THE KISS ARMY

For almost 30 years rock fans all over the world know what to expect when they hear this cry: THE HOTTEST BAND IN THE WORLD: KISS!!!
KISS was formed in 1972 by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. They soon found a drummer, Peter Criss and lead guitarist Ace Frehley.
KISS wanted to be different. What sets Kiss apart are their spectacular live shows. Gene Simmons spits blood and fire, Ace Frehley burns his guitar with flaming solos, Peter's drum kit shoots sparks and rockets and Paul Stanley communicates with the audience like a lover.
With their outrageous shows, they landed a contract with Eddie Kramer, who produces their very first demo.
After releasing three disappointing albums and years of touring, KISS finally got their big break in 1975 with the release of "ALIVE!" It was the first rock live double album. It sound millions and made KISS a household name.
Following the release of "ALIVE!," The KISS ARMY was founded by a young KISS FAN who demanded his local radio station to play KISS records or he would send the KISS ARMY. A couple minutes later, KISS fans flocked to the radio station demanding to play KISS.
KISS was the most popular band of the 1970s. More albums followed. Making the band a legend to Rock 'N' Roll.
With the horrible reviews of the 1978 movie "KISS MEETS THE PHANTOM OF THE PARK," the band was slowly falling apart.
Each memember released their own solo album, which made many to believe; "Is the hottest band in the world breaking up?"
1979. DYNASTY was released. It did not sound like KISS. "I WAS MADE FOR LOVING YOU" was a mix of Disco and pop rock. DYNASTY was hated by many hardcore KISS fans.
The band was falling apart.
By 1980 Peter Criss left the band. Ace Frehley soon followed in 1982. It was the beginning of the end.
Original memebers, Paul and Gene, never gave up. Vinne Vinnie Vincent, Mark St. John, and Bruce Kulick replaced Ace Frehley. Eric Carr and Eric Singer replaced Peter Criss.
In 1984, on MTV, KISS unveiled their faces without makeup. This is a exciting and sad time for KISS fans. It meant a new beginning but the end to and era.
The death of Eric Carr on November 24, 1991, caused by cancer, left deep scars on the band and fans.
Eric Singer took the place of Eric Carr.
In the 1990's KISS was busy holding OFFICIAL KISS CONVENTION TOURS. In 1995, MTV asked KISS to do "UNPLUGGED." Gene and Paul were joined onstage with Peter and Ace for the first time in over 15 years.
In 1996 KISS reunited with the four original memeber, Paul, Gene, Ace and Peter. The four toured from 96-97, the most sucessful tour of the years.
In 1998 KISS released "PSYCHO CIRCUS." Reviews were mixed but KISS fans around the world were excited that KISS finally released a album with the four original memebers. The Psycho Circus-Tour can't follow the success of the Reunion-Tour.
Kiss announces their a so-called "Farewell-Tour" in 2000. Many fans flock to the shows, making it a highly successfull tour, despite the absence of new songs or stage changes.
In 2001 Peter Criss has financial problems with Gene Simmons and is replaced by Eric Singer for the Japanese and Australian dates of the Farewell tour. Ace Frehley leaves and is replaced by Tommy Thayer.
In 2004, the contract with Peter Criss expires, and KISS tours with Aerosmith and later on with Poison.
2006 KISS is finally getting rewarded for what they have done to Rock 'N' Roll music, with VH1's ROCK HONORS.
This profile was edited with MySpace Toolbag Editor