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 to sign the band officially. Thus, on November 1, 1973, Kiss was signed to Casablanca Records for a four-album record deal. Included in the deal was a $15,000 advance on the album’s sales for the development of the band’s look and stage presentation. A press conference was held to not only announce the signing of Kiss, but also to announce the creation of Bogart’s new label. Appearing at the press conference was Kiss, still in their jeans and leather look, along with Joyce Biawitz, Bill Aucoin and Neil Bogart. Bogart also added a touch of the theatrics to the presentation by doing the press conference in leather, jeans and makeup as well. Handcuffed to his hand was a copy of the contract. When asked why he was wearing the ghoulish makeup, Bogart thunderously replied that it was how “competitive record executives of today’s ultra-tough market signs hot new artists by communicating with them on their own level.” In November, plans were developed between the band, Bogart, Biawitz and Aucoin to put even more theatrics into the group’s stage presentation than was already present. This is not to say that the band did not already have ideas of their own for the group, but that there were plenty of areas to develop, especially now with money coming in to help support a bigger budget for them.”
– “Black diamond: The unauthorized biography of Kiss” by Dale Sherman
