Kiss – You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best

Kiss is an American rock band formed in New York City in 1973. They are known for their crazy and elaborate stage performances, wild costumes, and lots of makeup. They have sold over 40 Million albums in the USA and over 100 Million albums worldwide. They have 28 Gold Albums to their credit and keep putting out great albums.  

• Paul Stanley – Lead Vocals and Guitar - Starchild – because he is a starry eyed lover.
• Gene Simmons – Vocals and Bass - The Demon – for his love of comics and dark sense of humor.
• Ace Frehley – Lead Guitar and Vocals - Space Ace – for his love of science fiction.
• Peter Criss – Drums and Vocals - Catman – because he has nine lives like a cat.

• The original band members started Kiss back in 1973.
• Ace Frehley and Peter Criss were out of the band by 1982. They were not focused on the band and continued with their ways.  Paul and Gene were focused and they were not.
• The band's first replacement was in 1980 where they brought in Eric Carr in place of Peter Criss.
• In 1982, Ace Frehley was replaced with Vinnie Vincent.
• Vinny Vincent did not get along with the band members and was replaced with Mark St. John in 1984.
• Mark St. John was fired within months of starting to be replaced by Bruce Kulick.
• In 1991 Eric Carr died from a battle with cancer and was replaced by Eric Singer.
• In 1996 Bruce Kulick was replaced with Tommy Thayer.The current line up of Kiss consists of Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Eric Carr, and Tommy Thayer. Tommy Thayer wears the makeup of Space Ace and Eric Carr is the Catman.   

Kiss with all four original members was introduced on stage in full makeup at the 38^th Annual Grammy Awards. They were given a standing ovation. They later announced a reunion tour with the original members. They released the album Psycho Circus as the original Kiss. By 2000 they were announcing a Farewell Tour. It was rumored that Peter Criss and Ace Frehley were up to their old tricks and the band had enough. The Farewell Tour was really a farewell to the original members playing together as a band. Not a farewell for Kiss.

Some of their more popular songs are Detroit Rock City, Love Gun, Rock n Roll All Night, Dr. Love, and I Was Made for Loving You. There are too many good songs to list. If you think back during your childhood or teen years, you are sure to have partied to a Kiss song somewhere along the way.   

Gene Simmons and his family started a reality TV show called Family Jewels in 2006. It has been a popular show. It is day to day life with Gene and his family. I love this show because his family does not hesitate to give him a hard time. His ego is huge and to see them pick at him is hilarious. Tune in and watch if you want a good laugh.   

They were nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009 but never made it in. If I had one wish for this band, it would be that they are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They deserve it!

Kiss is one of the most influential rock bands of all time. They have been credited by many a band as being their influence. They have been a huge part of my childhood and adult life. Music is important in my life. Kiss is part of that. I enjoy their music and will for years to come.