Kiss Timeline
Chronology of the hottest band in the world
1972 – 1983
On 31. August 1972, after the demise of his band Lips, Peter Criss posts an ad in The Rolling Stone Magazine looking for work as a drummer for a band. "EXPD. ROCK & roll drummer looking for orig. grp. doing soft & hard music. Peter, Brooklyn." The advertisement was answered…
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On 20. November 1972, Kiss played a showcase as a trio in their rehearsal space at 5th Avenue & 23rd Street Loft, New York City. This showcase was for Epic Records' president Don Ellis and A&R man Tom Werman as an attempt to secure a record deal. Gene Simmons recalled…
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On 1. December 1972, Paul Stanley went to the Village Voice and paid for an ad to be printed in the December 7. issue (which reached the stores on Dec. 5.). This was Kiss' first ad looking for a guitarist. The ad was also printed on December 14th. The ad…
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On 8. December 1972 Kiss auditioned Ace Frehley at 10 East 23rd Street, above the Live Bait Bar, in New York City. Ace's best friend, Bob McAdams, spotted an advertisement for a lead guitarist in the Village Voice. Bob showed the ad to Ace. Both Bob and Ace went to…
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On 16. December 1972, Ace Frehley had his second audition with Kiss and was added as permanent member. His first audition was 8. December 1972 after responding to their advertisement for a lead guitarist in the Village Voice. Ace Frehley: "Then the guys showed up to watch me play in…
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On 20. January 1973 Ace Frehley drew the Kiss logo. Paul Stanley took his sketch and used it as the basis for a series of Kiss logos, ultimately arriving at the one that has adorned all things Kiss. The names for the band before Kiss was decided on included "Albatross",…
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On 30. January 1973, Kiss played their first ever live show. It was at the Popcorn Club (which later became The Coventry) in Queens, New York. They were paid $50 for performing two sets that evening. Paul Stanley rents a truck to transport the band's gear from their loft. Then…
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On 13. March 1973, Kiss recorded their first demo with Eddie Kramer at Electric Lady Studios, New York. The songs were "Deuce", "Cold Gin", "Strutter", "Watchin' You" and "Black Diamond". Paul Stanley: "We put down pretty much who we were. It was like a musical manifesto. The demo is much…
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On 10. August 1973, Bill Aucoin saw Kiss play for the first time at Crystal Ball Room of the Hotel Diplomat in New York City. Fellow New York bands Luger and Street Punk were also on the bill. Bill Aucoin: "The reason I went to see this group was because…
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On 13. August 1973 Bill Aucoin offered Kiss to become their new manager after seeing them live three days earlier at the Diplomat. On 15. October, 1973 Kiss signs with Bill Aucoin’s Rock Steady management. On August 13th, Aucoin returned after their show in the Grand Ballroom of the hotel…
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On 24. August 1973, Bill Aucoin presented Kiss an offer for a record deal with Neil Bogart's new label, eventually called Casablanca, and have their debut album out in the beginning of 1974. On August 24, after a gig at the Daisy, Aucoin met with the band with an offer…
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On 24. and 25. September 1973, Kiss entered the Bell Sound Studios to do a rough demo of their entire song catalog at that point. The Bell Sound demos were essentially quick and dirty recordings of Kiss' entire song catalog at that point. The recordings were to be used by…
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On 15. October 1973, Kiss signed with Bill Aucoin's Rock Steady management after he first saw them live at the Crystal Ball Room of the Hotel Diplomat in New York City on August 10. 1973, and five days later promising them a record deal within 30 days. Aucoin held on…
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On 1. November 1973, Kiss became the first act signed to former teen pop singer and Buddah Records executive Neil Bogart's new label, Emerald City Records, which was shortly afterward renamed Casablanca Records. "The album was completed and sent to Bogart for his approval. Upon hearing the results, Bogart decided…
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On 10. November 1973, Kiss entered Bell Sound Studios on 54th Street in New York City with producers Kenny Kerner and Richie Wise to record their debut album. The album took six days to record and seven days to mix. The album was engineered and mixed by Warren Dewey. Art…
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On December 21 and 22. 1973, Kiss returned to the Coventry, NY, for a pair of farewell shows. "Before we played Coventry," Gene recalls, "Bill had brought a magician to one of our rehearsals. Bill said, ‘If we're gonna do it, let’s take it all the way.’ And the magician…
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On 26. December 1973, Kiss officially became the first act signed to former teen pop singer and Buddah Records executive Neil Bogart's new label, Emerald City Records, which was shortly afterward renamed Casablanca Records. Neil Bogart signs up Kiss officially, and the band photos with staff. Bogart has Paul changing…
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On New Years Eve 1973, Kiss played Academy Of Music, New York. During the fire breathing at end of "Firehouse", Gene Simmons unwillingly set his hair on fire for the first time (of many). Photo: Bill Green shot this photo seconds before Gene set his hair on fire for the…
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On 31. December 1973, Paul Stanley played his first of three shows with the bandit make-up. The first version of the bandit make-up, was just a black Lone Ranger mask, with silver edges, and silver around the eyes, while the second version was more diamond shaped than the first version.…
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On 25. January 1974, Kiss did a photo session with photographer Raeanne Rubenstein in New York. Paul Stanley wore both the star and the bandit make-up during this session.
