Paul Stanley Reflects on the Breakthrough That Turned KISS Into ‘Timeless Superheroes’

Paul Stanley believes KISS' greatest strength has always been the larger than life characters the band created.

The rock legend said the makeup clad group have spent the last five decades as “Batman with a guitar and Superman with a Marshall amplifier,” as he reflected on the milestones that helped KISS become one of the most successful and recognizable bands in rock history.

Speaking to Vulture, Stanley highlighted the release of their explosive 1975 live album Alive! as the defining moment that changed everything for the band.

He said: “Alive! was such a turning point for us.

“We wanted you to be in the crowd and have a sense of empowerment… to hear the noise of people next to you between songs, because technology doesn’t really allow for multisensory overload.” The album, he added, finally showcased “the power and commitment of us as a band.”

Even before Alive! arrived, KISS had already earned a reputation for delivering unforgettable live performances, although album sales had not yet caught up with their growing popularity.

Stanley remembered being asked in the band's early days what it was like to be “rich and famous,” to which he replied: “I can tell you how it feels to be famous.”

He feels the band's signature look, including the makeup and larger than life identities, has played just as important a role in their lasting success as their music.

According to Stanley, fans watching KISS today still see the same larger than life figures they first discovered in the 1970s.

He added: “Part of what has been our strength over the years is looking the same onstage.

“The idea of being omnipotent, of being ageless, is incredibly powerful… So in that way, we’re timeless superheroes - Batman with a guitar and Superman with a Marshall amplifier.”

The group is also looking to preserve its legacy through its upcoming digital avatar production.

Co lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Paul recently hinted that the avatar experience will be unlike anything fans have seen before.

He told Rock Of Nations With Dave Kinchen And Shane McEachern: "Well, the band continues. Without touring, there's so much in the pipeline. This avatar show that's going to be in Vegas is gonna blow everybody's minds. It's not like what some people have called holograms and all this kind of experimental and kitschy stuff. This is seeing us. This is as real as I am, and I think it's gonna just blow people away. And it extends the band that much further.

He went on: "There's no reason for us to live within the boundaries of other rock bands.

"They live within those boundaries because that's all they can be. And it's great, but we are not that - we're KISS."