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Kiss discography
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
| Kiss discography | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Studio albums | 20 |
| EPs | 2 |
| Live albums | 13 |
| Compilation albums | 14 |
| Tribute albums | 8 |
| Singles | 67 |
| Reissues | 3 |
| Box set albums | 8 |
| '78 solo albums | 4 |
| Instant Live albums | 3 |
The American rock band Kiss has released 20 studio albums (24 counting the unified 1978 solo albums), 13 live albums, 2 extended play and 67 singles. Formed in New York City in 1973, the group initially consisted of bassist Gene Simmons, rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley, lead guitarist Ace Frehley, and drummer Peter Criss; this most recognizable and successful lineup lasted until Criss' departure in 1980. The band is known for its makeup and on-stage antics, which influenced many artists who later used similar effects in their concerts. Stanley and Simmons were the only members to feature on every studio and live album during their entire run.
The band's eponymous debut album, released in 1974, did not have a hit single and rose only as high as 87 on Billboard, despite significant touring and promotion.[1] The follow-up album, Hotter Than Hell (1974), was a bigger disappointment, peaking at 100 and quickly dropping off the charts. It rebounded in Canada peaking at number 29 in June 1976.[1] Dressed to Kill, released in 1975, was a much bigger success, breaking into the top 40, but the band's record label, Casablanca Records, was close to bankruptcy and needed a commercial breakthrough. This would later be achieved with both Kiss' and Casablanca's first top-10 album, the double live album Alive!, which featured the number 12 hit "Rock and Roll All Nite".[1][2] The next three albums, Destroyer, Rock and Roll Over, and Love Gun were successful, achieving Platinum status and spawning Top-20 singles (including the number 7 ballad "Beth", the band's highest-charting single in the US).[1][2]
Their seventh studio release, Dynasty, while being a musical departure, was a global success, thanks largely to the worldwide hit "I Was Made for Lovin' You". The next three albums, Unmasked, Music from "The Elder" and Creatures of the Night, were domestic commercial failures, even as the band maintained popularity in many other parts of the world. Lick It Up was the first album featuring the band without makeup and was certified gold. Their next studio releases (Animalize; Asylum; Crazy Nights; Smashes, Thrashes & Hits) were more successful and Kiss recaptured some of their earlier glory (though not to the level of their 1970s heyday). Hot in the Shade was the lowest charting album of the unmasked era in the US, despite the success of the top-10 power ballad "Forever".[2]
With their 16th studio release, Revenge, Kiss attempted to modernize their sound for the 1990s with heavier songs. The album initially charted at number 6 on the Billboard 200,[1] and quickly reached Gold status in the US.[2] 1997's Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions was released after the reunion tour and did not receive much promotion. It has yet to be certified Gold in the US despite the album's lone single "Jungle" reaching number 8 on the US Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.[2] Followed by a highly successful reunion, in 1998 Psycho Circus was released and was a moderate success. Their first album in 11 years, Sonic Boom, was released in 2009.[1] The band released their 20th and final studio album, Monster, on October 9, 2012.[3] To date, Kiss has had 25 million copies certified by the RIAA in the United States.[4] The band has 30 gold albums as of July 2015.
The Kiss discography also includes a large number of unofficial bootleg releases.[5] Most of them are live performances—audience recordings, radio broadcasts or soundboard recordings—but there are also unofficial releases featuring unreleased studio recordings.[6] Some bootlegs are known to include fake "Kiss" songs recorded by other bands.[7]
Albums
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Release | Title | Peak chart positions | Certifications | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [1] |
AUS [8] |
CAN [9] |
GER [10] |
NLD [11] |
NZ [12] |
NOR [13] |
SWE [14] |
UK [15][16] | |||
| 1974 | Kiss
|
87 | — | 82 | — | — | 38 | — | — | — | |
Hotter Than Hell
|
100 | 98 | 91 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| |
| 1975 | Dressed to Kill
|
32 | — | 26 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
|
| 1976 | Destroyer
|
11 | 6 | 6 | 16 | 68 | 16 | 25 | 4 | 22 |
|
Rock and Roll Over
|
11 | 16 | 7 | 39 | — | — | — | 9 | — |
| |
| 1977 | Love Gun
|
4 | 13 | 3 | 18 | — | — | — | 6 | — | |
| 1979 | Dynasty
|
9 | 2 | 6 | 13 | 1 | 2 | 34 | 17 | 50 | |
| 1980 | Unmasked
|
35 | 3 | 12 | 4 | 13 | 1 | 1 | 17 | 48 | |
| 1981 | Music from "The Elder"
|
75 | 11 | — | 10 | 39 | — | 7 | 19 | 51 |
|
| 1982 | Creatures of the Night
|
45 | 33 | — | 42 | 34 | — | 31 | 22 | 22 |
|
| 1983 | Lick It Up
|
24 | 36 | 46 | 18 | 14 | — | 7 | 3 | 7 | |
| 1984 | Animalize
|
19 | 40 | 41 | 25 | 17 | — | 14 | 8 | 11 | |
| 1985 | Asylum
|
20 | 89 | 54 | 43 | 34 | — | 11 | 3 | 12 | |
| 1987 | Crazy Nights
|
18 | 24 | 21 | 44 | 44 | — | 8 | 11 | 4 | |
| 1989 | Hot in the Shade
|
29 | 30 | 46 | 46 | — | — | 8 | 29 | 35 | |
| 1992 | Revenge
|
6 | 5 | 11 | 16 | 46 | — | 4 | 10 | 10 | |
| 1997 | Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions
|
27 | 54 | 32 | 36 | 66 | — | 23 | 29 | — | |
| 1998 | Psycho Circus
|
3 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 51 | — | 4 | 1 | 47 | |
| 2009 | Sonic Boom
|
2 | 22 | 2 | 4 | 13 | — | 2 | 3 | 24 | |
| 2012 | Monster
|
3 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 17 | — | 2 | 4 | 21 | |
1978 solo albums
[edit]| Release | Title | Peak chart positions | Certifications | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [1] |
AUS [8] |
CAN [9] | |||
| 1978 | Gene Simmons
|
22 | 32 | 21 | |
Ace Frehley
|
26 | 48 | 34 | ||
Peter Criss
|
43 | 59 | 52 | ||
Paul Stanley
|
40 | 58 | 43 | ||
Live albums
[edit]| Release | Title | Peak chart positions | Certifications | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [1] |
AUS [8] |
CAN [9] |
GER [10] |
NOR [13] |
SWE [14] |
UK [15] | |||
| 1975 | Alive!
|
9 | 13 | 3 | — | 31 | 22 | 49 | |
| 1977 | Alive II
|
7 | 17 | 5 | — | — | 28 | 60 | |
| 1993 | Alive III
|
9 | 14 | 9 | 57 | 15 | 20 | 24 | |
| 1996 | Kiss Unplugged
|
15 | 4 | 15 | 47 | 9 | 5 | 74 | |
You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best!!
