KISS is a legendary rock band whose black-and-white painted face and their dramatic gothic-punk aesthetic are recognizable anywhere around the world.
Most can name at least one KISS song, or at minimal describe what they look like as their band image has remained the same since the 1970s. However, many don’t know what the band’s name means, and even if they think they do, they’re probably wrong. For years, there was a longstanding rumor that the band’s name was an acronym for the Knights in Satan’s Service. KISS’ live performances over the years, which included fire-breathing pyrotechnics, smoking guitars, blood-spitting, rockets, and levitating drums could’ve contributed to the idea that the band embraced dark forces.
But KISS’ co-lead vocalist Paul Stanley revealed on the Howard Stern Show that the belief was untrue, shutting down the rumor once and for all.
In actuality, the band’s name originated from another band’s name. The name KISS came to Paul when he and his bandmates, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss were driving around New York. During their car ride, Peter had mentioned he’d been in a band called Lips.
According to the American Songwriter website, Paul suggested something like, “What about Kiss?” Shortly after that, fellow group member Ace Frehley designed the iconic logo, making the ending “SS” appear like lightning bolts.