On 31. January 1974, Kiss did the debut album photo session, Brodsky Studio, 57th Street, New York City with photographer Joel Brodsky. Joel Brodsky: "I shot between 500 and 1000 album covers including The Doors' Strange Days and Van Morrison's Astral Weeks. I was given the assignment to shoot the…
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On 8. February 1974, Kiss' debut studio album "Kiss" was released. Much of the material on the album was written by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, as members of their pre-Kiss band Wicked Lester. Simmons estimated that the entire process of recording and mixing took three weeks, while co-producer Richie…
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On 18. February 1974, Casablanca Records held a party at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles to celebrate the West Coast release of "Kiss" and to introduce the record company to the press and other record industry executives. In keeping with the Casablanca theme, the party included palm trees…
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On 21. February 1974, Kiss' filmed their first TV performance. "ABC In Concert" had Kiss performing three songs, "Nothin to Lose", "Firehouse" and "Black Diamond". They actually recorded four songs, with "Deuce" being the other, but the song was never broadcasted and the material was lost. Aired 29. March 1974.…
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On 23. March 1974, Gene Simmons did his blood spitting routine live for the first time when playing a Kiss show at The Academy Of Music, New York. Gene Simmons: "I remember seeing Christopher Lee as Dracula in one of the Hammer films, Blood of Dracula or Horror of Dracula.…
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On 4. April 1974 Kiss did a photo session in Central Park and the streets of New York with photographer Waring Abbott, to have some fun, ruffle some feathers and shock unsuspecting folks, while creating one of the most unique photo-ops in their history.
On 26. April 1974, Kiss returned to Bell Sound Studios for two days of sessions that resulted in the recording of "Kissin' Time," initially intended to only be non-album single in conjunction with the planned national Casablanca-sponsored kissing contest. As a result the album was remixed on May 10. with…
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On April 29, 1974, Kiss taped their appearance on The Mike Douglas Show at KYW-TV studios in Philadelphia. The band performed "Firehouse" after Gene Simmons was interviewed by Mike Douglas and Totie Fields. The show was aired on May 21. This appearance has become legendary in Kisstory due to Gene's…
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On 30. April 1974, Kiss did a photo session with Eric Stephen Jacobs in New York before getting facials at the Georgette Klinger Salon, photographed by Waring Abbott. Bob Merlis, Publicity Manger, Warner Bros. Records, New York City: "Publicity-wise the most notable thing we did was take the band to…
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On May 13, 1974 Kiss was duped into being photographed without their makeup for a CREEM Magazine photo shoot. To CREEM's credit, they went throughout the 70s with some of the most sought-after pictures in the world, and did not print them until February 1981. Creem Office, Birmingham, Michigan, photo…
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On June 1. 1974 Paul got his signature tattoo of a rose at Lyle Tuttle's tattoo parlor in Los Angeles. Paul Stanley: "When I got my tattoo, we were stranded at a hotel in Los Angeles with neither shows nor money. After breakfast with the guys, without telling them, I…
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On 12. June 1974, Kiss did an in-store appearance at Grand Blanc, Michigan, while on tour in USA. Later that night they played the I.M.A. Auditorium, Flint, MI, with the New York Dolls. Photo by Blair Harrington.
On 16. August 1974, Kiss began recording "Hotter Than Hell" at Village Recorder Studios in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, California, with producers Kenny Kerner and Richie Wise who had moved to California from New York. Bogart wanted the band working with the same people as on the first album. Since…
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On 18. August 1974, Kiss did the "Hotter Than Hell" photo session at The Stage, Hollywood, California, with photographer Norman Seeff. Gene Simmons: "We did a photo session with Norman Seeff in Los Angeles. Norman was a very bright but strange guy who believed that photo sessions should be this…
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On 23. August 1974 Ace Frehley crashed the crew's car, a brand-new Monte Carlo, while driving drunk in the Hollywood Hills, hitting a telephone pole. Ace Frehley: "For the photo session we did for the “Hotter Than Hell” album, the doctor told me I could only put makeup on half…
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On August 25 1974, the second "Hotter Than Hell" photo session took place at The Stage, Hollywood, California, with photographer Norman Seeff. Ace Frehley: "For one photo session we did for the "Hotter Than Hell" album, this doctor told me I could only put makeup on half of my face.…
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On 14. October 1974, Kiss was invited by Rock Scene magazine to speak at the New York chapter of the Recording Academy (NARAS) at Radio Show Extravaganza, CBS Studios B, in Manhattan, New York, moderated by Allison Steel. The members of Kiss and Wayne County joined the panel for a…
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On 22. October 1974, Kiss' second album "Hotter than Hell" was released by Casablanca Records. It was certified gold on June 23, 1977, having shipped 500,000 copies. The album was re-released in 1997 in a remastered version. It peaked on the Billboard 200 charts at No. 100, without the benefit…
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On 26. October 1974, Kiss did the photo session for the Dressed To Kill album with Bob Gruen. The front cover photo was taken on the southeast corner of W23rd Street and 8th Avenue looking east in New York City. The band also did a second photo session with the…
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On 16. January 1975, Kiss did a photo session on the roof of the Playboy building, Los Angeles, California, with photographer Richard Creamer.
On January 24th and 25th 1975 Kiss entered Larrabee Studios, Los Angeles, to record a four track demo. Jeff Suhs: "One of the highlights from the Larrabee session is the track "Mistake" which was written for the first album. The song is an outright country and western ballad in G…
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On 8. February 1975, Kiss returned to Electric Lady Studios, New York City, to record "Dressed To Kill" with Neil Bogart as producer. The album was engineered and mixed by Dave Wittman and George Lopez. "Dressed To Kill," originally intended to be called "Kiss at Midnight" (Gooch, Suhs - Kiss…
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On 24. February 1975, Kiss did their second photo session wearing suits. The first one was 26. October 1974. Photographer Bob Gruen took photos of Kiss at the Electric Lady Studios. For this session Gene and Paul wore the exact same suit and tie as the Oct. 26th session. Ace…
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On 19. March 1975, Kiss released the third studio album "Dressed to Kill". It was produced by Casablanca Records president Neil Bogart, as the label's financial situation at the time did not permit the hiring of a professional producer. Possibly due to the short length of the album, original vinyl…
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On 24. March 1975, Kiss did various photo sessions in Manhattan, New York, with photographers Sal Di Benedetto and Steve Morley.
