Kiss, an American hard rock band, was formed in New York City in January 1973. The original lineup consisted of four members: Paul Stanley (vocals and rhythm guitar), Gene Simmons (vocals and bass), Ace Frehley (lead guitar and vocals), and Peter Criss (drums and vocals). Kiss is renowned for their spectacular live performances that feature fire-breathing, blood-spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits, and pyrotechnics. They are also recognized by their characteristic face paint and stage outfits. The band's music incorporates elements of shock rock, glam rock, and hard rock. They gained prominence with their eponymous debut album released in February 1974. Over the years, they've produced numerous chart-topping albums and hit singles, including "Rock and Roll All Nite," "Detroit Rock City," and "I Was Made for Lovin' You." Their 1975 album Alive! catapulted them to stardom, solidifying their status as one of the most influential bands in rock history. In addition to their music, Kiss made significant contributions to the merchandising and marketing side of the music industry. They've licensed their name to more than 3,000 product categories, from comic books and lunchboxes to credit cards and coffins. Despite multiple line-up changes and temporary break-ups, Kiss has remained a dominant force in rock and roll. As of their last update, they have sold over 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, a testament to their enduring impact on the music industry.