KISS bids farewell to fans in heartfelt new documentary
Millions of individuals gathered across the globe to witness a spectacular show filled with explosive pyrotechnics and electrifying music. It has been almost half a century since the iconic rock band KISS burst onto the music scene, and now, the band is preparing to bid farewell.
Despite the ongoing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, KISS remains committed to sharing their incredible journey with the world. On June 27 and 28, KISS unveiled a two-part documentary on A&E titled “Biography: KISStory,” offering viewers a profound insight into the band’s origins and their significant impact on the music industry.
The first episode, “Volume One,” delves into the early years of KISS, shedding light on the backgrounds of bassist Gene Simmons, who hails from Israel but moved to the U.S. in 1958, and frontman Paul Stanley, a native of Queens, New York. The documentary explores how Simmons and Stanley first crossed paths in 1970, reminiscing about their humble beginnings through a collection of archival footage, photographs, and interviews with individuals who played pivotal roles in their journey.
“Volume One” also traces the inception of KISS, chronicling the band’s formation with the recruitment of drummer Peter Criss through a newspaper advertisement and Ace Frehley as the lead guitarist after responding to an ad in the “Village Voice.” The year 1973 marked a turning point for KISS as they captured their first band photograph, recorded their initial tracks, and experimented with creating visually captivating stage productions at Electric Lady Studio. Inspired by the aesthetic of bands like New York Dolls, KISS swiftly integrated theatrical elements like airborne drums, smoking guitars, and explosive pyrotechnics into their live performances.
In “Volume 2,” the documentary delves into the evolution of KISS’s music and lineup over the years. The band navigated a tumultuous journey, striving to recapture the magic of their early career while adapting to changing trends in the music industry. One of the seminal moments came in 1983 when KISS unveiled their unmasked faces on MTV, offering fans a rare glimpse behind the music. However, the departure of original members Criss and Frehley, and the untimely passing of drummer Eric Carr in 1991 due to heart cancer, dealt significant blows to the band. With the support of current drummer Eric Singer, KISS persevered through these challenges, continuing to innovate and inspire audiences worldwide.