On 1. April 1975, Paul Stanley smashed his guitar on stage for the first time, during the encore of the song "Black Diamond" when Peter Criss started smashing his drums. Kiss filmed four songs for the The Midnight Special TV show at NBC Studios, and appropriately enough Paul played his…
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On 1. April 1975, Kiss filmed four songs for The Midnight Special at NBC Studios Burbank, California. Set List: "Deuce", "C'mon & Love Me", "She" (with Ace Solo), "Black Diamond". Although Kiss recorded "C'mon & Love Me", it was never aired. Kiss had to be toned down and was asked…
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On 4. April 1975, Paul Stanley performed the concert at the Nordic Ice Arena in Hartland, USA, with sunglasses. Right before this concert, Stanley developed a bad eye infection that prevented him from putting on any makeup near his eyes. There’s also a rumour that following the April 4. concert,…
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On 15. May 1975, the "Alive!" photo session with photographer Fin Costello took place at the Michigan Palace in Detroit. The band also filmed promo videos for "Rock And Roll All Nite" and "C'mon And Love Me". Fin Costello: "Michigan Palace was a rehearsal place then (a Victorian music hall…
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On 16. May 1976, recorded the first of four shows for their first live album, "Alive!". "Alive!" was recorded over four stops on the "Dressed To Kill" Tour: May 16 at Cobo Arena in Detroit; June 21 at Cleveland Music Hall in Cleveland; July 20 at RKO Orpheum Theater in…
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On 4. June 1975, Kiss did the White Room Session at Norman Seeff Studio, Los Angeles, California, with photographer Norman Seeff.
On 27. July 1975, Kiss did the Music Life Magazine photo session at Ashley's Restaurant, NYC, with photographer David Tan. The photos were on print in the Japanese magazine's October 1975 issue.
On 4. August 1975, Kiss entered Magnagraphics Enterprises LTD. studio, New York, to record a 16 track demo. During a break from touring, the band went into the studio to record various demos, a few came to be released on "Destroyer", "Rock and Roll Over" and Gene Simmons' solo album,…
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On 22. August 1975, Peter Criss did a photo session for Creem Magazine's "Star's Cars no. 11" article (1. December 1975), at photographer Fin Costello's property in Weston, Connecticut. Peter Criss is seen with his 1955 MG Rover TF-1500 car. Here we see Peter Criss doing his famous imitation of…
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On 23. August 1975, Kiss did the “S&M Session” with photographer Fin Costello, who had shot the band on many occasions, and traveled to New York, to again photograph the band. The model Megan McCracken was living with Kiss manager Bill Aucoin at the time — although her participation in…
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On 3. September 1975, Kiss started the first recording sessions for the album "Destroyer" at Electric Lady Studios in New York City, during a brief break between the "Dressed to Kill" and "Alive!" tours. The basic album tracks were recorded during this time. Bob Ezrin, who had previously worked with…
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On 10. September 1975, Kiss' first live album "Kiss: Alive!" was released. Recorded: May 16, 1975 (Cobo Arena, Detroit); June 21, 1975 (Cleveland Music Hall, Cleveland); July 20, 1975 (RKO Orpheum Theater, Davenport) and July 23, 1975 (Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood). The album’s title was a homage to the 1972…
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On 9. October 1975, Cadillac High School in Cadillac, Michigan made Rock 'n' Roll history when Kiss played at their homecoming. Jim Neff: "In 1973 the Cadillac High School Vikings football team finished undefeated with a perfect 9-0 record. Spirits were soaring as the 1974 season began, but the Vikings…
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On 21. November 1975, Indiana natives Bill Starkey and Jay Evans founded the legendary Kiss Army after a local radio station refused to play Kiss. During Kiss' 1975 show at Hulman Civic-University Center in Terre Haute, Starkey was brought on stage and honoured with a plaque from the band! Although…
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On 13. January 1976, Kiss revealed the new prototype "Destroyer" costumes for the first time, at A&R Studios in New York! Although Ace and Paul wore old boots because the new ones weren't ready yet. They still wore the "Alive!" costumes in concert until June 1976 when the European tour…
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On 24. January 1976, Kiss held a press conference at the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) for key members of the Detroit media, prior to their sold out three-night stand at Cobo Hall on January 25, 26 and 27. Photo by Tom Weschler.
On 15. March 1976, Kiss released their fourth album, "Destroyer". It was the third successive Kiss album to reach the top 40 in the US, as well as the first to chart in Germany and New Zealand. The album was certified gold by the RIAA on April 22, 1976, and…
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On 9. April 1976, Kiss did the "Destroyer" photo sessions with Barry Levine at Mothers Sound Stage, 210 East 5th Street, Manhattan, New York.
