Music Group KISS Biography

Known for outrageous stage antics and distinctive costuming, Kiss is one of the most immediately recognizable rock bands to come out of America.

Formed over 1972 and 1973, the unique band lineup incorporated frontman Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss. Already donning the characteristic makeup, the first authentic Kiss live performance happened January 30, 1973. A dismal three other folks attended.

Despite unimpressive turnouts, the band secured a brand new supervisor and, shortly after, a recording contract. After time in the recording studio, they opened for Blue Oyster Cult at the Academy of Music. Performing his now famous fire breathing act, Gene Simmons actually stuck his hair on fire while onstage.

Although nothing looked to be going proper for the group, they still controlled to release the albums Kiss, Hotter than Hell, and Dressed to Kill as well as make their television debut with Dick Clark's In Concert.

Shocking or complicated some of the music consuming demographics, none of their records carried out good in sales. Their concert tours, however, endured to draw audiences as the pyrotechnics and antics swelled to new proportions. Without album sales, however, their label was once teetering on bankruptcy and the lavish band was once dangerously with regards to getting dropped.

Basically overnight, the whole thing changed. Their subsequent two records, Alive! and Destroyer, attempted to emulate the thrill of a live concert show, which they did to great success. Album sales went through the roof, and this flood of cash is credited with saving their label, Casablanca.

More successful records followed as well as an unbelievably worthwhile products chain. From make-up to Halloween costumes, Kiss was once all over the place you turned in the late '70s. They were even dubbed the most popular band in America for 1977.

1978 introduced the simultaneous release of every band member's solo album. Simmons' album, in particular, featured many musical stars such as Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen, Donna Summer, Bob Seger, and Cher.

Despite the implausible advertising power, sales peaked and waned quickly. Coupled with a disastrous performing attempt, it marked the start of the end for the band. Tensions throughout the band were at a high, culminating with the loss of Criss. Things only deteriorated from there.

The band, in a wild try to boost sales, carried out with out make-up on MTV in 1983. Failing to impress, there were a number of extra band member shakeups. Finally hitting a winning combo, the end of the 80s added extra platinum albums for the band. It additionally spawned ingenious collaborations such as the Michael Bolton penned single, "Forever."

Although Kiss never formally left the scene, nostalgia for the band peaked in the mid-90s with Kiss My Ass: Classic Kiss Regrooved. Covers were carried out via Lenny Kravitz, Garth Brooks, Stevie Wonder, and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones.

A reunion tour was once held in 1996 to rave success. They gained extra exposure with the album release of Detroit Rock City in 1999 (starring Edward Furlong, Giuseppe Andrews, and Natasha Lyonne) and an appearance on That '70s Show beside Mila Kunis, Wilmer Valderrama, Topher Grace, Ashton Kutcher, Danny Masterson, and Laura Prepon.

Although tensions within the band led to extra lineup changes, Kiss endured to do what it does best-tour.

Over their career, Kiss has sold over 80 million records worldwide, making them probably the most successful groups to date.

KISS are going on "The Hottest Show on Earth" tour. The glam rockers is set to embark on an extensive North American tour starting on July 3 in Wyoming. KISS will be performing at such cities as Pittsburgh, Hershey, Indianapolis, Uncasville, Holmdel and Chicago. KISS concert tickets for all The Hottest Show on Earth tour dates are now available.