2006-07-30 06:52:30 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
Wicked Lester
KISS traces its roots to Wicked Lester, a New York City-based rock and roll band led by co-founders Gene Simmons (born Chaim Witz in Haifa, Israel on August 25, 1949) and Paul Stanley (born Stanley Harvey Eisen in Queens, New York City on January 20, 1952). Wicked Lester, with their eclectic mixture of musical styles, never achieved any success. They recorded one album, which was shelved by Epic Records, and played a handful of live shows. Simmons and Stanley, feeling that a new musical direction was needed, abandoned Wicked Lester in 1972 and began forming a new group.[5][6][7]
In late 1972, Simmons spotted an ad in Rolling Stone placed by Peter Criss, a veteran drummer from the New York club scene. Criss (born Peter Criscuola on December 20, 1945 in Brooklyn, New York City) auditioned for and joined the new version of Wicked Lester. The trio focused on a much harder style of rock than Wicked Lester played. Inspired by the theatrics of the New York Dolls, they also began experimenting with their image by wearing makeup and various costumes.[7] In November 1972, the trio played a showcase for Epic Records A&R director Don Ellis, in an effort to secure a record deal. Although the performance went well, Ellis hated the group's image and music. On top of that, as he was leaving, he was vomited on by Criss's brother.[6][5]
In January 1973, the group added lead guitarist Paul "Ace" Frehley (born April 27, 1951 in the Bronx, New York City) after being extremely impressed with his first audition. A few weeks after Frehley joined, the Wicked Lester name was dropped and the band became KISS. Stanley came up with the name, while Frehley created the now-iconic logo (making the "SS" look like lightning bolts).[7]
2006-07-30 06:57:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 15⤊ 4⤋
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanly had a band called Wicked Lester...once Peter Criss and Paul "Ace" Frehley joined, the name was changed to KISS.
2006-07-30 14:00:19 · answer #2 · answered by Smokeater 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pheonix
2006-07-30 13:55:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Holding hands
2006-07-30 14:05:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They shortened it from 'Kiss My *ss'...
2006-07-30 13:56:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
hug
2006-07-30 13:56:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