KISS

KISS was established in Queens, New York, in 1973. Often stylized as KIϟϟ, they are known for their rock, hard rock, heavy metal, and 1980s hair/glam metal music. Recognizable by their face paint and extravagant stage costumes, the band gained fame in the mid to late 1970s through elaborate live shows featuring fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, and extensive pyrotechnics. To date, KISS has received 24 gold albums and sold over 40 million albums in the US, with total worldwide sales exceeding 100 million.

The band's origins trace back to Wicked Lester, a rock and roll band led by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley in New York City. Wicked Lester's blend of musical styles saw little success; an album was recorded but shelved by Epic Records. Seeking a new musical direction, Simmons and Stanley left Wicked Lester in 1972 and began forming a new band. Late that year, they recruited drummer Peter Criss, who answered an ad they placed, and who previously played with bands Lips and Chelsea. This lineup focused on a heavier rock sound and began experimenting with theatrical makeup and attire.

In January 1973, Ace Frehley joined the group as the lead guitarist. Soon, the name Wicked Lester was abandoned, and the band became known as KISS. The 1973–80 lineup, featuring Paul Stanley (vocals, rhythm guitar), Gene Simmons (vocals, bass guitar), Ace Frehley (lead guitar, vocals), and Peter Criss (drums, vocals), is the most iconic. Adopting comic book-style personas, they chose makeup designs reflecting their personalities: Starchild (Stanley), The Demon (Simmons), Spaceman (Frehley), and Catman (Criss). Criss and Frehley left by 1982 due to creative differences, and the band's popularity declined.

The 1990s saw a resurgence in KISS's popularity, leading to a 1996 reunion of the original lineup with full makeup, resulting in successful tours. Criss and Frehley eventually departed again, replaced by Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer. KISS continues to perform with Simmons and Stanley as constant members.

KISS has earned numerous accolades and recognition, being listed on VH1's "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock" and MTV's "The Greatest Metal Bands." Despite being eligible, KISS was initially overlooked for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame but was inducted five years later. The band's name has been rumored to have various hidden meanings, such as "Knights In Satan's Service." The distinction between "hard rock" and "heavy metal" in their music has been debated, with critics labeling them "thunderockers." Their sound, often described as a mix of hard rock, hooks, and ballads, laid the foundation for both arena rock and pop-metal.