KISS

American hard rock band formed in New York City in 1973 by Paul Stanley (rhythm guitar/vocals), Gene Simmons (bass/vocals), Ace Frehley (lead guitar), and Peter Criss (drums). Distinguished by face paint, elaborate costumes, and pyrotechnic stage shows. Each member's persona — the Demon, the Starchild, the Spaceman, the Catman — became an iconic visual identity.

Their commercial breakthrough came with the live double album Alive! (1975). Subsequent peak releases include Destroyer (1976) and Dynasty (1979). The original lineup splintered through the early 1980s; the band performed without makeup from 1983-1996. The classic four-member lineup reunited in costume from 1996-2002, then reverted to a Stanley/Simmons-led configuration. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. Final tour ended December 2023.