Kiss was certainly one of the most successful and popular rock bands of the 1970s, as judged by album, ticket, and merchandise sales, in addition to their influence on future rock generations. However, the original lineup of Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss began fracturing by the end of the decade, and over the next two years, half the original lineup was out the door.
During an interview with the Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan Podcast, Simmons looked back on this era of the band. And discussed why when the ’80s hit, Frehley and Criss did not remain with the group much longer.
“While the band was sane and playing on stage, there was the ‘All for one, one for all’ [attitude],” Simmons said (transcribed by Ultimate Guitar). “Once Peter and Ace…bless them, and they were equally important for the formation of the band.”
“But not everybody’s designed in their DNA to run marathons. Most people — it’s difficult to keep a band lineup, as you know. And so once Ace and Peter succumbed to the weaknesses, the drugs and the alcohol and all that, there was trouble in paradise.”
The Kiss bassist then recalled a decision that looking back, marked a turning point in Kiss’ fortunes during the early part of the ’80s, which led to the group having to unmask in 1983 to get their career back on track.
“And then you throw flammables into the flame, and society starts to change. And new generations come up, and disco comes up. ‘Well, maybe we should do a [disco] song.’ And everybody fell victim: Rod Stewart, the Stones, everyone. So that starts to change.”
Of course, the tune Simmons is referring to is “I Was Made for Lovin’ You“, which although when originally released in 1979 turned off many of the group’s hard rock fans, has proven to be one of Kiss’ most popular tunes. And has possessed enduring popularity, as it reached #1 on Billboard’s Top TV Songs chart in 2024 and #2 on Billboard’s Hard Rock Digital Song Sales chart in 2025.