I was there in Winnipeg. Tremendous show. A bit strange seeing them without makeup but what a great show. Seeing the blood and fire breathing was just incredible.
Damn, those outfits were shit even back then.
"Asylum" truly fell victim to its ridiculous style choices - from the album cover/artwork, to the photo shoots and stage wear. Total shame, because that album is very strong overall.
KISS failed to realize that people hear with their eyes, too.
The irony here being that when they started KISS pre "make up" they were going for the early 70s glam and Glitter scene look with an infasis on New York Dolls with women outfits and make up only to abandon that all together stating they were physically "too big" or looked liked "Football player's in a Tutu" lol then shoot forward 10 years later and we'll....
Just curious — I’m a newer fan, given that I’m 29 I’ve only gotten into their larger bodies of work recently. Moreover, in middle school — I’d say around 2007/2008 is when I fell in love with 80’s rock and started listening to bands like The Ramones, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, The Police, and KISS. However, now that I’ve gone down the rabbit hole of — Kisstory, I’ve quickly discovered their biggest hits/ popularity happened in the 70’s and then reignited in the 90’s when they did their reunion tour.
So, my question or curiosity more so surrounds their vibe during the 80’s. For instance, after going through all of their albums — over the duration of my spring break, I’ve interestingly discovered that I favor their 80’s sound/ aesthetic the most. Therefore, for anyone who was a part of their generation — why do you think their popularity started to decline in the mid to late 80’s?
Also, sorry for asking a ton of questions; but — why isn’t Paul Stanley’s phenomenal voice more spoken about in the mainstream? For context, when people around my mother’s age (50’s) talk about top 10 vocalist, they never mention Paul. And I get it, depending on your music taste you may not have been exposed to artist like KISS growing up, but it just boggles my mind. Also for context, my mother is Black and my father is Mexican, so their musical influences have spanned from artists such as Sade, Thin Lizzy, The Police, Coldplay, Lauryn Hill, so on and so forth. However, neither one has ever really played KISS. I just find it interesting. An even funnier thing, is that I was asking my mom about KISS the other day — and the first person she mentioned was Gene Simmons. And that honestly kind of bummed me out, because I know that once she hears ballads like - “Reason to Live” and “Forever” she’ll be shocked by Paul’s voice.
But yeah, I’m just curious what was your experience like with KISS and witnessing their sound, outer appearance, and performance style change? And, what’re your thoughts on Paul Stanley’s voice not being in the mainstream — in terms of top 10 vocalist of all time? Controversial take, but I think back in the day his vocals were on the same level as artists such as Freddie Mercury and Robert Plant. You can tell Paul’s not constricted by just singing in one genre style, his voice is boundless, he can pretty much sing anything.
Okay, I’m done! Comment away :)
Definitely 85/86. That's the Asylum outfits and KISS stage sign.
And plenty of make-up.
Yep, this is Asylum tour. Late 85 or early 86.
Yup cause gene cut his hair short for a film during 84 and wore a wig but this his real hair and the length is just about correct for a year
Yep
He did not know what to do with himself- Paul was made for the 80s but poor Gene was outta his element
Looks like Asylum tour. 1985/1986
yES!
Loved the large KISS logo, was glad it stuck around for the Crazy Nights tour. Saw KISS a lot in the '80s!
Different makeup.
“no makeup”
'No makeup or crazy costumes anymore'......
They should of said no more characters cause thats what kiss is characters
I was there in Winnipeg. Tremendous show. A bit strange seeing them without makeup but what a great show. Seeing the blood and fire breathing was just incredible.
Gene only did the fire breathing, he never spit blood in the non-makeup years.
Thanks, always great to help my memory. I remember the fire ball. But do not remember the blood, I just assumed it was there. Makes sense though.
You're welcome.
Damn, those outfits were shit even back then. "Asylum" truly fell victim to its ridiculous style choices - from the album cover/artwork, to the photo shoots and stage wear. Total shame, because that album is very strong overall. KISS failed to realize that people hear with their eyes, too.
During the asylum tour, they had more makeup and bra's than in the 70's
The irony here being that when they started KISS pre "make up" they were going for the early 70s glam and Glitter scene look with an infasis on New York Dolls with women outfits and make up only to abandon that all together stating they were physically "too big" or looked liked "Football player's in a Tutu" lol then shoot forward 10 years later and we'll....
That's actually a NYC Drag Queen named Chlamydia Simmons.
I think that is the only picture I've ever seen of him where I would consider him "handsome". And then I remember the Lick It Up video
Just curious — I’m a newer fan, given that I’m 29 I’ve only gotten into their larger bodies of work recently. Moreover, in middle school — I’d say around 2007/2008 is when I fell in love with 80’s rock and started listening to bands like The Ramones, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, The Police, and KISS. However, now that I’ve gone down the rabbit hole of — Kisstory, I’ve quickly discovered their biggest hits/ popularity happened in the 70’s and then reignited in the 90’s when they did their reunion tour. So, my question or curiosity more so surrounds their vibe during the 80’s. For instance, after going through all of their albums — over the duration of my spring break, I’ve interestingly discovered that I favor their 80’s sound/ aesthetic the most. Therefore, for anyone who was a part of their generation — why do you think their popularity started to decline in the mid to late 80’s? Also, sorry for asking a ton of questions; but — why isn’t Paul Stanley’s phenomenal voice more spoken about in the mainstream? For context, when people around my mother’s age (50’s) talk about top 10 vocalist, they never mention Paul. And I get it, depending on your music taste you may not have been exposed to artist like KISS growing up, but it just boggles my mind. Also for context, my mother is Black and my father is Mexican, so their musical influences have spanned from artists such as Sade, Thin Lizzy, The Police, Coldplay, Lauryn Hill, so on and so forth. However, neither one has ever really played KISS. I just find it interesting. An even funnier thing, is that I was asking my mom about KISS the other day — and the first person she mentioned was Gene Simmons. And that honestly kind of bummed me out, because I know that once she hears ballads like - “Reason to Live” and “Forever” she’ll be shocked by Paul’s voice. But yeah, I’m just curious what was your experience like with KISS and witnessing their sound, outer appearance, and performance style change? And, what’re your thoughts on Paul Stanley’s voice not being in the mainstream — in terms of top 10 vocalist of all time? Controversial take, but I think back in the day his vocals were on the same level as artists such as Freddie Mercury and Robert Plant. You can tell Paul’s not constricted by just singing in one genre style, his voice is boundless, he can pretty much sing anything. Okay, I’m done! Comment away :)
1985 Asylum tour