KISS

Kiss is a band from New York City that first formed in 1973. Bassist Gene Simmons and guitarist Paul Stanley had just left a band called Wicked Lester, and were looking for new members to play with. They acquired drummer Peter Criss when they responded to an ad that he left in Rolling Stone Magazine, stating "Drummer willing to do anything to make it". They later hired guitarist Ace Frehley, after he walked into their loft wearing one red shoe and one orange shoe. He began playing as they were talking to Bob Kulick, older brother of Bruce Kulick. Simmons and Stanley were prepared to offer the guitarist position to Kulick, but Frehley's image and guitar sound was just what the band was looking for, and the original lineup was finally completed.
They began by playing small clubs in New York City. They later started wearing their trademark makeup after seeing Alice Cooper in concert. After months of continuous club dates, they landed a record deal with the newly-formed Casablanca Records. Their first album, Kiss, was released in February, 1974. The horrific album cover of the members decked out in makeup scared potential fans, and critics thought Kiss was a joke. But what really increased Kiss' popularity was their live shows. Simmons, as the demon, would spit blood and breathe fire at every show, and set his hair on fire several times, which concert-goers thought was part of the show. Songs from the first album, including "Deuce" and "Firehouse", became classic hits, and pushed album sales to gold.