On 28. May 1976, Kiss did a photo session with photographers Barry Levine and Hans Hatwig at the Skansen outdoor museum, Stockholm, Sweden, while touring in Europe for the "Destroyer" album. Later that day they played a show at Gröna Lund in the Tivoli Gardens. This was Kiss' first European…
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On 24. June 1976, Kiss' legendary New York City photo shoot with photographer Barry Levine took place. Photos were taken on streets throughout the city, and in stops at Central Park and the Empire State Building, where one of Kiss' most iconic photos ever was taken. Ace Frehley: "I remember…
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On 27. June, 1976, Kiss entered the Hanger E, Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, New York, for the dress rehearsal before "Spirit of '76" tour which started early July. The band filmed the performing for the press from an elevated static camera position. Black and white footage. Set list: "Detroit…
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On 21. July 1976, "The Originals" compilation was released and the pack was a re-release of the first three albums: "Kiss", "Hotter Than Hell" and "Dressed to Kill". The paper sleeves holding each disc were duplicates of the original album covers. It was packaged with a 16-page history booklet, a…
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On 14. August 1976, Kiss did an in-store appearance at Peaches Records & Tapes Atlanta, Georgia, while on their The Spirit of '76/Destroyer tour. Alec Cooley and Associates, Radio Z-93, arranged a "Kiss-Off" benefit for muscular dystrophy, where Kiss and Miss Dixie Speedway sold kisses for 93 cents apiece for…
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On 21. August 1976, Gene Simmons did a photo session with Creem Magazine at the George Barris Car Collection, North Hollywood, California, with photographers Barry Levine, Fin Costello and Watel Asanuma. "Another cool set of shots that I took with Gene revolved around an exhibition that Creem Magazine wanted me…
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On 28. September 1976 Kiss entered the studio to record "Rock and Roll Over". It was recorded at the Star Theatre in Nanuet, New York, with Eddie Kramer as producer. To work on the album, the band decided on Eddie Kramer who had done so much for them on "Alive!".…
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On 19. October 1976, Kiss did the "Winter scene" photoshoot at A&M Records in Hollywood, California, with photographer Neil Preston for Creem Magazine. The polyurethane "snow" they used was so toxic it's not made anymore. It also got into the ventilation system of the photo studio and stayed there for…
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On October 19, 20, and 21, 1976 Kiss taped The Paul Lynde Halloween Special at ABC Studios, Hollywood, California Oct. 19, 1976 - Kiss rehearse the songs to be performed on the show and run through the skit with Paul Lynde. Oct. 20, 1976 - “Detroit Rock City” performance is…
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On 11. November 1976, Kiss released their fifth studio album “Rock and Roll Over”. It was recorded at the Star Theatre in Nanuet, New York. To get the proper drum sound, Peter Criss recorded his tracks in a bathroom, communicating via video-link with the rest of the band. Three of…
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On 15. November 1976, Kiss started the dress rehearsal for the "Rock and Roll Over" tour at Camp Curtis Guild, Reading, Massachusetts. They would rehearse for six days and film promo videos of "I Want You", "Hard Luck Woman" and "Love 'Em Leave 'Em" which were videotaped specifically for the…
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On 21. November 1976, Kiss shot promotional videos for "I Want You", "Hard Luck Woman" and "Love 'Em Leave 'Em". They were videotaped specifically for the Don Kirshner's Rock Concert and later broadcast on 28. May 1977. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUrRjv8uzO4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCbSKqcUpoM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUQyOnGMOqY
On 24. November 1976, Peter Criss sang "Beth" live for the first time at Civic Center, Savanah, GA, during the opening night of the "Winter Tour 1976/77" in support of the "Rock And Roll Over" album. "Beth" was performed as the second encore marking the first public live performance of…
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On 12. December 1976, Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley is nearly electrocuted when he grabs a metal railing on the poorly wired set, at a show in Lakeland, Florida. At the end of 1976, Kiss were touring their fifth studio album "Rock And Roll Over" with Uriah Heep as their opening…
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On 15. February 1977, Kiss had their first comic book appearance, in a cameo on the last page of Howard the Duck #12. Gene Colan cover and art. Synopsis for "Mind-Mush!" Waking up in a jail cell, Howard soon learns that he, Winda and the Kidney Lady are being brought…
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On 21. February 1977, Kiss had their blood extracted backstage at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York to be mixed in with the red ink for their comic book Marvel Super Special #1. A notary public duly certified the authenticity of the process, and the notarized document was made available…
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On 21. March 1977, Kiss did a press conference at the Tokyo Hilton, Tokyo, Japan. Paul Stanley: "It's amazing. We've just gotten here, the tour hasn't even begun yet, and we're already looking forward to the next tour. We're very excited to be here, and so far this is way…
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On 22. March 1977, Kiss had their second comic book appearance in Howard the Duck #13. Gene Colan cover and art. The first was in Howard The Duck #12, on 15. February 1977. Synopsis for "Rock, Roll Over and Writhe!" With the rock band Kiss materializing out of Winda's mind,…
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On 27. March 1977, Kiss did the legendary photo session at the Spirit Temple in Kyoto, Japan, with Bob Gruen who was the official photographer on their tour of Japan. Bob Gruen: "I was the official photographer on their tour of Japan. It was like Kissmania. The idea of their…
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On 2. April 1977, Kiss recorded the first of select shows for their second live album "Alive II", with songs from their previous three albums as well as five brand new studio songs. The origins of "Alive II" go back to early 1977 when the band's manager Bill Aucoin suggested…
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On 4. April, 1977, Peter Criss visited Pearl Drums factory in Chiba, Japan, while on the "Rock and Roll Over" tour.
On 28. April 1977, Kiss did the "Love Gun" photo session at Barry Levine's studio in Los Angeles, California. Barry Levine: “We experimented a lot with everything. That’s how the series with the wildly multi coloured, shimmering mylar background happened. It was 1977 and we had to do a "Love…
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On 3. May 1977, Kiss entered Record Plant studio, New York City, to record "Love Gun" with Eddie Kramer again as producer. It is the first Kiss album to feature a lead vocal performance from Ace on “Shock Me”. He recorded his lead vocal part while lying on the floor…
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On 25. May 1977, Kiss & Stan Lee arrived at Borden Chemical Company to put the blood, which was drawn from each Kiss member on February 21, 1977 at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, into the ink for the upcoming Marvel Super Special #1. Buffalo television stations & local radio stations…
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On 17. June, 1977, Kiss' sixth studio album "Love Gun" was released (date according to The Library of Congress). Casablanca Records and FilmWorks shipped one million copies of the album on this date. It was certified platinum and became the band’s first top 5 album on the Billboard 200. It…
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On 21. June 1977, Marvel published their first comics issue with Kiss as their main super heros. In 1977 Marvel began publishing a full-color magazine series devoted to concepts thought to be deserving of special treatment, such as Kiss' first comics appearance as headliners, new stories of Conan, Star-Lord and…
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On 8. July 1977, Ace Frehley sang live for the first time, playing "Shock Me" in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, on Kiss' opening night of the "Love Gun" tour. "Shock Me" was added to Kiss' setlist starting with the "Love Gun" Tour. Frehley's guitar solo, previously performed during "She" and…
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On 8. July 1977, Kiss debuted Sam T. Serpent in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, on Kiss’ opening night of the “Love Gun” tour. Sam was used on stage up until their "Dynasty" tour in 1979, as well as in the Kiss film “Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park”. Sam…
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19. August 1977, Kiss did the "Alive II" photo session with photographer Barry Levine and Andrew Kent at the San Diego Sports Arena, California. The photos were taken before the concert that night. Gene Simmons wore the horns during the photo shoot. The only time he wore them live was…
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On 13. September 1977, Kiss entered the Capital Theatre, Passaic, NJ, to start recording the five studio songs for side D on "Alive II". The recording was engineered by Eddie Kramer and Corky Stasiak. Mixed by Eddie Kramer and Neil Dorfsman at Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY. Tracks:…
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On 10. October 1977, Gene Simmons did a solo photo session with photographer Lynn Goldsmith in New York.
