Formed in the '70s, Kiss gained popularity with their flamboyant costumes and captivating stage shows, drawing inspiration from bands like Alice Cooper and the New York Dolls. Despite their theatrical image, Kiss crafted a commercially successful sound of anthemic hard rock and power ballads that influenced arena rock and pop-metal. The band, consisting of Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley, released several platinum-selling albums and became known for their elaborate merchandise and dedicated fan base.
After lineup changes and a period without makeup, Kiss returned to success in the '80s with hits like "Lick It Up" and "Forever." The original lineup reunited for a successful tour in 1996 and released "Psycho Circus" in 1998. The band continued to tour and release albums, with highlights including "Sonic Boom" in 2009 and "Monster" in 2012. Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, Kiss embarked on a farewell tour in 2019, known as the "End of the Road" tour, which has continued into 2021.
