KISS and Def Leppard Concert
A First Hand Look into Hard Rock Culture
Hard Rock Culture
KISS
Legacy
KISS also became known as the "Faceless Band" due to their extensive makeup and costumes that didn't allow you to see the real faces of the members of KISS. I feel that this impacted their fan base because it kept the members interesting and also was something that fans could relate to. Many people often wish that they could put on a mask and become someone else for a day. The members of KISS made this seem possible because no one knew who they actually were. They could walk around in public without makeup and not be noticed because they had never been seen without it. This added an air of mystery around the band that helped gain them popularity. This was also helpful because the members of the band have changed a number of times due to : creative differences, death, and other reasons. This interested me because in today's culture, bands often do not add new musicians to replace old ones. Usually, when one member wants out or has to leave, it means that the band is over. However, in 1983, they revealed themselves without makeup for the release of an album and a tour. This allowed the fan base to know them, but eventually KISS went back to their notable makeup and costumes. In 1996, the original band came back together for a reunion tour. Most recently, the band is on a 40-date tour with Def Leppard and does not seem to be slowing down. They were featured on the cover of Rolling Stone in April 2014, which was the first time that they had received that cover.
Personally, I think that KISS has lasted so long because they have always remained true to their identity and their fans. They have never changed their style or disposition to become "mainstream" or gather more popularity. By doing this, they have given their fans a sense of security and appreciation for the band.
KISS and Def Leppard Conceert
Saturday, Jul 26, 2014, 07:00 PM
PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ, United States
A New Generation of the KISS Army
Lights, Camera, Action
KISS
My ticket
The lasting dedication and impact of KISS effect me because it is so much different than culture today. In "Top-40 culture", there is very few long lasting bands or artists. For example, when I was 13 my favorite band was extremely popular. However, less than ten years later they have broken up and would be hardly recognized by anyone younger than me. With the rise of Top 40, many artists become one-hit wonders (call me maybe, gangnam style, etc.). A year or two later, we have completely forgotten about these artists and they would have a hard time selling tickets to a tour. However, KISS has been able to sell tickets for over 40 years. Fans have passed on their admiration to younger generations and can share this bond. I find this extremely interesting and am glad that I got to be a part of it.