|
17 | 26 | 34 | — | 29 | 25 | — |
| |
| 2003 | Kiss Symphony: Alive IV
|
18 | 14 | 10 | 15 | 5 | 23 | — |
|
| 2006 | Alive! The Millennium Concert
|
167 | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| 2016 | Kiss Rocks Vegas
|
— | — | — | 24 | — | — | — | |
| 2021 | Off the Soundboard – Tokyo 2001
|
192 [39] |
— | — | 21 | — | — | — | |
| 2022 | Off the Soundboard: Live in Virginia Beach 2004
|
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| 2022 | Off the Soundboard: Live at Donington 1996
|
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| 2022 | Off the Soundboard: Des Moines 1977
|
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| 2023 | Off the Soundboard: Live In Poughkeepsie, NY 1984
|
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| 2025 | Off the Soundboard: HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, Texas - December 3, 1985
|
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
Instant Live album series
[edit]| Release | Title |
|---|---|
| 2004 | Instant Live
|
| 2008 | Alive 35
|
| 2010 | Sonic Boom Over Europe
|
Compilation albums
[edit]| Release | Title | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Newly released content | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [1] |
AUS [8] |
CAN [9][40] |
GER [10] |
NOR [13] |
SWE [14] |
UK [15] | ||||
| 1978 | Double Platinum
|
22 | 17 | 15 | — | — | — | — | Yes | |
| 1982 | Killers
|
— | 21 | — | 10 | 6 | 41 | — |
|
Yes |
| 1988 | Chikara
|
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | Yes | |
Smashes, Thrashes & Hits
|
21 | 38 | 53 | 65 | 13 | 30 | 62 | Yes | ||
| 1997 | Greatest Kiss
|
77 | 11 | — | 64 | 25 | 3 | 58 | Yes | |
| 1999 | Greatest Hits
|
— | — | — | — | — | — | — |
|
No |
| 2002 | The Very Best of Kiss
|
52 | 61 | 33 | 80 | 16 | 30 | — | No | |
| 2003 | The Millennium Collection: The Best of Kiss
|
132 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
|
No |
| 2004 | The Best of Kiss, Volume 2: The Millennium Collection
|
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | No | |
| 2005 | Gold
|
— | — | 200 | — | — | — | — | No | |
| 2006 | The Best of Kiss, Volume 3: The Millennium Collection
|
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | No | |
| 2008 | Jigoku-Retsuden
|
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | Yes | |
| 2014 | Kiss 40
|
30 | 31 | — | — | — | — | — |
|
Yes |
| 2017 | Kissworld: The Best of Kiss
|
— | 60 | — | 37 | — | — | 18 |
|
No |
Box sets
[edit]| Release | Title | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Newly released content | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [1] |
CAN [9] |
SWE [14] | ||||
| 1976 | The Originals
|
36 | 54 | — | No | |
| 1978 | The Originals II
|
— | — | — | No | |
| 2001 | The Box Set
|
128 | — | — |
|
Yes |
| 2005 | Kiss Chronicles: 3 Classic Albums
|
— | — | — | No | |
| 2006 | Kiss Alive! 1975–2000
|
167 | — | — | Yes | |
| 2008 | Ikons
|
— | — | 42 | No | |
| 2012 | The Casablanca Singles 1974–1982
|
— | — | — | No | |
| 2014 | Kissteria – The Ultimate Vinyl Case
|
— | — | — | No | |
| 2018 | Kiss – The Solo Albums 40th Anniversary Collection
|
— | — | — | No | |
| 2025 | Dressed to Kill - 50th Anniversary Set
|
— | — | — | Yes | |
Extended plays
[edit]| Release | Title |
|---|---|
1974
|
Nothin' to Lose
|
1978
|
Strutter '78 (MX only)
|
Singles
[edit]| Release | Title | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [2] |
US Rock [44] |
AUS [8] |
CAN [9] |
GER [10] |
NZ [45] |
SWE [14] |
UK [15] | ||||
| February 18, 1974 | "Nothin' to Lose" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Kiss | |
| May 10, 1974 | "Kissin' Time" | 83 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| August 10, 1974 | "Strutter" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| October 22, 1974 | "Let Me Go, Rock and Roll" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Hotter Than Hell | |
| April 2, 1975 | "Rock and Roll All Nite" | 68 | — | — | 74 | — | — | — | — |
|
Dressed to Kill |
| July 10, 1975 | "C'mon and Love Me" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| October 14, 1975 | "Rock and Roll All Nite" (live) | 12 | — | 18 | 13 | — | — | — | — | Alive! | |
| March 1, 1976 | "Shout It Out Loud" (edit) | 31 | — | 45 | 1 | 32 | 40 | 16 | — | Destroyer | |
| April 30, 1976 | "Flaming Youth" (edit) | 74 | — | — | 73 | — | — | — | — | ||
| July 28, 1976 | "Detroit Rock City" | — | — | — | 99 | 14 | — | — | — | ||
| August 11, 1976 | "Beth" | 7 | — | 79 | 5 | — | — | — | — | ||
| November 1, 1976 | "Hard Luck Woman" | 15 | — | 67 | 15 | 34 | — | — | — | Rock and Roll Over | |
| February 13, 1977 | "Calling Dr. Love" (edit) | 16 | — | 93 | 2 | — | — | — | — | ||
| June 1, 1977 | "Christine Sixteen" | 25 | — | 99 | 22 | 46 | — | — | — | Love Gun | |
| July 31, 1977 | "Love Gun" | 61 | — | — | 41 | — | — | — | — | ||
| September 30, 1977 | "Then She Kissed Me" | — | — | 78 | — | — | — | — | 53[A] | ||
| November 29, 1977 | "Shout It Out Loud" (live) | 54 | — | — | 74 | — | — | — | — | Alive II | |
| February 22, 1978 | "Rocket Ride" (edit) | 39 | — | — | 46 | — | — | — | — | ||
| April 2, 1978 | "Strutter '78" (alternate version) | — | — | 89 | — | — | — | — | — | Double Platinum | |
| May 20, 1979 | "I Was Made for Lovin' You" (edit) | 11 | — | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 19 | 50 | Dynasty | |
| September 30, 1979 | "Sure Know Something" | 47 | — | 4 | 48 | 25[A] | 11 | — | — | ||
| 1979 | "Dirty Livin'" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1979[50] | "Best of Solo Albums" (MX only) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single | |
| January 1980 | "Magic Touch" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Dynasty | |
| February 1980 | "2,000 Man" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| June 1, 1980 | "Shandi" | 47 | — | 5 | 70 | 28 | 6 | — | — | Unmasked | |
| August 24, 1980 | "Talk to Me" | — | — | 39 | — | 32 | — | — | — | ||
| November 1, 1980 | "Tomorrow" | — | — | — | — | 70 | — | — | — | ||
| 1980 | "Is That You" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1980 | "What Makes the World Go 'Round" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| November 17, 1981 | "A World Without Heroes" | 56 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 55 | Music from "The Elder" | |
| November 17, 1981 | "I" | — | — | 24 | — | 62 | — | — | — | ||
| January 25, 1982 | "The Oath" (JP only) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| October 13, 1982 | "I Love It Loud" | 102 | — | 76 | 45 | — | — | — | — | Creatures of the Night | |
| December 12, 1982 | "Killer" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 130[51] | ||
| March 1, 1983 | "Creatures of the Night" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 34 | ||
| September 18, 1983 | "Lick It Up" | 66 | 19 | 82 | 32 | — | — | — | 31 | Lick It Up | |
| February 6, 1984 | "All Hell's Breakin' Loose" (edit) | — | — | — | — | 71 | — | — | — | ||
| September 19, 1984 | "Heaven's on Fire" | 49 | 11 | 62 | 46 | — | — | 19 | 43 | Animalize | |
| January 13, 1985 | "Thrills in the Night" (edit) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| September 9, 1985 | "Tears Are Falling" | 51 | 20 | — | 83 | — | — | — | 57 | Asylum | |
| August 18, 1987 | "Crazy Crazy Nights" | 65 | 37 | 34 | — | — | — | — | 4 |
|
Crazy Nights |
| November 12, 1987 | "Reason to Live" | 64 | 34 | 85 | — | — | — | — | 33 | ||
| February 27, 1988 | "Turn On the Night" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 41 | ||
| October 11, 1988 | "Let's Put the X in Sex" | 97 | — | 49 | — | — | — | — | — | Smashes, Thrashes & Hits | |
| March 3, 1989 | "(You Make Me) Rock Hard" | — | — | 101 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| October 17, 1989 | "Hide Your Heart" | 66 | 22 | 60 | 92 | — | — | — | 59 | Hot in the Shade | |
| January 5, 1990 | "Forever" (Remix) | 8 | 17 | 73 | 18 | — | — | — | 65 | ||
| April 1, 1990 | "Rise to It" (Remix) | 81 | 40 | 144 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| August 22, 1991 | "God Gave Rock 'n' Roll to You II" | — | 21 | 18 | — | 9 | — | 24 | 4 | Revenge | |
| May 4, 1992 | "Unholy" | — | — | — | — | 26 | — | 19 | 26 | ||
| 1992 | "Domino" (radio edit) | — | 26 | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1992 | "I Just Wanna" (Radio EQ) | — | 34 | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1992 | "Every Time I Look at You" | — | — | — | — | — | — | 31 | — | ||
| May 8, 1993 | "I Love It Loud" (live) | — | 22 | — | — | — | — | — | — | Alive III | |
| 1996 | "Rock and Roll All Nite" (Unplugged) | — | 13 | — | 57 | — | — | — | — | Kiss Unplugged | |
| 1997 | "Jungle" (radio edit) | — | 8 | — | — | — | — | — | — | Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions | |
| August 8, 1998 | "Psycho Circus" (edit) | — | 1 | 22 | 10 | — | — | 4 | — | Psycho Circus | |
| 1998 | "We Are One" (radio edit) | — | — | 40 | — | — | — | 31 | — | ||
| 1998 | "I Finally Found My Way" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| November 23, 1998 | "You Wanted the Best" | — | 22 | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| August 19, 2009 | "Modern Day Delilah" | — | 34[52] | — | — | — | — | 42 | — | Sonic Boom | |
| December 8, 2009 | "Say Yeah" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| June 11, 2010 | "Never Enough" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| July 2, 2012 | "Hell or Hallelujah" | — | 36[53] | — | — | — | — | — | — | Monster | |
| October 23, 2012 | "Long Way Down" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| January 28, 2015 | "Yume no Ukiyo ni Saite Mi na" (with Momoiro Clover Z) (JP only)[B] | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Hakkin no Yoake (by Momoiro Clover Z) | |
- A ^ The single was first released with "Dirty Livin'" as the A-side and "Sure Know Something" as the B-side when it reached no. 25, and later released with "Sure Know Something" as the A-side and "Dirty Livin'" as the B-side.
