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 live album “Slade Alive!” from the English rock group Slade, a band that heavily influenced Kiss.
In a last-ditch effort to save the label, Bogart decided to capitalize on Kiss’ onstage notoriety and have the band record a live album. Kiss’ manager Bill Aucoin was receptive toward the idea, as he felt the band could finally achieve the sound they strove for. He also liked the fact that a live recording would be less expensive than a studio recording. The band members also liked the idea, and within a few days, Bogart arranged the Dressed to Kill Tour. Bogart could not finance the tour, however, so Aucoin paid for the entire tour with his own money, a total of $300,000.
Kiss’ wild and energetic stage presence did not translate well to the live recordings. Stanley and Simmons had several miscues, such as playing the wrong chords, knocking over mics, and not singing directly into the mic. Producer Eddie Kramer knew that significant dubbing was needed to make the album sound good. For many years, Kiss denied the use of dubbing on Alive!. In Simmons’ 2001 autobiography, Kiss and Make-up: A Memoir, he admitted the band had done some post-production alterations. The live recordings were so heavily altered, only Criss’ drum tracks remained untouched.
The original handwritten notes by all members, which was in the gatefold of “Kiss: Alive!”. The originals were sold for $66.000 at gottahaverockandroll.com on April 16, 2023.
Dear Earthlings
The gravity on Earth isn’t quite the same as it is on my planet, but I’m slowly getting used to it. I always wanted to play lead guitar and express myself visually to an audience. When I play guitar on stage its like making love. If you’re good you getoff every time. Thanks for helping me get off
Love Ace
Dear victims…
I love to do all those deliciously painful things to you that make you writhe and groan in ecstacy…
My spiked seven inch boot heels are at the ready, should you be in the mood for heavy sport… and my mouth is there to tell you all horrible things you never thought you’d hear (but love hearing)!
I can see you from the corners of my eyes… and I know what you do when the lights go out… I bleed for you and breathe fire for you and you wonder if I’m crazy… I am…
Gene Simmons
My Dear Lovers,
Nothing arouses me more than seeing you getting off on me. It makes me work that much harder to please you. My body is yours, yours is mine. We explode together when I’m on stage, I’m yours…. take me.
Paul Stanley
Hi, Cat People
Well you should get your claws into this album. I know its gonna make your tails stand straight up. The Cat himself stalked it from front to back, and it tested great, so all alley cats and tom cats, rock your rolls right off. (or should I say tails?)
Love ya
Your silver-nosed Tom Cat
Peter Criss
