KISS has been one of rock music’s most iconic bands for over 50 years. See photos of Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and more over the years.
“You wanted the best? You got the best!” That electrifying intro is instantly recognizable to fans of Kiss, one of the most iconic rock bands in history. Formed in New York City in 1973, the group quickly made a name for themselves with their larger-than-life personas, explosive live shows, and unforgettable anthems. Founding members Gene Simmons (bass/vocals) and Paul Stanley (vocals/guitar) joined forces with late guitarist Ace Frehley and drummer Peter Criss to create a band that blended hard rock with theatrical spectacle — complete with over-the-top pyrotechnics, wild stage acrobatics, and Simmons’ signature blood-spitting act.
Beyond their music, Kiss became pioneers in band branding and merchandising, putting their name and logo on everything from action figures to comic books. Their bold, distinctive makeup became a cultural phenomenon, with each member creating their own unique persona. Over the years, the band has gone through multiple lineup changes, including a brief makeup-free era in the 1980s, but Simmons and Stanley have remained the group’s core.
The band announced their End of the Road farewell tour in 2019, culminating with their final performance on December 2, 2023, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. In August 2025, Kiss was named one of the recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors in 2025. Two months later, Ace died at the age of 74.
Scroll through our gallery to see incredible photos of Kiss through the years.
1 of 14
Kiss
Andre Csillag/Shutterstock
‘You wanted the best? You got the best!’
June 26, 2021, 12:11PM 2 of 14
Early Days Of KISS
Andre Csillag/Shutterstock
The band came to be in 1973. The original members were Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss..
June 26, 2021, 12:11PM 3 of 14
KISS In 1977
Richard Drew/AP/Shutterstock
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.’
June 26, 2021, 12:11PM 4 of 14
KISS In 1982
Mediapunch/Shutterstock
The members of KISS in their signature get-up in 1982. Gene Simmons points at the camera and sticks his tongue out.
June 26, 2021, 12:11PM 5 of 14
Gene Simmons In Stockholm
Soren Andersson/AP/Shutterstock
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.
June 26, 2021, 12:11PM
More AboutGene Simmons
6 of 14
KISS 2003
WireImage
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley at the Tommy Hilfiger’s Jones Beach Theatre in Wantagh, New York.
August 13, 2025, 4:28PM 7 of 14
Original KISS Members In 2014
Katie Callan/AP/Shutterstock
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.
June 26, 2021, 12:11PM 8 of 14
KISS In New Jersey
Christopher Barth/AP/Shutterstoc
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.
June 26, 2021, 12:11PM 9 of 14
Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley
Fernando Vergara/AP/Shutterstock
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.
June 26, 2021, 12:11PM 10 of 14
Gene Simmons In 2010
Harald Tittel/EPA/Shutterstock
Gene Simmons jams out in Germany in 2010. He’s been performing since 1973!
June 26, 2021, 12:11PM 11 of 14
KISS Gets Honored
Joel Ryan/AP/Shutterstock
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.
June 26, 2021, 12:11PM 12 of 14
KISS In Portugal
Manuel De Almeida/EPA-EFE/Shutte
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.
June 26, 2021, 12:11PM 13 of 14
KISS At GMA
Vanessa Carvalho/Shutterstock
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!
June 26, 2021, 12:11PM 14 of 14
KISS: End of the Road World Tour
Getty Images
Gene Simmons, Eric Singer, Paul Stanley and Tommy Thayer performing during ‘KISS: End of the Road’ World Tour at Madison Square Garden on December 01, 2023 in New York City.
August 13, 2025, 4:28PM Click to Subscribe to Get Our Free HollywoodLife Daily Newsletter to get the hottest celeb news. Articles Trending Now
Trending Now
Jim Curtis' Net Worth: How Much Money Jennifer Aniston's Boyfriend Has
Is 'CBS Saturday Morning' Canceled? What's Going on Amid Paramount Layoffs
Jim Curtis' Health: Jennifer Aniston's Boyfriend's 'Misdiagnosed Illness' Caused a Limp & More Symptoms