The singles "Beth" and "I Was Made for Lovin' You" have been certified Gold by the RIAA and CRIA.[54][55] The single "Psycho Circus" has been certified Gold by the IFPI Sweden.[56]
'78 solo singles
[edit]| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Radioactive" (edit) | 1978 | Gene Simmons |
| "Hold Me, Touch Me (Think of Me When We're Apart)" | Paul Stanley | |
| "New York Groove" | Ace Frehley | |
| "Don't You Let Me Down" | Peter Criss | |
| "You Matter to Me" |
Other appearances
[edit]Album appearances
[edit]| Year | Song | Album | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | "Nothing Can Keep Me from You" | Detroit Rock City | written by Dianne Warren |
| 2003 | "Do You Remember Rock 'n' Roll Radio?" | We're a Happy Family: A Tribute to Ramones | Ramones cover |
| 2014 | "Venus and Mars/Rock Show" | The Art of McCartney | Wings cover |
Unreleased on album
[edit]- 2015: Scooby-Doo! and Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery - "Don't Touch My Ascot"
Videography
[edit]Video albums
[edit]| Year | Title | Certifications |
|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Animalize Live Uncensored
|
|
| 1987 | Exposed
|
|
| 1988 | Crazy Nights
|
|
| 1992 | X-treme Close-Up
|
|
| 1993 | Kiss Konfidential
|
|
| 1994 | Kiss My Ass: The Video
|
|
| 1996 | Kiss Unplugged
|
|
| 1998 | Psycho Circus 3-D Video
|
|
The Second Coming
|
||
| 2003 | Kiss Symphony: The DVD
|
|
| 2005 | Rock the Nation Live!
|
|
| 2006 | Kissology Volume One: 1974–1977
|
|
| 2007 | Kissology Volume Two: 1978–1991
|
|
Kissology Volume Three: 1992–2000
|
| |
| 2016 | Kiss Rocks Vegas
|
— |
Films
[edit]| Year | Film | Director(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park | Gordon Hessler |
| 1999 | Detroit Rock City | Adam Rifkin |
| 2015 | Scooby-Doo! and Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery | Spike Brandt and Tony Cervone |
TV series
[edit]In 2010 Love theme from Kiss appeared in the movie Somewhere, directed by Sofia Coppola.
- Kiss in the 1998 Millennium episode "...Thirteen Years Later", both as the band and as other characters out of makeup.
- Kiss was also featured in the Family Guy episodes "A Very Special Family Guy Freakin' Christmas" and "Road to Europe".
- In 2002, Kiss filmed a music video with the cast of the popular sitcom That '70s Show to announce that the show was going into syndication. The half-hour special showed behind the scenes of the making of the video. The half-hour special, called That '70s Kiss Show, aired on VH1.
- Gene Simmons makes a cameo appearance in the 2008 movie Detroit Metal City (a live action adaptation of the manga of the same name) as Jack ill Dark, a legendary Black metal guitarist from the United States.
- Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley appeared as themselves in the 2009 Fairly OddParents episode "Wishology Part 1: The Big Beginning."
- Kiss appeared on the season finale of American Idol in 2009 and 2014 during results shows in which they performed with Adam Lambert and Caleb Johnson.
- Gene Simmons appears as himself on the CSI: Crime Scene Investigation episode "Long Road Home".
- Gene Simmons makes an appearance on Castle, in the episode "To Love and Die in L.A." as a friend of the murder victim whose case Castle and Beckett investigate.
- Gene Simmons appears as himself on Angie Tribeca episode "Inside Man" in 2016.
- They also appear in an episode of What's New, Scooby-Doo? performing as themselves, they later appeared in the Scooby-Doo movie Scooby-Doo! and Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery.
- Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley appear in the 2016 comedy film Why Him? as themselves.
- In 1976 Kiss appeared in The Paul Lynde Halloween Special as themselves.
- In 1998, Kiss appeared on the Mad TV Halloween special, performing comedy skits, but not singing.
Music videos
[edit]Lyric videos
[edit]| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2012 | "Hell or Hallelujah" |
| 2013 | "Right Here Right Now" |
Tribute albums
[edit]| Release | Title |
|---|---|
| 1990 | Hard to Believe: A Kiss Covers Compilation
|
| 1994 | Kiss My Ass: Classic Kiss Regrooved
|
| 2003 | Kiss My Grass: A Hillbilly Tribute to Kiss
|
A Tribute to the Creatures of the Night
| |
| 2004 | Spin the Bottle: An All-Star Tribute to Kiss
|
| 2005 | Gods of Thunder: A Norwegian Tribute to Kiss
|
| 2008 | Lick It Up – A Millennium Tribute to Kiss
|
Kiss My Ankh
|
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]- ^ Chart position is from the official UK "Breakers List".
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k allmusic ((( Kiss > Charts & Awards > Billboard Albums )))
- ^ a b c d e f "Kiss Chart History: Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved November 28, 2021.
- ^ Jones, Emma (May 11, 2010). "Kiss: still rocking hard". BBC News. Retrieved June 27, 2011.
- ^ "RIAA Top Selling Artists". Recording Industry Association of America. Archived from the original on July 25, 2013. Retrieved June 27, 2011.
- ^ Spinner', Dylan Peggin AKA 'The Record (February 25, 2021). "A Guide to KISS Bootlegs: The Clubs & KISS Tour 1973-74". vwmusicrocks.com. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
- ^ "Kiss". Bootlegpedia. August 1, 2011. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
- ^ "Outtakes from The Elder | Kiss Army Sweden | Destroyer | Destroyer Alive" (in Swedish). Retrieved November 9, 2022.[dead link]
- ^ a b c d e Australian Kiss chart positions:
- Peaks to June 5, 1988 except noted: Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992. St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. ISBN 0-646-11917-6. N.B. The top 50 portion of the Kent Music Report chart was licensed by ARIA between mid-1983 and June 5, 1988.
- "Sure Know Something": "Kent Music Report No 288 – 31 December 1979 > National Top 100 Singles for 1979". Kent Music Report. Retrieved July 15, 2024 – via Imgur.com. N.B. David Kent's 1970–1992 Australian chart book and the Kent Music Report end of year chart for 1980 erroneously list the peak for "Sure Know Something" as number 5.
- Top 50 peaks after June 5, 1988: "australian-charts.com - Discography KISS". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 10, 2014.
- "Hide Your Heart": Scott, Gavin. "This Week In 1989: November 19, 1989". chartbeats.com.au. Archived from the original on September 23, 2020. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- Top 100 peaks from January 1990 to December 2010: Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (pdf ed.). Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 156.
- "(You Make Me) Rock Hard": "Week commencing 24 July 1989". Retrieved February 11, 2022.
- "Rise to It": "Week commencing 10 September 1990". Retrieved February 11, 2022.
- Kissworld: "ARIA Chart Watch #513". auspOp. February 23, 2019. Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved February 23, 2019.
- ^ a b c d e f "Search - RPM - Library and Archives Canada". collectionscanada.gc.ca. Retrieved August 9, 2011.
- ^ a b c d "Discographie Kiss". GfK Entertainment. Retrieved April 4, 2019.
- ^ "Discographie KISS". dutchcharts.nl. Hung Medien. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
- ^ "Discography KISS". charts.org.nz. Hung Medien. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
- ^ a b c "Norwegian albums and singles database for Kiss". Lista.vg.no. Archived from the original on August 17, 2005. Retrieved November 11, 2011.
- ^ a b c d e Hung, Steffen. "Swedish albums and singles database for Kiss". Swedishcharts.com. Retrieved November 11, 2011.
- ^ a b c d "UK album and singles database for Kiss". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 11, 2011.
- ^ "UK search:Kiss albums". EveryHit.co.uk. Retrieved September 24, 2008.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "Certified Kiss Awards
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y "American certifications – Kiss". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
- ^ a b "Canadian Kisses". Cash Box. August 20, 1977. p. 57. Retrieved July 10, 2024.[dead link]
- ^ a b "Kent Music Report No 341 – 5 January 1981 > Platinum and Gold Albums 1980". Kent Music Report. Retrieved December 26, 2022 – via Imgur.com.
- ^ a b "Goud/Platina". Archived from the original on July 4, 2018. Retrieved September 25, 2018.
- ^ "The Official New Zealand Music Chart".
- ^ "Kiss in 1980. Receiving a gold sales award for Unmasked from Norway 🇳🇴 whilst touring in Europe". Facebook.
- ^ "The Official New Zealand Music Chart".
- ^ "Kiss in 1980. Receiving a gold sales award for Unmasked from Norway 🇳🇴 whilst touring in Europe". Facebook.
- ^ a b IFPI Gold and Platinum Search for albums by Kiss Archived September 21, 2012, at the Wayback Machine Retrieved June 27, 2011.
- ^ "Bonhams : Kiss: A 'Gold' Award for the album Crazy Nights, 1987".
- ^ a b "Veckolista Album - Vecka 31". August 3, 2012. Retrieved August 8, 2012.
- ^ "Certified Gene Simmons Awards
- ^ "American certifications – Gene Simmons". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
- ^ "Certified Ace Frehley Awards
- ^ "American certifications – Ace Frehley". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
- ^ "Certified Peter Criss Awards
- ^ "American certifications – Peter Criss". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
- ^ "Certified Paul Stanley Awards
- ^ "American certifications – Paul Stanley". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
- ^ "Aussie Kiss" (PDF). Cash Box. March 6, 1976. p. 49. Retrieved November 15, 2021 – via World Radio History.
- ^ a b c CAPIF Gold and Platinum Search for albums by Kiss[permanent dead link] Retrieved June 27, 2011.
- ^ @billboardcharts (June 21, 2021). "Debuts on this week's #Billboard200 (4/4)..." (Tweet). Retrieved June 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ Peak position for Gold on Canadian Albums Chart: "ALBUMS : Top 100". Retrieved May 1, 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ^ "Gold & Platinum Certification – 1997". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved June 27, 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f "British certifications – Kiss". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved June 24, 2024. Type Kiss in the "Search:" field.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "American certifications – Kiss". Recording Industry Association of America.
- ^ "Kiss Chart History: Mainstream Rock". Billboard. Retrieved November 28, 2021.
- ^ Recording Industry Association of New Zealand. "charts.nz – Kiss – Kiss in New Zealand Charts". charts.nz. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
- ^ a b "Gold & Platinum - RIAA". RIAA. Retrieved September 11, 2018.
- ^ a b "Gold/Platinum". February 1978.
- ^ "一般社団法人 日本レコード協会".
- ^ "Certificazioni - FIMI".
- ^ "KISS - Best Of Solo Albums". Dutch Charts. Retrieved May 6, 2025.
- ^ "UK Singles Charts: 1983 (Including chart panel sales)". March 14, 2022.
- ^ "Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks Hell or Hallelujah".
- ^ "Kissfaq single chart Hell or Hallelujah".
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ^ "RIAA Gold and Platinum Search for singles by Kiss". Riaa.com. Retrieved November 11, 2011.
- ^ "Music Canada Gold and Platinum Search for singles by Kiss". musiccanada.com.com. Archived from the original on February 25, 2012. Retrieved November 11, 2011.
- ^ "IFPI Sweden list of certificates 1987-1998" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on July 25, 2011. Retrieved June 27, 2011.
- ^ "夢の浮世に咲いてみな【ももクロ盤】". Oricon. Retrieved November 25, 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f "Canadian certifications – Kiss". Music Canada.
- ^ "Accreditations - ARIA".
- ^ CAPIF Gold and Platinum Search for videos by Kiss[permanent dead link] Retrieved November 15, 2011.
- ^ "Accreditations - ARIA".
- ^ "Accreditations - ARIA".
External links
[edit]- Official discography
- Kiss discography at Discogs
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Kiss discography
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Albums
Studio albums
Kiss, the American hard rock band formed in 1973, released their first studio album in 1974 and continued producing original studio material as a collective until 2012, resulting in 20 studio albums. These albums reflect the band's evolution from raw, high-energy rock to more polished productions, with significant commercial success in the United States, where they have earned 30 gold album certifications from the RIAA as of 2015.[4] The studio discography is characterized by periods of heavy makeup and theatricality, unmasked hard rock, and reunion-era returns to classic sounds, all under major labels like Casablanca and Mercury Records. The band's early studio albums, produced during their iconic makeup era from 1974 to 1983, established Kiss as arena rock pioneers, with sales driven by live performances and merchandise. Later albums in the non-makeup era (1983–1996) shifted toward 1980s hair metal influences, while the reunion phase (1996–2012) saw a return to roots with original members, culminating in independent releases. No new studio album has been released since 2012, as the band shifted focus to touring, including their 2023 End of the Road farewell tour.[1] The following table lists all 20 studio albums chronologically, including release dates, labels, peak positions on the Billboard 200, and RIAA certifications where applicable. Chart data is sourced from Billboard archives, and certifications from the RIAA database.[5]| Title | Release Date | Label | Billboard 200 Peak | RIAA Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kiss | February 18, 1974 | Casablanca | 87 | Gold (500,000) |
| Hotter Than Hell | October 22, 1974 | Casablanca | 100 | Gold (500,000) |
| Dressed to Kill | March 19, 1975 | Casablanca | 32 | Gold (500,000) |
| Destroyer | March 15, 1976 | Casablanca | 11 | 2× Platinum (2,000,000) |
| Rock and Roll Over | November 11, 1976 | Casablanca | 11 | Platinum (1,000,000) |
| Love Gun | June 30, 1977 | Casablanca | 4 | Platinum (1,000,000) |
| Dynasty | May 23, 1979 | Casablanca | 9 | Platinum (1,000,000) |
| Unmasked | May 20, 1980 | Casablanca | 35 | Gold (500,000) |
| Music from "The Elder" | November 16, 1981 | Casablanca | 75 | - |
| Creatures of the Night | October 28, 1982 | Casablanca | 45 | Gold (500,000) |
| Lick It Up | September 18, 1983 | Mercury | 24 | Platinum (1,000,000) |
| Animalize | September 13, 1984 | Mercury | 19 | Platinum (1,000,000) |
| Asylum | September 16, 1985 | Mercury | 20 | Gold (500,000) |
| Crazy Nights | September 18, 1987 | Mercury | 18 | Platinum (1,000,000) |
| Hot in the Shade | October 20, 1989 | Mercury | 29 | Gold (500,000) |
| Revenge | May 19, 1992 | Mercury | 6 | Gold (500,000) |
| Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions | October 28, 1997 | Mercury | 27 | - |
| Psycho Circus | October 28, 1998 | Mercury | 3 | Gold (500,000) |
| Sonic Boom | August 5, 2009 | Kiss/Universal | 2 | Gold (500,000) |
| Monster | October 9, 2012 | Kiss/Universal | 23 | - |
1978 solo albums
In 1978, during a creative hiatus following the band's Love Gun album, the four members of Kiss—Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss—simultaneously released solo albums on September 18 as a contractual obligation to Casablanca Records. This unprecedented project allowed each artist to pursue individual musical interests outside the band's hard rock framework, resulting in diverse styles ranging from pop and jazz influences to bluesy rock. The albums were marketed aggressively, with packaging that echoed Kiss's iconic visual style, each featuring the respective member's face in full makeup on the cover. The four albums collectively shipped approximately four million copies upon launch, and have sold over two million copies worldwide. Each earned an RIAA platinum certification on October 2, 1978, for one million units shipped in the United States.[4] These efforts introduced fans to non-Kiss material while bridging to the band's return with Dynasty in 1979, and select tracks later appeared as singles detailed in the dedicated section below. Gene Simmons showcased the bassist's eclectic tastes, blending rock with cabaret and doo-wop elements, produced by Simmons himself with engineering by Dave Wittman and Ron Johnsen. Notable guest appearances included Aerosmith's Joe Perry on guitar for "Radioactive," Cher providing backing vocals on "Living in Sin," Bob Seger and Donna Summer on backing vocals, Cheap Trick's Rick Nielsen on guitar, and contributions from Helen Reddy, Janis Ian, and Katey Sagal. The album peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard 200 chart. Its track listing is as follows:- "Radioactive" (3:48)
- "Burning Up with Fever" (4:12)
- "See You Tonite" (2:08)
- "Tunnel of Love" (3:49)
- "True Confessions" (3:32)
- "Living in Sin" (3:52)
- "Always Near You/Nowhere to Hide" (4:13)
- "Man of 1,000 Faces" (3:17)
- "Tonight You Belong to Me" (4:40)
- "Move On" (3:11)
- "Ain't Quite Right" (3:36)
- "Wouldn't You Like to Know Me" (3:19)
- "Take Me Away (Together as One)" (5:35)
- "It's Alright" (3:35)
- "Hold Me, Touch Me (Think of Me When We're Apart)" (4:25)
- "Love in Chains" (3:26)
- "I Want You (Come Walk with Me)" (3:23)
- "Rip It Out" (3:40)
- "Speedin' Back to My Baby" (3:37)
- "Snow Blind" (3:55)
- "Ozone" (4:40)
- "What's on Your Mind?" (4:00)
- "New York Groove" (3:03)
- "I'm in Need of Love" (4:31)
- "Wakin' Up" (3:54)
- "Fractured Mirror" (5:26)
- "I'm Gonna Love You" (3:19)
- "You Matter to Me" (3:17)
- "Tossin' and Turnin'" (4:01)
- "Don't You Let Me Down" (3:43)
- "That's the Kind of Sugar Papa Likes" (2:53)
- "Easy Thing" (3:55)
- "Rock Me, Baby" (3:53)
- "Kiss the Girl Goodbye" (3:15)
- "Hooked on Rock 'n' Roll" (3:09)
- "I Can't Stop the Rain" (4:26)
Live albums
Kiss's live albums serve as audio documents of the band's explosive stage shows, highlighting their makeup-clad spectacle, guitar solos, and crowd interaction from tours spanning five decades. The series began with the double album Alive!, which captured performances from the Dressed to Kill Tour in 1975 at venues in Detroit, Michigan, and Quad City, Iowa, featuring extended versions of hits like "Rock and Roll All Nite" and "Strutter" that emphasized the raw energy absent in studio recordings.[1] This release peaked at number 9 on the Billboard 200 and was certified 2× Platinum by the RIAA for sales over 2 million copies in the U.S.[6][7] The early live albums reflected Kiss's 1970s heyday of theatrical rock, with setlists heavy on anthems from their debut through Love Gun, including pyrotechnics-simulating crowd roars and Ace Frehley's guitar fireworks. Alive II (1977), recorded during the Love Gun Tour at venues like the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland, combined live tracks with two new studio songs, reaching number 7 on the Billboard 200 and earning 2× Platinum status.[1][6][7] Later entries like Alive III (1993), from the Revenge Tour at the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, documented the non-makeup era with a setlist blending classics and newer material, peaking at number 9 and certified Gold.[1][6][7]| Title | Release Date | Recording Context | Key Tracks | Billboard 200 Peak | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alive! | September 10, 1975 | Dressed to Kill Tour (Detroit, MI; Quad City, IA) | "Rock and Roll All Nite," "Deuce," "Black Diamond" | #9 | 2× Platinum (RIAA) |
| Alive II | October 24, 1977 | Love Gun Tour (Landover, MD; Baton Rouge, LA) | "I Stole Your Love," "God of Thunder," "Shout It Out Loud" | #7 | 2× Platinum (RIAA) |
| Alive III | May 18, 1993 | Revenge Tour (Pittsburgh, PA) | "Creatures of the Night," "I Love It Loud," "Forever" | #9 | Gold (RIAA) |
| Kiss Unplugged | November 5, 1996 | MTV Unplugged (Sony Music Studios, New York, NY) | "Acoustic" versions of "Beth," "Sure Know Something," "Goin' Blind" | #20 | Gold (RIAA) |
| You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best!! | December 17, 1996 | Alive/Worldwide Tour (various U.S. venues, 1996-1997) | "Rock and Roll All Nite," "Psycho Circus," "Do You Love Me" | #38 | None |
| Symphony: Alive IV | July 22, 2003 | World Tour with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (Melbourne, Australia) | "Deuce," "Rock and Roll All Nite" with orchestral arrangements | #18 | None |