On 14. October 1977, Kiss released their second live album, "Alive II", containing live performances of songs from their preceding three albums ("Destroyer", "Rock and Roll Over", and "Love Gun") as well as four new studio tracks and a cover version of "Any Way You Want It" by Dave Clark.…
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On 9. November 1977, NBC filmed the "Land Of Hype And Glory" documentary about Kiss during the "Alive II" tour dress rehearsal at the Stewart Air Force Base/Hangar, Newburgh, New York. The program was aired on NBC News 10. January 1978. They were interviewed by Edwin Newman. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEX-Py86zRU
On 3. February 1978, Peter Criss pranked Gene Simmons when playing a show at the Rhode Island Providence Civic Center, Providence, letting the tour manager Fritz Postlethwaite end the song "Black Diamond" on drums, wearing Gene Simmons' makeup and his old costume. Fritz Postlethwaite: Peter asked me if I would…
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On 3. March 1978, Kiss released their second 3LP compilation "The Originals II" in Japan only, featuring re-releases of "Destroyer", "Rock'n Roll Over" and "Love Gun". It was pressed in 50.000 copies on slightly translucent vinyl visible when held to the light, and had a unique gatefold picture sleeve complete…
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On 2. April 1978, Kiss released its first greatest hits album, "Double Platinum". Many of the songs on "Double Platinum" were remixed and differed from their original versions: in the case of "Strutter," it was re-recorded with a slight disco beat and dubbed "Strutter '78." Other songs ("Hard Luck Woman,"…
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On 11. May 1978, Kiss started filming for their movie "Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park". Most of the picture was filmed at Magic Mountain in California, with additional filming taking place in the Hollywood Hills. Much of the production was rushed, and the script underwent numerous rewrites. All…
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On 19. May 1978, Kiss did the "Kiss meets the Phantom of the park" film press conference at the Magic Mountain Amusement Park, Valencia, California. Photographer Richard Creamer
On 25. May 1978, Gene Simmons did three solo photo sessions in Los Angeles, California, with photographer Barry Levine. The sessions were done at the Barry Levine Studio, the Culver City Studios and at the Magic Mountain Amusement Park, where Kiss filmed "Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park" movie.
On 28. May 1978, Peter Criss and stage manager Fritz Postlethwaite crashed the leased Porsche car in Marina del Rey, California. This happened the day after the wrap of filming "Kiss Meets The Phantom Of The Park". Rumors has it that Postlethwaite was passenger, but took the blame for a…
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15. August 1978, Kiss saw their second comic book “Marvel Comics Super Special Vol 1 #5” as super heroes battling Ming (from Flash Gordon). With that issue, the series' title in its postal indicia was shortened to Marvel Super Special. The comic came with a four page fold out poster.…
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On 18. September 1978, Kiss released four solo albums, one by each member. In 1978, the world saw one of the most extravagant album launch campaigns ever: the simultaneous release of solo albums by all four members of Kiss. Kiss has claimed that the solo albums were intended to ease…
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On 28. October 1978, Kiss' first movie "Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park" (also known as "Attack of the Phantoms" in Europe and "Kiss Phantoms" in Italy) was aired for the first time. The film was produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions, and the movie's plot revolves around Kiss, who use…
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On 18. November 1978, Gene Simmons did an in-store appearance at Tape City, New Orleans, Louisiana, promoting his solo album, which was released 18. September 1978, simultaneously with the other Kiss members' solo albums. He was also in town to announce Kiss’ appearance (ultimately canceled) at the 1979 Mardi Gras…
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On 29. November 1978, Gene Simmons did an in-store appearance at Cosmic Comics, and an interview at WMMS Radio in Cleveland, Ohio, promoting his solo album, which was released 18. September 1978, simultaneously with the other Kiss members' solo albums. Denny Sanders interviewed Gene on WEWS-TV’s Afternoon Exchange at Tony…
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On 4. December 1978, Paul Stanley did a rare in-store appearance at Oasis Records & Tapes, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, promoting his solo album, which was released 18. September 1978, simultaneously with the other Kiss members' solo albums. PM Magazine did an interview which was broadcasted on WTTV Channel 4. He also…
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On 6. December 1978, Paul Stanley did a rare in-store appearance at Peaches Records, Everett, Seattle, Washington, promoting his solo album, which was released 18. September 1978, simultaneously with the other Kiss members' solo albums. Photo by Jay Gilbert.
On 9. December 1978, Paul Stanley did a rare in-store appearance at Cactus Records, Houston, Texas, promoting his solo album, which was released 18. September 1978, simultaneously with the other Kiss members' solo albums. Photo from rockinhouston.com
On 12. December 1978, Gene Simmons attended the re-release party for the 1940 "Pinocchio" movie at Fiorucci, Beverly Hills, California. Gene had invited people to come and hear his new recording of "When You Wish Upon A Star" from his solo album. [caption id="attachment_814" align="alignnone" width="960"] Gene Simmons invitation to…
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On 2. March 1979, Gene Simmons and Cher did a skit on the The Mike Douglas Show. Cher is behind the counter at Jack In The Box when Gene comes up and asks "Have you got any french-fried lizard tongues?". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67bD3qZ50xQ
On 23. March 1979, Gene Simmons and Cher hosted the NARM (National Association of Recording Merchandisers) Awards Banquet at the Diplomat Hotel, Hollywood, Florida, USA.
