KISS: Photos Of The Legendary Rock Band With Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons & More

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January 20, 2022 7:39AM EST

KISS has been one of rock music’s most iconic bands for nearly 50 years. See photos of Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and more over the years.

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Kiss

Kiss — ‘You wanted the best? You got the best!’ That intro is instantly recognizable to fans of Kiss. Started in the 70s, the group has widely been regarded as one of the most influential in all of rock, not only for their catchy pop songs, but for their concerts, which include insane pyrotechnics, awesome acrobatics, and frontman Gene Simmons spitting blood. Started in New York in 1973, Gene and singer/guitarist Paul Stanley recruited guitarist Ace Frehely and drummer Peter Criss for one of the biggest bands. Aside from their music, Kiss has also been incredibly influential in marketing, creating all sorts of merch with the band’s name and logo on it.

Despite some lineup shifts, the band has toured for many years, with Gene and Paul being the only original members still in the band. The group has gone through a number of iterations, with some members creating their own makeup, and a short-lived makeup-free era. The band announced their final tour in 2019.

Scroll through our gallery to see tons of photos of Kiss.

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Early Days Of KISS

Early Days Of KISS — The band came to be in 1973. The original members were Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss..

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KISS In 1977

KISS In 1977 — Members of the rock group KISS perform during a concert at the Civic Center in Connecticut in 1977. That year, the band released their album ‘Love Gun.’

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KISS In 1982

KISS In 1982 — The members of KISS in their signature get-up in 1982. Gene Simmons points at the camera and sticks his tongue out.

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Gene Simmons In Stockholm

Gene Simmons In Stockholm — Gene Simmons, the bass guitarist of KISS, points to the crowd during a concert in Stockholm’s Globe arena in 1996. Gene sticking his tongue became a signature move of his.

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Original KISS Members In 2014

Original KISS Members In 2014 — Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, and Gene Simmons take the ceremonial first step on their new star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame 2014. The band was inducted into the 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

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KISS In New Jersey

KISS In New Jersey — Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer, and Paul Stanley perform during their performance at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey, in 2009. Tommy Thayer joined the band in 2002.

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Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley

Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley — Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley rock out at the Quilmes Rock 2009 festival in Bogota, Colombia. Gene and Paul have been with the band since the very beginning.

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Gene Simmons In 2010

Gene Simmons In 2010 — Gene Simmons jams out in Germany in 2010. He’s been performing since 1973!

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KISS Gets Honored

KISS Gets Honored — Tommy Thayer, Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Eric Singer with their new book ‘Monster,’ which contains photographs of the band’s 40-year career live on stage. The band posed with the book following a press conference in London.

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KISS In Portugal

KISS In Portugal — KISS performed live at The Legends of Rock concert at Municipal Stadium in Cascais, Portugal. Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer were a part of the band at the time.

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KISS At GMA

KISS At GMA — Tommy Thayer, Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Eric Singer are seen leaving ‘GMA’ in 2018. Gene Simmons was in full costume while on the street!

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