That month, the Wicked Lester name was dropped and the band became KISS. In January 1973 the group added lead guitarist Paul "Ace" Frehley (born Apin the Bronx, New York City) after being extremely impressed with his audition. In late 1972, Simmons spotted an ad in Rolling Stone placed by Peter Criss, a drummer "willing to do anything." Criss (born Peter Criscuola on Decemin Brooklyn, New York City) auditioned for and joined Wicked Lester, now a trio. Simmons (born Chaim Witz in Haifa, Israel on August 25, 1949) and Stanley (born Stanley Harvey Eisen in Queens, New York City on January 20, 1952) fired the other members of Wicked Lester in 1972 after Epic Records rejected an album recorded by the group. KISS traces its roots to Wicked Lester, a New York-based rock and roll band led by co-founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. The resulting "KISS Alive Worldwide" tour was the top-grossing act of 1996. Buoyed by a wave of KISS nostalgia in the mid-1990s, the band announced a reunion of the original lineup (with makeup) in 1996. They began to fall out of favor once again by the early 1990s, however. In 1983, KISS abandoned their makeup and enjoyed a commercial resurgence throughout the mid-to-late 1980s. The band continues to perform, while Stanley and Simmons have remained the only two constant members. The band's commercial fortunes had also waned considerably by that point.Ĭriss and Frehley have since left KISS, and have been replaced by Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer, respectively. Due to substance abuse problems and creative differences, both Peter Criss and Ace Frehley were out of the group by 1982. The original lineup of Gene Simmons (bass and vocals), Paul Stanley (rhythm guitar and vocals), Ace Frehley (lead guitar and vocals) and Peter Criss (drums and vocals) became the most successful and identifiable in the band's history, and released a series of gold and platinum albums throughout the 1970s. KISS has sold over 100 million albums worldwide and has been awarded 45 gold albums to date, and has certified sales of 19 million records in the United States.Įasily identified by their trademark face paint (registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office) and stage costumes, KISS quickly rose to prominence on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire-breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars and pyrotechnics. The group has performed and recorded continuously since their formation. Kiss is an American hard rock band formed in New York City, USA in 1973.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |