1979  Castles in the Air  Felix Cavaliere  Guitar
1978  Instant Replay  Dan Hartman  Guitar, Vocals (Background)
1978  Nested  Laura Nyro  Guitar
1977  Treasure  Treasure  Vocals, Guitar, Vocals (Background)
 All Systems Go  Vinnie Vincent  Primary Artist
 Euphoria  Vinnie Vincent  Primary Artist
 Invasion/All Systems Go  Vinnie Vincent Invasion  Primary Artist
 The Mills Brothers  The Mills Brothers  Composer
 Total 90s   Composer
 Unfinished Business  Eric Carr  Composer, Lyricist
 Vinnie Vincent's Invasion  Vinnie Vincent  Primary Artist
Similar To
Bon Jovi
Bulletboys
Dokken
Extreme
Firehouse
Great White
Kix
Lynch Mob
Michael Angelo
Mötley Crüe
Night Ranger
Poison
Shotgun Messiah
Warrant
Whitesnake
Winger
Yngwie Malmsteen
Judas Priest
Ratt
Influenced By
Foreigner
Journey
Led Zeppelin
Montrose
Randy Rhoads
Survivor
Van Halen
Associated With
Ace Frehley
Gene Simmons
Kiss
Paul Stanley
Peter Criss
Slaughter
Vinnie Cusano
Vinnie Vincent Invasion
The debut from ex-Kiss guitar slinger Vinnie Vincent, is, well...hair metal through and through. It's got all the calling cards of a band that spent way too much gig money on Aqua-Net. You get the rockin' riff "I wanna party" tunes, the sleazy song or two ("Shoot You Full of Love"), screams, shreds, and drums galore. The nice thing about this record is that it lacks the obligatory ballad, which may have attracted a larger audience (i.e., girls) and pushed up the sales, but you gotta admire them for stickin' to the rock.
Credits
Moshe Brakha  Photography
Crusoe  Artwork, Remastering
Mikey Davis  Engineer, Recording
Robert Fleischman  Composer, Group Member, Vocals
Richard Friedman  Composer
Geoff Gillespie  Project Coordinator
George Marino  Mastering
Dean Markley  Strings
Bobby Rock  Cymbals, Drums, Group Member, Stick
Dana Strum  Arranger, Bass, Fender Jazz Bass, Group Member, Guitar (Bass), Producer, Vocals (Background)
George Tutko  Mixing
Vinnie Vincent  Arranger, Composer, Guitar, Primary Artist, Producer, Vocals, Vocals (Background)
Vinnie Vincent Invasion  Primary Artist
Does that high-pitched wail sound familiar? Well, odds are if you're reading this, you should know it. For Vinnie's second album, good ol' Mark Slaughter (who would soon -- with Invasion bassist Dana Strum -- form the even more successful and creatively named hair metal band Slaughter) takes over vocals from the departed Robert Fleischman, and while his high-pitched wails are a bit hard to take, his vocals give this record a bit more consistency than the debut. Outside of that it's kinda just more of the same. Unfortunate for Mr. Vincent given his obvious talents, this sort of "metal" that somehow thrived from 1985-1990 (or so) wasn't the type of rock that was open to too much experimentation. So what you get here is a pretty run-of-the-mill hair rock album: rockers, ballads, solos, etc.
Julian Artis  Label Manager
Crusoe  Artwork, Mastering
Mikey Davis  Engineer
Geoff Gillespie  Project Coordinator
Jay Lean  Assistant
Bobby Rock  Drums
Mark Slaughter  Vocals, Voices
Dana Strum  Bass, Producer
Vinnie Vincent  Arranger, Composer, Guitar, Primary Artist, Producer
Vinnie Vincent Invasion  Primary Artist