KISS rocked and rolled their way into legend. Whether it be because of their iconic makeup and instantly recognizable costumes, hit songs like “I Was Made For Lovin’ You,” “Rock and Roll All Nite,” and “Lick It Up,” or a combination of both, no one can deny the mark the group left on the genre and the music industry as a whole. However, there’s a darker side to the band that’s often hushed, locked away, and never spoken about.
That messed-up reality includes events such as KISS using their own blood for a comic book, their merchandising team instituting a hostile takeover of a fan club, and the questionable nature of the lyrical content of one of their most famous songs. It doesn’t end there, though, as one member even accused another of crossing a major line with their significant other.
Of course, this band is no stranger to controversy and scandal — and the number of stars who can’t stand KISS is a lengthy list — but some of these upcoming facts wander off into the realm of the strange, bizarre, and — quite frankly — concerning. So, buckle up and prepare to read all about the dark truth of KISS.
KISS used their actual blood in a comic book
When it comes to merchandising opportunities, KISS never turned down the chance to add a few extra zeroes to their bank accounts, regardless of how silly and unrelated it might have seemed to their image. That being said, when considering their over-the-top costumes and on-stage personas, it’s easy to see how the brand lends itself well to the world of comic books and superheroes. In 1977, Marvel Comics brought the Demon, Starchild, Cat, and Space Ace to their pages in “Marvel Comics Super Special” #1. On the cover, it boasted that KISS’ real blood was used in the making of the comic book.
Gene Simmons claimed it wasn’t the band’s idea to do this, but the suggestion came from members of their management team, so they flew out to Marvel’s plant and mixed their blood with ink intended for the comic. To anyone hearing this story, it sounds like a publicity stunt and an urban legend that doesn’t sound too far-fetched for rock ‘n’ roll standards. According to Snopes, though, the event is entirely true — KISS provided their blood to the comic. Not only were there photos of the process, but a notary public was also on hand to witness the band adding their blood to the red ink, and even issued a certificate of authenticity.