| Alive! The Millennium Concert | November 7, 2006 | Farewell Tour (Toronto, Canada, December 31, 1999) | "Shout It Out Loud," "Beth," "Detroit Rock City" | Did not chart | None |
| Kiss Rocks Vegas | August 26, 2016 | Residency at Hard Rock Hotel (Las Vegas, NV, 2014-2015) | "I Was Made for Lovin' You," "Crazy Crazy Nights," "Lick It Up" | Did not chart | None |
| Off the Soundboard: Tokyo 2001 | July 9, 2021 | Japanese leg of Farewell Tour (Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan) | "Psycho Circus," "Heaven's on Fire," "Tears Are Falling" | Did not chart | None |
| Off the Soundboard: Live in Virginia Beach | March 11, 2022 | Rock the Nation 2004 Tour (Virginia Beach Amphitheater, VA) | "Love Gun," "100,000 Years," "Black Diamond" | Did not chart | None |
| Off the Soundboard: Live in Donington | July 29, 2022 | Monsters of Rock Festival (Donington Park, UK, 2001) | "Strutter," "Calling Dr. Love," "I Want My Own Doctor" (rarity) | Did not chart | None |
| Off the Soundboard: Live in Des Moines | September 9, 2022 | Alive II Tour (Des Moines, IA, November 29, 1977) | "Detroit Rock City," "Hotter Than Hell," "Shout It Out Loud" | Did not chart | None |
| Off the Soundboard: Live in Poughkeepsie | April 7, 2023 | Animalize Tour (Mid-Hudson Civic Center, Poughkeepsie, NY, November 28, 1984) | "Under the Gun," "War Machine," "Heaven's on Fire" | Did not chart | None |
Compilation albums
Kiss's compilation albums primarily aggregate selections from their extensive studio and live catalog, serving as entry points for fans and highlighting the band's evolution across makeup and non-makeup eras. These releases often include remixes, new recordings, or exclusive tracks to refresh classic material, with several achieving commercial success through certifications and chart placements. Key examples span from early repackagings of debut-era songs to post-reunion retrospectives, emphasizing the group's hard rock anthems. The Originals, released on July 21, 1976, by Casablanca Records, is a three-LP set compiling all tracks from the band's first three studio albums—Kiss (1974), Hotter Than Hell (1974), and Dressed to Kill (1975)—totaling 24 songs without additional content.[11] It peaked at number 36 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA for sales exceeding 1,000,000 units.[12] This release targeted international markets like Canada and Japan alongside the U.S., capitalizing on growing popularity after Destroyer's gold certification.[13] Double Platinum, issued on April 24, 1978, by Casablanca Records, features 20 tracks drawn from the band's initial six studio albums, including hits like "Rock and Roll All Nite" and "Shout It Out Loud," with some remixed for consistency. The double album reached number 22 on the Billboard 200 and earned platinum certification from the RIAA shortly after release.[12] As the band's first proper greatest hits collection, it marked a commercial milestone amid their peak 1970s fame. In the non-makeup era, Killers, released internationally on May 25, 1982, by Casablanca/Phonogram (excluding the U.S.), compiles 12 tracks from 1974–1982 albums, incorporating four new songs such as "I'm a Legend Tonight" and "Down on Your Knees" recorded with guitarist Bob Kulick. Aimed at European and other overseas audiences during the band's transition period, it did not chart in the U.S. but helped maintain momentum post-makeup.[13] Smashes, Thrashes & Hits, released on November 15, 1988, by Mercury Records, aggregates 15 tracks from the 1980s non-makeup catalog, including two new recordings—"Let's Put the X in '88" and "(You Make Me) Rock Hard"—produced with a polished '80s sound.[14] It peaked at number 70 on the Billboard 200 and was certified double platinum by the RIAA in 1996 for over 2,000,000 units sold.[12] This collection encapsulated the band's synth-influenced hits like "Heaven's on Fire" and "Tears Are Falling," bridging their 1980s output. Greatest Kiss, issued on April 8, 1997, by Mercury Records, contains 20 remastered tracks spanning 1974–1996, focusing on core hits such as "Detroit Rock City" and "Psycho Circus" without new material.[15] The single-disc set reached number 62 on the Billboard 200, reflecting renewed interest ahead of the band's makeup reunion.[12] It served as a straightforward retrospective, emphasizing the original lineup's enduring appeal. The Very Best of Kiss, released on August 27, 2002, by Mercury/Universal, compiles 21 tracks from across four decades, prioritizing radio staples like "Strutter" and "I Was Made for Lovin' You" in their original forms. It debuted at number 110 on the Billboard 200 but achieved gold certification from the RIAA on June 15, 2015, for 500,000 units. As an international and thematic overview, it highlighted the band's global hits and was marketed as a definitive single-disc primer. In the post-reunion period, the 2009 Sonic Boom release included a bonus compilation disc titled Manifesto (in select international editions) or Kiss Klassics (in North America), featuring 15 re-recorded versions of classics like "Deuce" and "Rock and Roll All Nite" performed by the reunited lineup.[16] This double-pack format, released October 6, 2009, by Universal, peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200 (driven by the studio disc) and introduced refreshed takes on early material to appeal to new fans. The compilation element underscored the band's 2000s revival strategy. More recently, the Dressed to Kill 50th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition, released in October 2025 by UMG/Island, functions as a reissue-compilation hybrid with 107 tracks across five CDs and a Blu-ray, including the original 1975 album plus 78 unreleased bonus recordings from sessions and live performances.[17] This expansive set aggregates rarities alongside core tracks, celebrating the album's legacy without full box-set archival scope.| Album | Release Date | Tracks | US Peak (Billboard 200) | RIAA Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Originals | July 21, 1976 | 24 | 36 | Platinum |
| Double Platinum | April 24, 1978 | 20 | 22 | Platinum |
| Killers | May 25, 1982 | 12 | N/A (international) | N/A |
| Smashes, Thrashes & Hits | November 15, 1988 | 15 | 70 | Double Platinum |
| Greatest Kiss | April 8, 1997 | 20 | 62 | N/A |
| The Very Best of Kiss | August 27, 2002 | 21 | 110 | Gold |
| Sonic Boom Manifesto (bonus disc) | October 6, 2009 | 15 | 2 (package) | N/A |
| Dressed to Kill 50th Anniversary Super Deluxe | October 2025 | 107 | N/A (recent) | N/A |
Box sets
Kiss has issued several multi-disc box sets throughout its career, serving as comprehensive archival collections that delve into the band's extensive catalog. These releases often feature remastered tracks, unreleased demos, outtakes, alternate mixes, and live recordings, filling significant gaps in the official discography by presenting material not available on standard studio or compilation albums. Such sets cater to collectors and longtime fans, emphasizing the band's evolution from 1970s hard rock origins to later commercial peaks, while including detailed booklets with historical context and rare imagery.[18] One of the earliest major box sets is The Box Set, released on November 20, 2001, by Mercury Records. This 5-CD collection spans 94 tracks across the band's history, including 30 previously unreleased items such as early demos, solo outtakes, and live performances from the 1970s. Accompanied by a 120-page color booklet with track-by-track commentary from Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss, plus rare photos and an essay, it provides deep insight into Kiss's formative years. A limited-edition version packaged in a miniature guitar case enhanced its collector appeal, with copies now commanding premium prices on secondary markets due to its rarity and comprehensive rarities.[19][20] In 2008, Universal Music Group issued Ikons, a 4-CD box set focused exclusively on recordings by the original lineup of Stanley, Simmons, Frehley, and Criss. Remastered for the release, it compiles 63 tracks from their 1970s era, emphasizing hard rock anthems and deeper cuts without later non-original member contributions. Packaged in a gatefold sleeve with a slipcase, the set highlights the classic quartet's songwriting and production, offering fans alternate perspectives on iconic material through selected mixes and B-sides.[21] The 2014 anniversary marked two significant audio-focused box sets. Kiss 40 (Decades of Decibels) is a 2-CD compilation celebrating the band's 40th year, featuring 40 remastered tracks drawn from across their studio output, including hits like "Rock and Roll All Night" and "Detroit Rock City" alongside lesser-known selections. Limited editions included bonus memorabilia, underscoring its role in bridging early and modern eras. Complementing this, Kissteria: The Ultimate Vinyl Road Case offers a lavish 34-LP vinyl collection of the complete U.S. discography up to Sonic Boom (2009), with remastered pressings, reproduction posters, a custom turntable mat, and other kollectibles in a road-case format. Limited to 1,000 numbered copies, it holds substantial collector value, often reselling for thousands due to its exhaustive scope and exclusive elements.[22][23][24] Anniversary super deluxe editions have continued this archival trend into the 2020s. The Creatures of the Night 40th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition (2022) comprises 5 CDs with the remastered original album, 34 demos, 26 live tracks from the 1982-1983 tour, and 41 unreleased items, plus an 80-page book and memorabilia, illuminating the album's production challenges and heavy metal shift. Similarly, the Dressed to Kill 50th Anniversary Super Deluxe (2025) offers 5 CDs and a Blu-ray audio disc with 107 tracks (78 unreleased), including session outtakes, alternate mixes, and live recordings from 1975, packaged with a T-shirt and book to contextualize the 1975 breakthrough. Most recently, the Alive! 50th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition, released November 21, 2025, by UMe, features 4 CDs and a Blu-ray with 120 tracks (88 unreleased live cuts from 1975 sessions), a 100-page hardcover book by Ken Sharp, and kollectibles, expanding on the landmark double live album's overdubbed legacy with raw multitrack material.[25][17][26] These sets not only preserve demo and mix variations but also enhance understanding of Kiss's live prowess and studio experimentation.Singles and extended plays
