KISS are one of the most famous rock bands in the world – but there are some things you might not know about the group, including the real meaning behind their name
For over 50 years, the enthralling tunes of KISS have captured the attention of many. The legendary rock group was born in the heart of New York City in 1973, with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss forming the original line-up.
Renowned for their theatrical makeup and elaborate costumes, they shot to stardom in the 70s with their electrifying shock rock performances. Their concerts were a spectacle of fire-breathing antics, blood-spitting displays, guitars that smoked, rockets that fired, drum kits that soared and dazzling pyrotechnics.
Despite numerous changes in the band’s line-up over time, Stanley and Simmons have been the steadfast pillars of the group. They’ve cemented their status as one of the most emblematic bands in music history.
While classics like “Beth”, “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” and “Rock and Roll All Nite” are etched in the memories of fans, there are lesser-known tidbits about the band, including the story behind their famous moniker.
The curiosity around how KISS got its name sparked a discussion on Quora after someone posed the question: “How did the band KISS gets its name?” The query quickly attracted a variety of answers.
One contributor speculated: “Rumors would have you believe that KISS is an acronym for ‘Knights In Satan’s Service’ or ‘Keep It Simple Stupid’. But a more accepted story says that in 1973, band co-founders Paul Stanley and drummer Peter Criss were driving in New York City when Criss mentioned that he’d been in a band called Lips.
“This inspired Stanley, and he came up with the name KISS. A logo was drawn up in which the ‘SS’ resembled lightning bolts, and then the name was handwritten over the band’s name at the time — Wicked Lester — on a poster outside of a club.”
Another chimed in with: “KISS absolutely stands for Keep It Simple Stupid, at least in computer programming and, while I don’t doubt that this explanation is completely unrelated to the name of this band, they do epitomize that slogan anyway.”
A third contributor remarked: “First off, KISS is not an acronym for anything; Kids In Satan’s Service – Knights In Satan’s Service – Keep It Simple Stupid – Killers In Satan’s Service. Nonsense, all nonsense.
“And, since we’re on the subject, no AC/DC does not stand for Anti-Christ Devil’s Children, more utter nonsense. Anyway, I read many years ago that Ace Frehley initially suggested calling the band ‘F***’. Whether this is true or not I cannot confirm. However; Paul Stanley suggested the far less profane and vulgar name; KISS.”
What’s the real meaning behind the name KISS?
Despite the swirl of rumors and myths that have surrounded the name for decades, it appears there might be a straightforward answer. Over the years, the name has become iconic and widely recognized, yet it doesn’t hold the connotations some have believed.
Contrary to their intense persona potentially conjuring images of devilish entities, the group has no association with Satanism, despite persistent claims by some that the name represented “Knights In Satan’s Service”.
When chatting on SiriusXM’s Howard Stern Show, KISS co-frontman Paul Stanley dished on the origins of their iconic name, revealing they chose “kiss” because it “transcended the English language”. He quipped: “We’re smart, but we’re not that smart”.
Before they became the rock legends known as KISS, the group went by Wicked Lester. Gene Simmons and Stanley tossed around a few names before landing on KISS.
Stanley shared the story behind the decision, adding: “To me, Kiss was a word that transcended the English language. You could go almost anywhere in the world and say the word Kiss and people would go, ‘Oh, I’ve heard of them.’ It’s like calling a band water.
“And a kiss of death, a kiss of passion – it just seemed to incorporate all the elements of what we were doing.”
Simmons also confirmed the band thought about using the name “F***”. He added: “We were talking about it … first record could be It, the second record could be You, but it wasn’t serious.”
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
