When the hard rock band, Wicked Lester, didn't meet the need, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanly formed their own group. KISS grew from the most humble beginnings, a mere idea, to KISS, the most popular band in America. From the opening act at a Manhattan concert in 1973, KISS was blessed with creative artistry. Peter Criss was added to the band, and after interviewing approximately 50 guitarists, Ace Frehley completed the quartet.

Casablanca Records signed KISS to a contract in 1973. Its first gig at the Popcorn Club was not particularly successful--only three people attended. Along with its debut album in 1974, KISS, on the Casablanca label, came the creativity that made KISS the teen favorite in the '70s. Outlandish costumes and makeup and a variety of stage theatrics such as fire breathing, blood spitting, dry ice, and smoke bombs made KISS a household name. Its 1974 debut peaked at No. 87 on the music charts. The release of Alive, in 1975, climbed to the Top 10, and was a mix of numerous concerts that made superstars of the band.

KISS never lost its personal relationship with its fans. In 1976 KISS traveled to Cadillac, Michigan, in support of a high school football team that made KISS music a pre-game ritual. At one time, the KISS Army (fan club) reached six figures in membership.

KISS signed the biggest recording deal of the time with Mercury/PolyGram and toured world wide. Dynasty was released in 1979 and went platinum. Dynasty was the last recording with the original members. The peak for KISS had come and gone, and all four members were releasing solo albums. After a near fatal car crash in 1980, Criss left the band. He was replaced by Paul Caravello who became known as Eric Carr. In 1982, Ace Frehley was injured in a serious car accident, and he also left. Frehley was replaced by Vinnie Vincent. The chemistry wasn't there and was evidenced by the fact that its next three albums failed to go platinum or even gold. It was time for a change in 1983. KISS did away with the makeup, and its album, Lick It Up, shot to platinum status.

In 1984, Vincent left over a contractual dispute and was replaced by Mark Norton who became Mark St. John. St. John developed an arthritic condition of the hand joints called Reiter's Syndrome and quickly left. Bruce Kulick then became the lead guitarist. The remainder of the '80s saw a succession of hits. Tragedy struck in 1991 with the death of Eric Carr, due to heart cancer. Eric Singer replaced Carr.

The old became new in 1996. The original foursome of Simmons, Stanly, Criss, and Frehley smeared on the makeup again and began touring. In 1998, the four officially reunited and released Psycho Circus, under the PolyGram label. They toured and played to packed audiences everywhere. In 2000, Kiss embarked on the "official farewell" tour with plans to disband in 2001. Box Set was released in November of 2001 and included five discs, six hours of music and 94 tracks.

KISS' staying power continued into 2002 as The Very Best of KISS was released and landed on the Billboard 200 chart. KISS filled the summer of 2003 with two releases (2003 Kiss Symphony: Alive IV and 20th Century Masters - Millennium Collection: The Best of Kiss), both charted, and a tour with Aerosmith. As the new century progressed, KISS continued to motor on.