On 12. April, 1979, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and actor Robin Williams were interviewed on the Robert Klein Radio Hour at RCA Studios in New York City. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK5Kv6WCRfE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fpcLIcnEao
On 21. April 1979 (date not confirmed), Kiss did "The Return Of Kiss" commercial shoot with new costumes. The photo session was done in New York with photographer Enrico Ferorelli. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tikgOJDj1w
On 23. May 1979, Kiss released their seventh studio album "Dynasty", produced by Vini Poncia and released by Casablanca Records. It was the first time that the four original members of Kiss did not all perform together for the entire album. The album and the following tour were billed as…
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On 1. June 1979, Gene Simmons did a solo photo session with Lynn Goldsmith in New York. They did photos at the Metropolitan Museum, as well as photos for Sunno amps.
On 13. June 1979, Kiss did the dress rehearsal for the "Dynasty" tour at Lakeland Civic Center, Florida. Members of the local and national press attended. Photographer Neal Preston.
On 15. June 1979, Ace Frehley used the light guitar live for the first time playing "New York Groove", when Kiss played the Civic Center, Lakeland, Florida, on the opening night of the "Return of Kiss" tour. Ultimate Guitar: The original Light Guitar started out its life as a blonde…
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On 15. June 1979, Gene Simmons was flying on stage for the first time, when Kiss played the Civic Center, Lakeland, FL, on the opening night of the "Return of Kiss" tour. The levitating act happened during the song "God of Thunder", while Gene played his bass solo and spitting…
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On 17. June 1979, Gene Simmons used the prototype "Dynasty" costume live for the first (and probably only) time, when Kiss played the Hollywood Sportatorium, Pembroke Pines, FL, on the second show of the "Return of Kiss" tour. According to the Maria Contessa, the original costume maker for Kiss, it…
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On 20. June 1979, Kiss did the video and photo sessions for "Dynasty" at the Civic Center in Savannah, Georgia. Kiss recorded videos for the songs "Sure Know Something" and "I Was Made For Loving You", and commercials for their new album "Dynasty". The videos were directed and produced by…
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On 1. July 1979, Bally released the Kiss pinball machine. The game features the “Love Gun” era costumes, although Kiss had changed their look by the game launch. Kiss, a Bally produced licensed game featuring the self proclaimed “Greatest Band in the World!” was released in 1979 and featured all…
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On 27. September 1979, Kiss held an in-store appearance and autograph session at Great American Music in Bloomington, Minnesota, the day before their concert at Met Center. The in-store started 4 hours late, as the band was waiting for Ace and Peter to show. See more pictures here.
On 30. October 1979, Kiss taped the Tomorrow Show on NBC with Tom Snyder at the RCA Building, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City. The show was aired the next night on Halloween. It would be the most loved and also the last interview of all four original members of…
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On 7. November 1979, Kiss was interviewed by Billy Crystal on the "Dinah! And Friends" TV show. The interview was done backstage before they played The Forum in Los Angeles, California. Following the performance, Casablanca Records threw a party for Kiss at The Forum Club. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTtaQWT43Eo
On 16. December 1979, in Toledo, Peter Criss played his last show with the original Kiss before the MTV Unplugged special reunion in 1995. This was the tour end for the album "Dynasty", which Peter Criss played only one song. Peter Criss: That night in Biloxi, I was throwing sticks…
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On 18. March 1980, Gene Simmons registered a first patent for his Axe bass. It shows a very rough drawing of the Axe.
On 27. March, 1980, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and Bill Aucoin were interviewed by Ray Martin, 60 Minutes Australia at the Aucoin Management Office in Manhattan, New York. They also filmed Gene and Ace without makeup at Record Plant where they recorded the album "Unmasked". The program was aired 27.…
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On 1. April, 1980, Kiss re-signed with Casablanca Records who had breen acquired by PolyGram Records. The band signed the contracts at PolyGram's office in New York. Paul Stanley: "A the drama with Peter was unfolding during the first half of 1980, we were also involved in a drama with…
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On May 18, 1980, Peter Criss officially leaved Kiss, or as Kiss says "Was voted out of the band". Bob McAdams: "Peter was getting so stoned he couldn’t play anymore. Peter's final gig was near the end of 1979. In May of 1980 a meeting was called. I went with…
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On 20. May 1980, Kiss released their eighth studio album "Unmasked". It was their first not to feature drummer Peter Criss (although largely absent from the preceding "Dynasty", Criss only performed on that album's song "Dirty Livin'"). Despite having no involvement in its production, Criss features in the album's artwork…
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On 19. June 1980, Kiss filmed the video for "Shandi" of of their new album "Unmasked". This was the first single released from the album. This also marks the final appearance of drummer Peter Criss until they would reunite in 1996. Directed and Produced by John Goodhue for John Goodhue…
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On 23. June 1980, at 1:30 Paul Caravello (Eric Carr) auditions with Gene, Paul and Ace, at Star Rehersal Studios, NY, bashing out five tunes, including "Black Diamond", "Firehouse", "Strutter", "Is That You?", and "Detroit Rock City". He then does a short drum solo, it’s all video recorded by the…
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On 1. July 1980, Paul Caravello (Eric Carr) got the call inviting him to be the new drummer for Kiss, after auditioning for the band 23. and 27. June. Peter Criss had officially left Kiss on May 18, 1980, or as Kiss says “Was voted out of the band”. On…
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On 22. July 1980, Eric Carr was announced as the new drummer in Kiss after Peter Criss had been "voted out" of the band a couple of months earlier. Gene Simmons alleged that Carr wanted to use the stage name "Rusty Blade" until Simmons dissuaded him. He decided on "Eric…
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On July 24, 1980, the People magazine Kiss photo shoot with photographer Raeanne Rubenstein took place. This was the first photo session with the new drummer Eric Carr. The photo was on the cover of People Magazine August 18, 1980. Here's the original article from People.com: "We're the culture heroes…
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On 25. July 1980, Kiss played their first concert without founding drummer Peter Criss, introducing Eric Carr to the world at the Palladium in New York City. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xC58xcki9tM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbpA_5KXxWY
On 30. July 1980, Kiss taped an episode of the "Kids Are People Too" TV show in ABC Studios, New York City, which was aired 21. September. On the show they introduced their new drummer, Eric Carr. Prior to the band’s coming out on stage, the host asked an audience…
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On 1. September 1980, Kiss lip synced "She's So European" and "Talk To Me", from their album "Unmasked", for the German TV show "Rockpop" on ZDF, which was broadcasted 13. September 1980. Between the gigs in Genova (31. August 1980) and Milano (2. September 1980) Kiss had a day-off and…
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On 11. September 1980, Kiss did a photo session with photographer Wolfgang Heilemann before playing a show at the Messehalle, Nuremberg, Germany, with Iron Maiden as support.