Singles
Kiss released their first single, "Strutter" b/w "100,000 Years," in May 1974, drawn from their self-titled debut album, marking the beginning of a discography that includes over 60 official singles through 2012, mostly in 7-inch vinyl format initially, with later releases shifting to digital downloads. These singles often featured A-sides from studio albums and B-sides with additional tracks, including several double A-sides that highlighted the band's dual lead vocalists, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. While early efforts like "Nothin' to Lose" (June 1974) achieved modest airplay without charting on the Billboard Hot 100, the band gained traction with live versions and ballads, such as "Beth," which became their first Top 10 hit.[27] The following table summarizes key singles across Kiss's career, focusing on commercial releases with notable chart performance on the Billboard Hot 100 (US) and UK Singles Chart, including release years, album origins, formats, and peaks. This selection represents major hits and transitional tracks, with full promotional and international variants numbering in the dozens.| Year | Single (A-side / B-side) | Album | Format | US Peak (Hot 100) | UK Peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Kissin' Time / Nothin' to Lose | Kiss | 7-inch | 83 | - |
| 1975 | Rock and Roll All Nite / Black Diamond | Dressed to Kill | 7-inch | 68 | - |
| 1975 | Rock and Roll All Nite (live) / Hotter Than Hell (live) | Alive! | 7-inch | 12 | - |
| 1976 | Shout It Out Loud / Flaming Youth | Destroyer | 7-inch | 31 | - |
| 1976 | Beth / Detroit Rock City | Destroyer | 7-inch (double A-side) | 7 | - |
| 1976 | Hard Luck Woman / Detroit Rock City | Destroyer | 7-inch (double A-side) | 15 | - |
| 1977 | Calling Doctor Love / Mr. Speed | Rock and Roll Over | 7-inch | 16 | - |
| 1978 | Christine Sixteen / Rocket Ride | Love Gun | 7-inch | 25 | - |
| 1979 | I Was Made for Lovin' You / Sure Know Something | Dynasty | 7-inch (double A-side) | 11 | 50 |
| 1983 | Lick It Up / A World Without Heroes | Lick It Up | 7-inch | 66 | 31 |
| 1984 | Heaven's on Fire / Under the Gun | Animalize | 7-inch | 49 | 43 |
| 1985 | Tears Are Falling / Lonely Is the Hunter | Asylum | 7-inch | 51 | 57 |
| 1987 | Crazy Crazy Nights / Bang Bang | Crazy Nights | 7-inch | 65 | 4 |
| 1990 | Forever / Little Caesar | Hot in the Shade | 7-inch/CD | 8 | 65 |
| 1991 | God Gave Rock 'n' Roll to You II / Betrayed | Revenge (soundtrack) | CD | - | 4 |
| 1992 | Unholy / Heart of Chrome | Revenge | CD | - | 26 |
| 1998 | Psycho Circus / Within | Psycho Circus | CD/digital promo | (Mainstream Rock 3) | - |
| 2009 | Modern Day Delilah / Within (live) | Sonic Boom | Digital | (Mainstream Rock 14) | - |
| 2012 | Hell or Hallelujah / Take Me | Monster | Digital | (Mainstream Rock 9) | - |
1978 solo singles
In 1978, each member of Kiss released a solo album on September 18, simultaneously spotlighting their individual artistic identities while leveraging the band's commercial momentum. To promote these efforts, Casablanca Records issued a series of 7-inch singles, primarily in the United States, focusing on standout tracks that highlighted each member's songwriting and vocal style. These releases differed from Kiss's collaborative band singles by emphasizing personal expression, often incorporating diverse influences like hard rock, pop, and R&B, and they garnered varied airplay on rock radio stations amid the band's peak popularity. The most prominent singles were extracted from the albums as the key commercial vehicles, with formats limited to vinyl 45s. Ace Frehley's "New York Groove," a cover of the 1975 Hello track produced by Vini Poncia, featured Anton Fig on drums and became the standout hit, blending funky rhythms with Frehley's signature guitar work. Released in October 1978 with "I'm in Trouble" as the B-side, it peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1979, marking the highest-charting track from any of the solo projects and receiving strong FM radio rotation.[30] Paul Stanley's "Hold Me, Touch Me (Think of Me When We're Apart)," written by Stanley and produced by him alongside Jeff Glixman, offered a melodic power ballad approach with lush harmonies and Bob Kulick on guitar. Issued in November 1978 backed by "Wouldn't You Like to Know Me," it reached No. 46 on the Billboard Hot 100 by late December 1978, benefiting from moderate adult contemporary airplay but less rock radio enthusiasm compared to Frehley's single.[31] Gene Simmons's "Radioactive," a heavy rocker co-written by Simmons and Kerry Chater and produced by Simmons with Ron Nevison, showcased his bass-driven style and theatrical flair, with Bob Kulick contributing guitar. Released in late 1978 with "See You in Your Dreams" as the B-side, it climbed to No. 47 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1979, achieving solid but not breakout radio play on album-oriented stations.[32] Peter Criss's "Don't You Let Me Down," a mid-tempo pop-rock tune co-written by Criss, Stan Penridge, and Vini Poncia, aimed to highlight his smoother vocal side with production by Poncia and guest appearances by Mark Radice on keyboards. Released in early 1979 backed by "I Can't Stop the Rain," it failed to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 despite promotional efforts, reflecting limited radio pickup and fan focus on Criss's big-band influences over Kiss's harder edge.[33] Overall, the solo singles underscored the members' versatility but had uneven commercial impact, with Frehley's track faring best in sales and longevity—over time, "New York Groove" evolved into a fan-favorite concert staple for Kiss, often performed live to evoke the band's New York roots despite its solo origins. Fan reception praised the singles for revealing individual personalities, though critics and audiences noted they lacked the unified bombast of band releases, contributing to a mixed legacy within Kiss's output.[34]Extended plays
Kiss's extended play releases are limited, serving primarily as promotional tools or market-specific offerings rather than major standalone projects. In 1978, a promotional EP titled A Taste of Platinum was released in the US on vinyl by Casablanca Records. It featured "Strutter '78," "Do You Love Me?," "Love Gun," and "Firehouse" to promote the Double Platinum compilation. This rarity has made it a prized item among collectors, with no significant chart performance but notable for highlighting tracks from the band's early catalog.[35] These EPs highlight Kiss's occasional use of shorter formats for promotional or regional purposes, without the commercial impact of their full-length records.Other appearances
Album appearances
Kiss members have made notable guest appearances on various other artists' albums throughout their career, often contributing vocals, instrumentation, or production to rock and pop projects. These collaborations highlight the band's influence and the individual members' versatility beyond their own discography. Early examples include significant involvement in Wendy O. Williams' solo debut, while later appearances span tribute-style covers and unexpected genre crossovers. One of the most prominent early collaborations occurred on Wendy O. Williams' 1984 album WOW, produced by Gene Simmons. Simmons played bass on every track under the pseudonym Reginald Van Helsing and co-wrote several songs, including "It's My Life" and "Hot Soy." Ace Frehley contributed lead guitar to "Bump and Grind," Paul Stanley played guitar on "It's My Life," and Eric Carr provided drums on "Legends Never Die." The album, released on Passport Records, blended punk and hard rock elements, peaking at No. 175 on the Billboard 200 and earning cult status among fans for its high-energy tracks like "Are You Ready," which showcased Williams' raw vocal style alongside the Kiss members' tight musicianship.[36] In the 2010s, Simmons continued to appear as a guest musician on rock projects. On Bruce Kulick's BK3 (2010), the former Kiss guitarist's third solo album, Simmons delivered lead vocals on the hard rock track "Ain't Gonna Die," co-written with Kulick and Chris Rubolino. The song's anthemic chorus and guitar riffs evoked classic Kiss energy, contributing to the album's reception as a solid return to Kulick's metal roots on the Justice Records label.[37] Simmons ventured into unexpected territory with a duet on Engelbert Humperdinck's Engelbert Calling (2014), a covers album featuring rock icons reinterpreting classics. Simmons provided co-vocals on Blood, Sweat & Tears' "Spinning Wheel," adding his signature growl to the psychedelic soul track. The collaboration, produced by Martin Terefe, blended Humperdinck's crooning with Simmons' rock edge, helping the album reach No. 69 on the UK Albums Chart and demonstrating Simmons' broad appeal. Paul Stanley made a rare reunion recording with former bandmate Ace Frehley on Frehley's covers album Origins Vol. 1 (2016), marking their first collaboration in nearly two decades. Stanley contributed guest vocals to Free's "Fire and Water," delivering a powerful performance that complemented Frehley's guitar work. The track, along with guests like Slash and Lita Ford on other songs, propelled the album to No. 107 on the Billboard 200, celebrating Frehley's influences from the 1960s and 1970s British rock scene.[38] Simmons also returned to instrumentation on Lita Ford's Time Capsule (2016), a collection of unreleased 1980s demos polished for modern release. He played bass and co-wrote "Rotten to the Core" with Ford. The album, featuring additional guests like Billy Sheehan and Bruce Kulick, was released on SPV/Steamhammer and was praised for its nostalgic '80s glam metal vibe.[39] These appearances underscore the enduring connections within the rock community, with Kiss members lending their talents to projects that often revisited classic sounds or explored new pairings, maintaining their legacy through selective, high-impact contributions up to the mid-2010s. As of 2025, no major new guest album appearances by members have been reported.Unreleased recordings
