Kiss releases their ninth studio album “(Music from) The Elder”

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 Ace Frehley until their 1996 reunion.

Due to poor sales, Kiss did not embark on a supporting tour for the first time in its eight-year history, opting instead to make a handful of promotional appearances.

While the single “A World Without Heroes” was later performed on the band’s 1995 MTV Unplugged appearance, Kiss has largely avoided live performances of songs from the album following initial promotional appearances in 1981. Critical reception for the album was relatively kind on release, but the album proved to be a commercial failure and was for a long time largely unpopular with the involved parties, label and musicians alike, as well as critics, even considering it to be one of the worst albums ever made. Nevertheless, it has garnered some positive reappraisal in recent years, with some critics admitting the record had its issues, but that it was still a concept album worthy of note.