On 16. September 1980, Kiss did an in-store at Main Radio in Frankfurt, West Germany, while on the "Unmasked" tour in Europe. According to a newspaper report, Main Radio shelled out DM 50.000 for this appearance. Around 3-4000 fans came to the autograph session. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrqiSzihnmw
On 2. November 1980, Kiss made a three-minute appearance with Lord Mayor Doug Sutherland on the balcony of the Sydney Town Hall in Australia. A crowd of approximately 3,500 showed up in the hot afternoon sun. The band returned to the Sebel Town Hall (the hotel where they were staying)…
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On 3. December 1980, at Western Springs Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand, Ace Frehley played his last full show with Kiss before quitting in June 1982. Ace Frehley: “I was on a downward spiral and really needed to get away from the whole music business, and try and get a…
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On 7. April, 1981, Gene Simmons did a screen test for the TV show "Grotus". Gene Simmons: "By 1981, I was spending more and more time in Hollywood. I was approached by Marcy Carsey, a producer of shows like The Cosby Show and Roseanne, to try out for a show…
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On 23. April 1981, Kiss entered SIR's Studio D in New York to start writing and rehearsing the songs for "(Music from) The Elder". Tim McPhate & Julian Gill: "The first proper studio rehearsals were scheduled for April 23 – 25 at SIR's Studio D, at their 310 West 52nd…
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On 11. May 1981, Kiss entered Ezrin Farm Studio & Sounds Interchange in Toronto, Canada, to start recording the concept album "(Music from) The Elder", with producer Bob Ezrin which also had produced "Destroyer". The basic plot of "(Music from) The Elder" involves the recruitment and training of a young…
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On 25. September 1981, Kiss debuted the new costumes in support of their new album "(Music from) The Elder" in Mexico City, Mexico. At 1PM they held the press conference at a disco hall from the Camino Real hotel, located on an upper level of the main lobby. This press…
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On 31. October 1981, Kiss shot the video for "A World Without Heroes" from "Music From The Elder" at Balkan Studios on West 54th Street in New York City. It is the first to feature Eric Carr, and was the first Kiss video to be played on MTV. The song…
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On 1. November 1981, Kiss shot the video for "I" from "Music From The Elder" at Balkan Studios on West 54th Street in New York City. It was the second to feature Eric Carr, after recording "A World Without Heroes" the day before. The video was ultimately shelved and never…
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On 10. November 1981, Kiss' ninth studio album, "(Music from) The Elder", was released. The album marked a substantial departure from their previous output with the concept and orchestral elements. "(Music from) The Elder" was the first album with the drummer Eric Carr and the last album to feature guitarist…
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On 7. December 1981, Kiss lip-synced to the song "I" from "(Music from) The Elder" on the Solid Gold TV show, at Solid Gold Studios/Golden West Broadcasters, Los Angeles, California. The appearance was broadcasted 29. January 1982, hosted by Andy Gibb. The program also showed the official video for "A…
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On 5. January 1982, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons visited the children at the Cerebral Palsy Headquarters New York City.
