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The band members on this page are Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehly, Peter Criss, Eric Carr and Vinnie Vincent. 

Gene Simmons - Bass Guitar / Vocals

Born - Chaim Witz, later changed name to Eugene Klein
Birthdate: August 25,1949
Born in: Haifa, Israel

Widely known as the vampiresque bassist of KISS, Gene Simmons is highly visible (and totally unmistakable) onstage with his leather bat wings and dripping blood; and fire spews from his mouth. Aside from producing the visual extravaganza, Simmons also puts out straightforward, steady bass lines.

Gene Simmons formed KISS in 1972 with Guitarist Paul Stanley.
Gene started playing Bass at 16, sighting The Beatles as a major influence.

Gene has a Bachelors Degree in Education from Sullivan County College, and speaks four languages fluently -
Hebrew, Hungarian, English and German.

Gene is an inductee of the Rockwalk of Fame in Hollywood, California.

In KISS: 1972 - PRESENT

Paul Stanley - Rhythm Guitar / Vocals

Born  - Stanley Harvey Eisen
Birthdate: January 20,1952
Born in: Queens,New York

Paul Stanley is the strutter with the starred eye and shiny red lips that seem locked in a perpetual rock-star pout. His "in your face" rythym guitar style and unique vocals are a staple of the KISS sound.

Paul was around 7 years old when he started getting into music.
His early musical influences were The Beatles, The Byrds,
and The Yardbirds. Paul attended the High School of Music
and Art in Manhattan.

Stanley formed KISS with bassist Gene Simmons in 1972.
He was inducted into the Rockwalk of Fame in Hollywood, California.

Ace Frehley - Lead Guitar / Vocals

Born - Paul Daniel Frehley
Birthdate: April 27,1951
Born in: Bronx, New York

Ace Frehley started playing guitar at the age of 13. He lists the instrumental group "The Ventures" as his first major musical influence. Other influences are Jimi Hendrix, Cream , and The Who.

Ace Frehley was the first lead guitarist for KISS. After KISS had auditioned over 60 lead players, Ace tried out and got the job.

The May 1994 issue of Guitar World Magazine listed Ace Frehley at #9 in their "The 100 Most Important People In Guitar" article. He was also inducted into the "Rockwalk of Fame" in Hollywood, Ca.

Ace quit KISS after making the "I Love It Loud" video. His face is on the original "Creatures Of The Night" album cover, but he did not play on it.

After the success of his first solo album, Ace thought he could have more fun making music on his own, and could forgo the tension and politics of KISS. Ace rejoined Kiss in February of 1996.

Peter Criss - Drums / Vocals

Born: Peter Criscoula
Birthdate: December 20,1947
Born in: Brooklyn, New York

Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley answered an ad in Rolling Stone Magazine that said,"Drummer with 11 years experience willing to do anything to make it". After a try out, Peter Criss was in.

Peter sights his musical influences as drummer Gene Krupa and crooner Frank Sinatra.

Friction between Peter Criss and KISS came to a head in 1980, and Peter was let go. He rejoined KISS in February of 1996.

Eric Carr - Drums / Some Vocals

Born: Paul Charles Caravello
Birthdate: July 12, 1950
Born in: Brooklyn, New York

Eric Carr took up drums at 14, inspired by The Beatles' Ringo Starr.
Led Zeppelins' John Bonham was also a major influence. Eric replaced Peter Criss on drums in May of 1980.

KISS liked Eric so much that as soon as he joined the band, they bought him a Porsche. He was left handed in everything he did except play drums.
The KISS song "Little Caesar" was recorded entirely by Eric (Bass,Drums, Lead Vocals) and Bruce Kulick (Guitars).

Eric Carr passed away in 1991 after a battle with heart cancer.
Eric is laid to rest in Cedar Hill Mausoleum in upstate New York.
On July 25, 1995, Eric was posthumously inducted into the Hollywood Rock Walk.

In KISS: Dec.1982 - Mar.1984

Vinnie Vincent - Lead Guitar

Born: Vincent Cusano
Birthdate: August 6, 1952
Born in: Bridgeport,CT.

Vinnie Vincent replaced Ace Frehley in KISS in 1982. He got the gig because KISS had a tour booked and had'nt found an official replacement, and was hired even with Gene and Paul's apprehensions. He had already recorded with KISS on "Creatures Of The Night" but made his debut as an official member on the "Lick It Up" album.

Vinnie's Egyptian Warrior character was actually created by Paul Stanley in late 1982. Before joining KISS in 1982, Vinnie was a staff songwriter for the TV program "Happy Days".

Friction between Vincent and KISS came to a head when he was fired after the "Lick It Up Tour".