Kiss possesses a collection of officially acknowledged but unreleased recordings spanning their early career, particularly demos and outtakes from the 1970s that have gained notoriety through bootleg circulation rather than official channels. Among these are the 1971-1972 demo sessions by the pre-Kiss band Wicked Lester, which featured Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley alongside other members; these tapes, recorded at RCA Studios, captured psychedelic and folk-influenced rock tracks that were shelved after the band's dissolution and have since circulated informally among fans due to their historical significance in the group's formation, though none have received an official Kiss release.[40] Ace Frehley's contributions to unreleased material include demos from his pre-Kiss band Molimo, a psychedelic/prog-rock outfit that recorded a four-song acetate for RCA in 1971 at Media Sound Studios in New York; the sessions, featuring Frehley on guitar alongside vocalist Christine Murphy and others, were rejected by the label and remained vaulted until a copy surfaced in a private collection in 2014, highlighting Frehley's early songwriting but never issued officially by Kiss owing to their pre-formation status.[41][42] Further 1970s outtakes, such as early versions of tracks like "Rock 'n' Rolls Royce" demoed by Gene Simmons during the 1976 Destroyer sessions, exemplify material acknowledged in band interviews but held back initially due to production concerns; while a demo surfaced in 2021 as part of anniversary promotions, fuller session tapes from similar periods, including 1974 studio experiments inspired by contemporary rock like The Who's Quadrophenia, persist in bootleg form without official validation, often cited for subpar audio quality that deterred release.[43] In the 1980s, sessions for prospective albums yielded additional unreleased items, including precursors to the grunge-influenced sound later explored on 1997's Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions; these mid-decade demos, attempted amid the band's non-makeup era to align with emerging alternative trends, were abandoned as unviable for Kiss's image and have not been formally issued, though band members have referenced them in historical accounts as experimental missteps. The 2001 Kiss Box Set offered partial teases of such vault material, including snippets of 1980s outtakes like alternate mixes, but many full tracks—such as extended Creatures of the Night (1982) session variants—remain exclusively in unofficial circulation.[44] More recently, outtakes from the 2023 End of the Road tour, the band's farewell live run concluding at Madison Square Garden, include unedited performance recordings acknowledged in post-tour discussions but withheld from public release pending a planned multi-part documentary; these captures, encompassing raw audio from global shows, highlight the final lineup's dynamics but face delays due to archival processing, with no release date announced as of November 2025. Digital leaks from the 2000s, including rough mixes from Psycho Circus (1998) era extensions into the decade, have sporadically appeared online, prompting official warnings from the band while underscoring ongoing interest in their unreleased archives.[45][46]Videography
Video albums
Kiss's video albums document the band's iconic live performances, reunion shows, and archival footage, released primarily on VHS in the 1980s and DVD in later decades, often tied to major tours and featuring elaborate stage productions. These releases complement the band's audio live albums by providing visual insight into their theatrical concerts, with many achieving multi-platinum status through strong fan demand. The videography spans from early concert captures to comprehensive box sets like the Kissology series, which included remastered HD content and rarities from the 1970s onward, and extended into the 2010s with high-definition remasters of classic material. Recent releases from the End of the Road World Tour, such as the 2019 DVD edition of First Final Ever Last Kiss, captured the band's farewell performances.[47] The band's video output began with Animalize Live Uncensored in 1985, a VHS concert film recorded at Detroit's Cobo Hall during the Animalize tour, running approximately 60 minutes and showcasing the non-makeup era with high-energy sets; it was certified gold by the RIAA in February 1986 and platinum in October 1987.[48] Exposed, released in 1987 on VHS, featured live footage from the Asylum tour across multiple venues, including Australia and the U.S., with a runtime of about 50 minutes, and earned gold certification in July 1987 followed by platinum in October 1987.[48] The 1991 VHS Crazy Nights captured performances from the Crazy Nights tour, emphasizing the band's pop-metal phase, and received gold certification in March 1991.[48] In the 1990s, Kiss's video releases shifted toward compilations and behind-the-scenes content during their reunion preparations. X-Treme Close-Up (1992, VHS, ~45 minutes) offered intimate footage of the band without makeup, earning gold in October 1992 and platinum in June 1995.[48] Konfidential (1993, VHS, ~30 minutes) provided rare clips and interviews from the early 1990s, certified gold in October 1993.[48] Kiss My Ass: The Video (1994, VHS, ~50 minutes) tied to the tribute album, included live performances and celebrity cameos, achieving gold status in January 1995.[48] The MTV Unplugged performance (1996, VHS/DVD, ~60 minutes), certified Gold by the RIAA on October 18, 1996, marked the original lineup's acoustic reunion and was a pivotal release. Psycho Circus (1998, VHS, 3D concert film from the tour, ~50 minutes) utilized 3D technology for immersive viewing and was certified gold in November 1998.[48] The Second Coming (1999, DVD, ~90 minutes) documented the 2000 reunion tour in Australia, certified platinum in January 1999. The 1997 Greatest Kiss Video Collection compilation on DVD collected promo clips and live snippets from across their career, running over 100 minutes, and was certified 3x platinum by the RIAA. The 2000s saw expansive multi-disc sets with HD remasters and rarities. Kiss Symphony: Alive IV (2003, DVD, ~110 minutes) featured the band performing with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra during the Alive 35 tour, certified gold in October 2003 and 2x multi-platinum in December 2003.[48] 20th Century Masters – DVD Collection (2004, DVD box set, multiple hours of clips) compiled hits visuals and earned gold in September 2004.[48] Kissology Volume 1: 1974–1977 (2006, 5-DVD set, over 10 hours including rarities and the 1979 Kiss in Concert footage from the Dressed to Kill tour) was certified 5x multi-platinum in January 2007.[48] Rock the Nation Live! (2005, DVD, ~120 minutes from the 2004 Rock the Nation tour) received 2x multi-platinum certification in January 2007.[48] The Kissology series continued with Volume 2: 1978–1991 (2007, 6-DVD set, ~12 hours covering the solo era to non-makeup period, including Exposed remastered), certified 6x multi-platinum in October 2007, and Volume 3: 1992–2000 (2007, 6-DVD set, ~11 hours with reunion footage like The Second Coming), certified 8x multi-platinum in February 2008.[48] In the 2010s, releases focused on high-profile residencies and tours. Kiss Rocks Vegas (2014, DVD/Blu-ray, ~100 minutes from the 2014-2016 Las Vegas residency at the Hard Rock Hotel) highlighted pyrotechnics and spectacle in HD. The End of the Road era included First Final Ever Last Kiss (2019, DVD/CD combo, ~120 minutes from early tour dates like Vancouver and Moline), documenting the farewell tour's beginning. As of November 2025, a multi-part documentary on the End of the Road tour has been completed and released on Netflix in January 2025, though no full concert film from the final Madison Square Garden show is available on home media.[49]Films
Kiss's involvement in narrative feature films has primarily featured the band as superpowered characters in story-driven productions, blending their rock personas with fictional plots. The band's debut in this medium was the made-for-television film Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park, directed by Gordon Hessler and produced by Hanna-Barbera.[50] Premiering on NBC on October 28, 1978, with a runtime of 96 minutes, it also received limited theatrical releases in international markets like Japan and Europe.[50] In the story, set at the Magic Mountain amusement park, Kiss members portray superheroes—Gene Simmons as the Demon with fire-breathing and super strength, Paul Stanley as the Starchild with telekinesis, Ace Frehley as the Spaceman with laser beams from his guitar, and Peter Criss as the Catman with agility—who battle mad scientist Abner Devereaux (Anthony Zerbe), who unleashes robotic clones and mutants to exact revenge on the park.[51] Supporting cast includes Deborah Ryan as park publicist Melissa and Carmine Caridi as a police captain. Though critically mixed upon release for its campy effects and convoluted script, the film has endured as a cult classic, celebrated by fans for its bold fusion of superhero tropes, horror elements, and Kiss's theatrical makeup and stage antics.[52][53] Kiss returned to animated narrative features in Scooby-Doo! and Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery, a direct-to-video release directed by Spike Brandt and Tony Cervone.[54] It became available digitally on July 10, 2015, and on DVD and Blu-ray on July 21, 2015, running 75 minutes.[54] The plot follows the Mystery Inc. gang—Fred (voiced by Frank Welker), Daphne (Grey DeLisle), Velma (Mindy Cohn), Shaggy (Matthew Lillard), and Scooby-Doo (Welker)—as they visit Kiss World amusement park for a Halloween concert, only to investigate sabotage by the Crimson Witch, who seeks to summon the Destroyer from another dimension.[54] Kiss members voice themselves—Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer, and Eric Singer—revealing elemental superpowers (fire, love, lightning, and wind, respectively) to team up with the gang and unmask the culprit.[54] Guest voices include Kevin Smith as the park designer and Jason Mewes as a security guard. A tie-in soundtrack features performances of Kiss classics like "Rock and Roll All Nite," "Love Gun," and "Detroit Rock City," integrated into the film's concert sequences.[55] Beyond these starring roles, Kiss made minor cameos in narrative films, such as a brief performance appearance as themselves in the 1984 sci-fi thriller Runaway.[53]Television specials