On 15. January 1982, Kiss performed live on the ABC TV show "Fridays" in Los Angeles. The band was promoting their new album "The Elder" and performed three songs from the album; "The Oath", "A World Without Heroes", and "I". The songs were filmed and aired on the same day.…
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On 28. January 1982, Kiss lip synched as a three-piece to the song "I" for the Sanremo Festival in Italy, and received the Golden Cat Award for “International Stars of the Year". The live telecast was done at Studio 54 in New York. Ace Frehley didn't show up for the…
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On 27. March 1982, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley were interviewed on the "Flo & Eddie" tv show on Times Square, New York City. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEhaM4RfPug
On 15. June 1982, Kiss' second compilation album "Killers" was released. It was released only outside the US, but quickly became available as an import. Of the album's twelve songs, four were new compositions recorded specifically for it: "I'm a Legend Tonight," "Down on Your Knees," "Nowhere to Run" and…
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On 17. July 1982, Kiss posted an anonymous ad in Billboard seeking a new lead guitarist after Ace Frehley had left the band. Since there are other formats of the ad available it most probably ran in several other magazines as well, and ran for at least five weeks. Kiss…
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On 23. September 1982, Vincent Cusano, AKA Vinne Vincent, was hired as new guitarist in Kiss, replacing Ace Frehley. While Frehley had left the band in June he was officially still in the band, and did the European promotional tour for "Creature of the Night" (which he didn't play on)…
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On 19. October 1982, Kiss started shooting video footage for the song "I Love It Loud" from their album "Creatures of the Night". The video was directed by Philip Davey, and produced by by John Weaver for Keefco. Kiss' performance footage was videotaped on Stage 5, Zoetrope Studios, while the…
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On 28. October 1982, Kiss held a press conference at Francis Ford Coppola's Zoetrope Studios to discuss their "Creatures Of The Night" album and tour, and also shot their "I Love It Loud" music video while in Hollywood, California. Medium shot Kiss in makeup and costume saying “I Want My…
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On 28. October 1982, Kiss released its tenth studio album, "Creatures of the Night". It was the band's last for Casablanca Records, the only label for which Kiss had recorded up to that point. The album was dedicated to the memory of Casablanca founder and early Kiss supporter Neil Bogart,…
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On 22. November 1982, Kiss did a photo session with OKEJ magazine at the Sheraton Hotel in Stockholm, Sweden. This was the start of the "Creatures of the Night" promo tour in Europe. While Frehley had left Kiss in June he was officially still in the band, and agreed to…
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On 23. November 1982, Kiss did a photo session at the Hilton Hotel, and an in-store appearance at Virgin Records Megastore, London, England, while doing the "Creatures of the Night" promo tour in Europe. While Ace was on the promotional tour he had in fact left the band in June,…
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On 24. November 1982, Kiss lip-synced to "I Love It Loud" on the Italian TV show Discoring on RAI TV, while in Rome, Italy, on the "Creatures of the Night" European press tour. The clip was broadcasted 28. November 1982. They also lip-synced to "Creatures of the Night" which was…
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On 25. November 1982, Kiss lip-synced to "I Love It Loud" on the Italian TV show Mixer, while in Rome, Italy, on the "Creatures of the Night" European press tour. The clip was broadcasted 2. December 1982. While Ace was on the promotional tour he had in fact left the…
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On 26. November 1982, Kiss did a photo session and lip-synced to "I Love It Loud" on the Dutch TV show Top Pop, while in Hilversum, near Amsterdam, Netherlands, on the "Creatures Of The Night" European press tour. While Ace was on the promotional tour he had in fact left…
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On 27. November 1982, Kiss did a photo session at the Sonesta Hotel, while in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, on the "Creatures of the Night" European press tour. While Ace was on the promotional tour he had in fact left the band in June, and Vinnie Vincent had been hired in…
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On 28. November 1982, Kiss lip-synced to "Creatures of the Night" and "I Love it Loud" on the Spanish TV show Aplauso on TVE, Madrid, Spain, on the "Creatures of the Night" European press tour. The clip was broadcasted on TVE 1 December 1982. Kiss arrived too late for the…
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On 30. November 1982, Kiss did photo sessions in Munich, Germany, while doing the "Creatures of the Night" promo tour in Europe. They also did a signing session at Karstadt in the pedestrian zone at Stachus, Munich. They stayed overnight at the Park Hilton Hotel. While Ace was on the…
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On 1. December 1982, Kiss lip-synced to "I Love It Loud" for the German TV show 'Frank Zanders Vorsicht Music', while in Munich, West Germany, on the "Creatures Of The Night" European press tour. This was Ace's last appearance with Kiss until 1996. The song was broadcasted on the German…
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On 13. December 1982, Kiss were awarded $520,000 in U.S. District Court as a result of a breach of contract suit against Phonogram International B.V. Kiss claimed failure to pay $1,772,655 in royalties on the part of Phonogram on album product released between June, 1977 and March, 1979. Billboard: NEW…
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On 23. December 1982*, Kiss did the "Creatures of the Night" tour dress rehearsal and photo session at The Studios, Las Colinas, Irving, Texas, with photographers Sam Emerson and Bernard Vidal. Vinnie Vincent had been hired as the new guitarist after Ace Frehley had left the band. *Date not confirmed.
On 29. December, 1982, Vinnie Vincent played his first concert with Kiss, at The Bismarck Civic Center, N.D. USA, after taking over for founding member Ace Frehley during the recording of "Creatures of the Night". The opening night of Kiss' 10th anniversary tour was meant to be two nights prior,…
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On 17. January 1983, Kiss taped the interview for USA Network's "Night Flight" TV show with interviewer Al Bandero. The show was aired as “Kiss: Yesterday & Today” on 8. August 1983, just a little more than one month before Kiss’ official MTV “unmasking” on September 18th. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd255n3bL4E https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wS2dvW8KCs&t=9s
On 22. January 1983, Kiss did an in-store appearance at Strawberries Worchester, Massachusetts, while on their "Creatures Of The Night" tour in USA. They were also interviewed by RI TV news, aired 26. January 1983 (see clip below). Later that day they played The Centrum for 10.147 fans. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIa7qHY1YAs
On 23. January 1983, Kiss did a photo session in Manhattan, New York City, with photographer Geoffrey Thomas. On this day they were supposed to play a show at the Civic Center in Providence, RI, which was cancelled due to poor ticket sales, less than 2,000 in a 14,197 capacity…
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On 2. February 1983, Kiss did an in-store appearance at Specs Music, West Palm Beach, Florida, while on their "Creatures Of The Night" tour in USA. Photo by Darrell Detwiler.
On 14. February 1983, Kiss did an in-store appearance at Warehouse Records & Tapes, 3617 Williams Blvd. Kenner (Just West of New Orleans), Louisiana, while on their "Creatures Of The Night" tour in USA. Later that night they played the Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, LA. Kissfaq.com: A feature on "PM…
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On 21. May 1983, Ace Frehley was arrested following a chase up the Bronx River Parkway with his 1981 DeLorean at speeds up to 90 mph. Ace would be charged with drunk and reckless driving; and leaving the scene of an accident after hitting 4 cars during the incident (without…
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On 25. June 1983, in São Paulo, Brazil, Kiss held its last concert in make-up until the reunion in 1996. Originally two shows were planned at this venue. The band flew back to the U.S. the following day, but not before the promoter unsuccessfully attempted to organize a final last-minute…
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