Neil Vazquez | Do You Remember
Contrary to popular belief, Kiss was not just about the makeup—it was the about the pyrotechnics, fake blood and high heels. Formed in 1973, the band made a name for themselves as a part of the glam rock-movement in a similar vein to the androgynous antics of the New York Dolls and Alice Cooper. So how exactly did a couple of guys who look like RuPaul’s Drag Race rejects become the idols of half the male population of the United States? Kick-ass guitar licks and Satan worship, that’s how.
Though they’ve enjoyed commercial success, Kiss has had a rough go of it on the critical side. Luckily, last week they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—alongside Nirvana, Peter Gabriel and Cat Stevens, among others—after a nearly 15-year snub by the exclusive club of aging rock stars. For hardcore fans, the honor was a long time coming for Gene, Paul, Ace and Peter. Here we look at the long career of a band who fused pageantry and theatrics with a hard-rock edge.
On The Mike Douglas Show
Kiss’ second television performance, on The Mike Douglas Show, was also coupled with Simmons’ first on-camera interview. True to his demon character, he scared an uncomfortable audience with his trademark tongue wagging, prompting comedian Totie
Fields to wonder if he was just a nice Jewish boy under all that makeup.
“Black Diamond”
The band’s on-stage theatrics made Kiss a hit with fans who desperately wanted to let loose at their live shows. But their wild antics not only drew legions of loyal followers, but also caused a couple of mishaps. At an early concert in New York, Simmons accidentally set his hair on fire during his inaugural fire-breathing stunt. But this ever present threat of third-degree burns made Kiss a hit, and by 1977 Gallup ranked them as the most popular band in America.
On The Paul Lynde Halloween Special
Though they looked like an offshoot of Anton LaVey’s followers, Kiss maintained a tongue-in-cheek sense of camp with everything they did. This appearance, on the 1976 Paul Lynde Halloween Special, was the crowning jewel in their kitschy crown. Watch Lynde awkwardly banter with the band along with the Wicked Witch of the West, in one of the most canned interviews I’ve ever seen.
Makeupless Reveal
Though their shtick was massively successful, by 1983 it was time for a much needed makeunder. Following a couple of lineup changes, Kiss made an appearance on MTV without their trademark kabuki-inspired makeup. The show coincided with the release of Lick It Up, their first gold album in three years. Through the ’80s, the band struggled to find an identity as Simmons pursued an acting career and Stanley became more of a driving force within the group.
Reunion
Following this appearance on MTV’s Unplugged, rumors swirled about a possible reunion of the original lineup. At the 38th Grammy Awards, Tupac Shakur introduced Kiss in their original look to present the award for Best Pop Duo. In 1996 they embarked on a sold-out worldwide tour that made fans nostalgic for their high-octane theatrics of a campier era.