Page 74 - PROTAGONIST 136

In the English language, “four-let- slogans. Hotter than hell, Dressed to
ter word” is normally a synonym of kill, Destroyer, and Love gun, just to
“bad word”. In fact, vulgar words or mention a few elements of an explo-
insults often have four letters. In rock sive, fierce, and winning career.
songs, instead, four-letter words are Kiss cunningly, impertinently, and
often positive. The most common is irreverently tamed the business, us-
“love”, and the runner-up is probably ing every possible weapon of mass
“kiss”, like the spectacular composition seduction – just like the gestures of
by Prince, written some 40 years ago. Simmons, soon elevated to an icon-
Looking beyond, Kiss is, above ic status in the star-system gossip −
all, a band. It is one of the most pop- and astute, fan-sized merchandise,
ular and successful bands in the rock capitalizing on its fame even after the
firmament, starting out in 1974 when golden days were over.
its first album came out in New York, As far as live concerts are con-
selling nearly 150 million records… and cerned, with its immensely crowded
breaking many too! world tours, Kiss has attracted an
With a deeply-rooted and im- immense and borderless audience. It
mutable presence in the collective has even entered the Guinness Book leathery, raw, and thunderous music was paired with
consciousness, and a theatrical abil- of World Records as an unprecedent- It is thanks to Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley that a
ity that has transcended the sheets ed amusement park and limitless
and instruments, Kiss has dominated money-maker. “Captain” Simmons original costumes, crazy haircuts, and grotesque make-up.
the international industry with a series has growingly taken on the role as a
of sure-shot hits, supported by a bul- fully-fledged entrepreneur, and also
let-proof marketing strategy ahead of made the headlines with his contro-
its time. versial political stances.
The master and groundbreak- The band is a skillful experiment-
er of that which proved to be a cut- er in the field of technology applied to
ting-edge communication philosophy mass entertainment – with the use of
is singer and bass player Gene Sim- avatars, it has put forth the possibil-
mons (1949), who founded the band ity to organize three different shows
with guitarist Paul Stanley (1950). It on three continents – and continues
is thanks to them, along with a few to be unique with its dozens of re-
teammates rotating and alternating tirement announcements, breakups,
due to the whims of their leaders, that and sudden reunions. Its members
a leathery, raw, and thunderous mu- bounce off the walls of the market like
sic was paired with original costumes, extraordinary, ageless comic book
crazy haircuts, and grotesque make- characters, protected by their suits
up. Essentially, a Halloween party re- and legend.
volving around kitsch and an amused, Its status ideally calls for celebra-
lighthearted bad taste to the power of tion with one of the most iconic tunes
x, adding up to a strong final bang! for the band and its fans: Rock’n’roll
Kiss, inspired by glam rock – a all Nite (1975). A hard, pure, and direct
style that added the entertainment di- piece. An electric and devastating
mension, breaking all the rules of ele- soundtrack. As unforgettable as the
gance, form, and content, whose pio- smirk on the faces of Gene and his
neers were Alice Cooper and the New partners.
York Dolls − soon emerged for its bra- Kiss has announced the 10 Kiss
th
zen drive to surprise, exaggerate, and Kruise, from October 30 to November
convey a positive message to seduce 4 later this year. The ship will sail from
teenagers. Young fans were attracted Miami to the Isle of Harvest Caye, in
ever since they saw the ultra-gaudy Belize, then stop in Roatan, Hondu-
record covers: an art gallery made to ras. Two Kiss performances will take
be observed, also thanks to bold and place during the cruise, one acoustic
effective titles, almost sounding like and one electric.

72 Music Protagonist