Kiss (commonly styled in all caps as KISS) was an American rock band formed in New York City in 1973 by Paul Stanley (vocals, rhythm guitar), Gene Simmons (vocals, bass guitar), Ace Frehley (lead guitar, vocals), and Peter Criss (drums, vocals). The band became known for its elaborate face paint, costumes, and theatrical live performances, which in the mid-1970s incorporated pyrotechnics, fire-breathing, smoking guitars, and other stage effects associated with shock rock. Over time, the group underwent numerous lineup changes, with Stanley and Simmons remaining the only constant members for most of its history. Later members included Eric Carr (drums), Eric Singer (drums), Tommy Thayer (lead guitar), and others.
Each original member adopted a stage persona: Stanley as the Starchild, Simmons as the Demon, Frehley as the Spaceman (or Space Ace), and Criss as the Catman. Kiss achieved major commercial success in the second half of the 1970s and became a prominent popular culture act. The band's commercial performance declined in the early 1980s, but it experienced renewed success after abandoning its makeup and costumes in 1983, beginning with the album "Lick It Up". This unmasked period lasted until 1996, when the original lineup reunited and resumed using makeup for a highly successful reunion tour that ran in 1996–1997 and became one of the highest-grossing tours of its time. The band continued touring in various configurations until announcing a final worldwide tour in 2019. Kiss performed its final concert in New York City in December 2023.
Kiss has been described as one of the most influential and best-selling rock bands in history. The group received numerous certifications, including 30 Gold albums in the United States, and multiple Platinum awards.
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