On this day in 1974, Kiss released their self-titled debut album under Casablanca Records.
Much of the material on Kiss album was written by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, when they were in their pre-Kiss band Wicked Lester, which formed in 1971 and disbanded at the end of 1972. After recruiting new guitarist Ace Frehley and drummer Peter Criss, Kiss tracked their first album in New York City over the course of three weeks.
Kiss was pretty much overlooked. Outside of a dedicated following in the suburbs, Kiss were virtually unknown. And while Kiss included “Strutter”, “Deuce”, “Firehouse”, and “Cold Gin”, which became career-spinning staples of Kiss’ set, the songs remained unappreciated until they reappeared on the highly theatrical Alive! at the end of 1975.
Despite the band’s promoting and touring, Kiss sold approximately 75,000 copies after all its initial release without the presence of a hit single. It was eventually certified gold in 1977, having shipped 500,000 copies.
In 2003, Kiss was included in the Spin list of essential glam rock albums.
Simmons and Frehley have stated that Kiss is their favourite Kiss album.
Happy 49th anniversary, Kiss!
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Sources: Loudwire, Wikipedia, AllMusic.