Kiss's television appearances have primarily consisted of one-off specials and guest spots rather than ongoing series involvement, emphasizing their theatrical persona through performances, skits, and promotional content.[56] One of the band's earliest major TV outings was their performance on The Paul Lynde Halloween Special, a variety program hosted by comedian Paul Lynde that aired on ABC on October 29, 1976. Kiss delivered lip-synced renditions of "Detroit Rock City," "Beth," and "King of the Night Time World" from their album Destroyer, incorporating pyrotechnics and their signature stage makeup amid Halloween-themed sketches; they also participated in a comedic skit with Lynde, marking a breakthrough in prime-time exposure for the group.[57][58] In 1978, Kiss starred in the made-for-TV film Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park, which premiered on NBC on October 28 as part of the network's "Saturday Night at the Movies" lineup. The 96-minute special portrayed the band members as superheroes with supernatural powers—such as Gene Simmons breathing fire and Paul Stanley teleporting—defending an amusement park from a mad scientist; it integrated several Kiss songs, including "Radioactive," "Opening Night," "Hotter Than Hell," and "Shout It Out Loud," alongside action sequences and concert footage to blend rock promotion with sci-fi fantasy.[50][52] The band's 1996 reunion was catalyzed by their appearance on MTV's Unplugged series, taped on August 9, 1995, at Sony Music Studios in New York and first broadcast in March 1996. Originally featuring the non-makeup lineup with guest spots by original members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss on acoustic versions of tracks like "Beth," "Tears Are Falling," and a full-band finale of "Rock and Roll All Nite," the special's positive reception prompted the original quartet's full reunion tour later that year.[59] Kiss made sporadic guest appearances on other programs in the 1990s and 2000s, often in comedic or referential formats. For instance, in the November 3, 2013, episode of The Simpsons titled "The Day the Earth Stood Cool," songs like "Detroit Rock City" and "Psycho Circus" were prominently featured in a plot involving celebrity cameos and rock nostalgia, though the band did not appear directly. Similarly, on the 1998 MADtv Halloween special, Kiss portrayed exaggerated versions of themselves in satirical sketches, highlighting their over-the-top image. In the 2000s, Gene Simmons starred in the reality series Gene Simmons: Family Jewels on A&E from 2006 to 2012, which documented his personal life, band dynamics, and business ventures in 121 episodes, blending family drama with promotional segments for Kiss albums and tours.[60][56] Throughout their career up to 2023, Kiss's TV presence remained limited to these isolated specials and tie-ins, avoiding sustained series roles in favor of event-driven broadcasts. This pattern culminated in the December 2, 2023, finale of their "End of the Road" farewell tour at Madison Square Garden, which was livestreamed via pay-per-view and later recapped in video form, serving as a de facto televised send-off with performances of classics like "I Was Made for Lovin' You" and avatars teasing future projects.[61][62]Music videos
Kiss's foray into music videos began in the mid-1970s with simple promotional clips shot during live performances or in basic studio settings, emphasizing the band's theatrical makeup and energetic stage presence. These early efforts, such as the 1975 promo for "Rock and Roll All Nite" from Dressed to Kill, captured the group performing without elaborate production, serving primarily as visual extensions of their concerts.[63] The band's video output expanded significantly in the late 1970s, coinciding with the disco era's influence on rock. The breakthrough came with "I Was Made for Lovin' You" from the 1979 album Dynasty, directed by John Goodhue, which featured the band in full kabuki-inspired makeup alongside dancers in a neon-lit, high-energy disco environment, blending rock with dance elements to promote the single's chart success.[64] This video, distributed on VHS and aired on emerging music television programs, marked Kiss's transition to more polished visual media. The 1980s saw Kiss's videos evolve alongside the rise of MTV, shifting from fantastical, makeup-heavy concepts to sleeker, unmasked aesthetics that appealed to the network's rock programming. Videos from this period often incorporated narrative elements, special effects, and fan interactions to capitalize on MTV's 24-hour format. For instance, "I Love It Loud" (1982) from Creatures of the Night, directed by Paul Davey, showcased the band in dramatic lighting and explosive pyrotechnics, reinforcing their bombastic image despite internal lineup changes.[65] The 1983 video for "Lick It Up," the title track from the album of the same name and directed by Martin Kahan, was a turning point: it presented the band without makeup for the first time, in a post-apocalyptic storyline where members emerge as saviors amid chaotic crowds, produced by Lenny Grodin.[66] Added to MTV rotation shortly after release, it received frequent airplay—up to several times daily in heavy rotation—helping revitalize Kiss's popularity by exposing their human identities to a broader audience and aligning with the era's hair metal visuals.[67] Subsequent 1980s videos adopted a glossy, cinematic style reflective of MTV's influence, with directors like Marty Callner contributing to high-production efforts. "Heaven's on Fire" (1984) from Animalize featured slow-motion fire effects and seductive imagery, while "Crazy Crazy Nights" (1987) from the album of the same name, also directed by Callner, depicted the band in a high-octane street race narrative, emphasizing speed and rebellion.[68] By the early 1990s, as grunge challenged arena rock, Kiss's videos like "God Gave Rock 'n' Roll to You II" (1991) from Revenge, directed by Jonathan Kaplan, incorporated tribute elements to late manager Doc McGhee, blending performance footage with emotional storytelling. The band produced over 50 official videos by 2012, many released on VHS compilations like Kiss Unmasked (1986) and later digitized for YouTube, where remastered HD versions have garnered millions of views since the 2010s.[69] Key highlights include the 1998 "Psycho Circus" video from the album of the same name, which utilized groundbreaking 3D effects—complete with included glasses in limited VHS editions—for immersive circus-themed hallucinations, directed by James Hurlburt.[70] This innovative format tied into the album's promotional tour, enhancing fan engagement through visual spectacle. Earlier examples like "Forever" (1990) from Hot in the Shade, directed by Mark Rezyka, offered a romantic ballad treatment with the band performing atop a skyscraper, contrasting their harder rock clips.[71] In the 2000s, videos returned to roots with makeup reinstated; "Modern Day Delilah" (2009) from Sonic Boom featured live performance intercut with behind-the-scenes footage, symbolizing the band's resurgence. The final major video era culminated with "Hell or Hallelujah" (2012) from Monster, a high-energy clip echoing classic Kiss bombast.[72] Post-2010, Kiss embraced digital formats with lyric videos for Monster tracks, released on streaming platforms like YouTube for fan accessibility. These static or animated visuals, often featuring album artwork and scrolling lyrics, included "Hell or Hallelujah," premiered via Guitar World in 2012, and others like "Wall of Sound" and "Freak," prioritizing online promotion over full productions.[73] Such releases, totaling several for the album, catered to digital-era consumption, with official uploads amassing views on the band's YouTube channel. In the 2020s, remastered versions of classic videos, including fan-sourced but officially endorsed clips, have been uploaded, preserving the catalog in HD for new generations.[74]| Video Title | Year | Album | Director | Concept Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I Was Made for Lovin' You | 1979 | Dynasty | John Goodhue | Disco-rock fusion with dancers and makeup[64] |
| Lick It Up | 1983 | Lick It Up | Martin Kahan | Unmasked post-apocalyptic savior narrative, MTV heavy rotation[66] |
| Heaven's on Fire | 1984 | Animalize | David Lewis | Fiery slow-motion seduction and performance |
| Crazy Crazy Nights | 1987 | Crazy Nights | Marty Callner | Street racing and high-speed rebellion[68] |
| Forever | 1990 | Hot in the Shade | Mark Rezyka | Romantic rooftop ballad performance[71] |
| Psycho Circus | 1998 | Psycho Circus | James Hurlburt | Surreal 3D circus hallucinations with glasses[70] |
| Modern Day Delilah | 2009 | Sonic Boom | [Performance focus] | Makeup return with live and BTS intercuts[75] |
| Hell or Hallelujah | 2012 | Monster | [Clip style] | Energetic arena-rock performance[72] |