Let’s Remember How Bad It Was When KISS Removed Their Makeup
September 18, 1983. After 10 years and 10 albums, KISS removed their makeup. It was terrifying. And hilarious. 1983 was a time of transition for KISS. They were coming off…
September 18, 1983. After 10 years and 10 albums, KISS removed their makeup. It was terrifying. And hilarious.
1983 was a time of transition for KISS. They were coming off of their Creatures of the Night/10th Anniversary Tour. The Creatures of the Night album ushered in a harder edge to the signature KISS sound. That album also marked the debut of guitarist Vinnie Vincent: he contributed guitar tracks to six of the tracks. By that point, guitarist Ace Frehley had exited the band.
So it was no surprise to see Vincent on the cover of Lick It Up. What was surprising was to see Vincent alongside Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Eric Carr...without their trademark makeup. It was a watershed moment in rock at the time. But in hindsight, it makes sense: 10 years in, lineup shakeup, pivot in sound. The Gene Simmons Marketing Machine saw an opportunity and took it.
Let's Remember How Bad It Was When KISS Removed Their Makeup
To clarify, when I saw how bad it was, I'm not talking about their actual unmasking (un-makeup-ing?) on MTV with VJ J. J. Jackson. That was actually cool and pretty well-executed by 1983 standards. Jackson was, as always, a consummate pro and handled the band and their big moment well. It's a fun moment to go back and revisit. Take a look.
Now the first sans-makeup music video? That's a whole different story. To quote my buddy Rubin: "Lick It Up the song was good. Lick It Up the video was an unintentional 3:56 horror show." What the hell is going on here? Why is that woman washing a manhole cover? Why won't Gene stop leering at the camera? That's not sexy, Gene, you look like a damn caveman! And why can't Vinny lip sync?
Maybe they should just put the makeup back on. Oh, that's right, they did, eventually. Thank goodness.
Gallery: KISS’ Space Ace Turns 70
Ace Frehley celebrates his 70th birthday today. We're honoring The Spaceman with a look back on a few of his choice KISS moments.
Give Us A Kiss
10th May 1976: American rock group Kiss arrive at London airport for their first European tour, already sporting black and silver make up and costumes. From left to right they are guitarist Ace Frehley, lead singer Gene Simmons, guitarist Paul Stanley and drummer Peter Criss. (Photo by Peter Cade/Central Press/Getty Images)
Westminster Kiss
10th May 1976: American theatrical glam rock group Kiss pose on Westminster Bridge in London at the start of their first ever European tour. The band members are, from left to right; Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, Ace Frehley and Gene Simmons. (Photo by Peter Cade/Central Press/Getty Images)
Kiss
10th May 1976: American glam rock band KISS arrive at London Airport in all their finery, the boys are here to start their first ever European tour and have brought an arsenal of fireball machines, giant blow torches, rocket launching guitars, exploding drumsticks, etc, with them. They are, from left to right; Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley (back), Paul Stanley and Peter Criss (front). (Photo by Peter Cade/Central Press/Getty Images)
81199_kiss03
8/11/99 Hollywood, CA Rock group KISS is honored on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Pictured (l to r) Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, and Paul Stanley. Photo Brenda Chase/Online USA, Inc.
''Kiss'' Performs in New Jersey
371734 04: Lead guitarist Ace Frehley of the rock group ''KISS'' performs live, June 27, 2000 at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by George De Sota/Liaison)
''Kiss'' Performs in New Jersey
371734 05: Bass player Gene Simmons, lead guitarist Ace Frehley, and rhythm guitarist and vocalist Paul Stanley of the rock group ''KISS'' perform live, June 27, 2000 at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by George De Sota/Liaison)
''Kiss'' Performs in New Jersey
371734 06: Lead guitarist Ace Frehley and vocalist Paul Stanley of the rock group ''KISS'' perform live, June 27, 2000 at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by George De Sota/Liaison)
Lane Bryant Lingerie Show
400619 17: Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley plays during the Lane Bryant Lingerie Fashion Show February 5, 2002 in New York City. (Photo by George De Sota/Getty Image)
29th Annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony - Show
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 10: Inductee Ace Frehley of KISS speaks onstage at the 29th Annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center of Brooklyn on April 10, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)
29th Annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony - Show
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 10: Inductee Ace Frehley of KISS speaks onstage at the 29th Annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center of Brooklyn on April 10, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)
29th Annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony - Press Room
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 10: Inductee Ace Frehley of KISS attends the 29th Annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center of Brooklyn on April 10, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
