KISS Unmasked, Live On MTV!

KISS Unmasked, Live On MTV! | Society Of Rock Videos

“Let’s Go Be A Real Band Without Makeup.”

Before they debuted on MTV sans makeup in 1983, KISS had never, ever been seen without their trademark makeup. In fact, as much as you wondered who was beneath the makeup and big hair, there was a part of you that didn’t really want to know because it would break the illusion.

Back then, bands like KISS weren’t just bands – they were these superheroes that saved us from our ordinary lives and to unmask them was like unmasking Batman!

Paul Stanley’s Idea Gives KISS A New Lease On Life

The band was fading into obscurity until guitarist Paul Stanley suggested, “Let’s prove something to the fans; let’s go and be a real band without makeup.”

The stunt came at a critical time for KISS; sales were declining and with the exit of Peter Criss and Ace Frehley, interest in the band had dwindled. After the band’s unmasked appearance on MTV, Lick it Up was released and immediately tripled the sales of 1982’s Creatures of the Night.’ It went platinum and KISS soon began filling up concert halls again.

These days the band performs with makeup, much to our delight – although, we’re grateful that the unmasking brought these legends back from the dead!

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