Discover everything you wanted to know about the KISS 1978 solo albums!

"Gene Simmons" Related

Richie Ranno (2015)

Starz guitarist recalls a last minute phone call requesting his participation on Gene Simmons' solo album and challenges being part of the AMI family.

Ben D. Bollinger (2015)

Founder of the Citrus College Singers details his involvement on Gene Simmons' 1978 album and recounts a "first-class" experience for his students.

John Cavazos (2015)

Member of the Citrus College Singers recollects his "first taste being in the big time" in the studio with Gene Simmons.

Eric Troyer (2015)

Vocalist/pianist rewinds to the sessions for Gene Simmons' solo album, the days of Wicked Lester and an early KISS gig...

Michele Slater (2015)

Production coordinator for Gene Simmons' solo album details her responsibilities, an attempt to secure the Beatles and Lassie...

Michael Des Barres (2015)

Renowned musician/actor recalls early experiences with KISS and working with Gene Simmons and provides his two cents on the direction of Simmons' solo album...

Mitch Weissman (2013)

Background vocalist/original "Beatlemania" cast member recalls his contributions to Gene Simmons' 1978 solo album...

"Ace Frehley" Related

Susan Collins (2015)

Vocalist details her experience working on Ace Frehley's album, lending her "Brooklyn street" sound to the three tracks she sang on...

Will Lee (2015)

Grammy-winning musician/renowned studio bassist recalls throwing it down at the Plaza Sound sessions for "Ace Frehley."

Rob Freeman (2015)

Award-winning engineer details everything you want and need to know about Ace Frehley's solo album.

Russ Ballard (2015)

Award-winning songwriter details the creative process for his iconic song "New York Groove," the recording of the original version by Hello and his recollections of how the song came into the Ace Frehley fold.

Anton Fig (2015)

"The Thunder from Down Under" revisits Ace Frehley's 1978 solo album and working on the album's demos.

Eddie Kramer (2015)

Legendary producer/engineer recalls a "big family gathering" at the Colgate Mansion and revisits how Ace Frehley stacked the deck and trumped his bandmates with a brilliant solo album...

"Peter Criss" Related

Brendan Harkin (2015)

Guitarist recalls "one small credit" on Peter Criss' solo album...

John Tropea (2015)

Renowned jazz/R&B guitarist recalls his work on Peter Criss' 1978 solo album...

Art Munson (2015)

Guitarist on Peter Criss' solo album checks in with a message, plus a brief Q&A.

Neil Jason (2015)

Renowned studio musician discusses his bass double-duty on Peter Criss and Gene Simmons' solo albums.

Richard T. Bear (2015)

Pianist shares memories of playing on Gene Simmons and Peter Criss' solo albums.

Tom Saviano (2015)

Renowned L.A.-based session musician revisits his horn arrangements for Peter Criss' 1978 solo album and how he got his proper career start as an arranger and session musician...

"Paul Stanley" Related

Mikel Japp (2005)

The late song-writer discusses his work with KISS, and on Paul's solo album, in this interview originally conducted in 2005...

Richie Fontana (2015)

Drummer recalls the comfortable creative environment during the sessions for "Paul Stanley," and provides insight on the tracks he played on...

Diana Grasselli (2015)

Desmond Child & Rouge vocalist recalls lending the group's signature sound to "Move On" and working with Paul Stanley...

Peppy Castro (2015)

Renowned artist/friend of the KISS family recalls collaborating with Paul Stanley...

Steve Buslowe (2015)

Bassist recalls laying down the bottom end on "Paul Stanley," the sterling guitar work of Bob Kulick, and the atmosphere at the sessions ...

Doug Katsaros (2015)

Multi-talented Emmy-winning musician recalls formulating the piano track for "Hold Me, Touch Me," constructing the lush string arrangement, and working out the background vocals with Paul Stanley and Peppy Castro...

Bob Kulick (2015)

Longtime member of the KISS family fondly remembers great music and great vibes during the "Paul Stanley" album sessions...

Jeff Glixman (2015)

The award-winning producer/engineer gives his first-ever in-depth interview about his involvement on Paul Stanley's 1978 solo album.

Additional Related!

David Edward Byrd (2013)

Renowned graphic artist/illustrator details the "hellacious" experience of creating the interlocking solo album murals, plus other assorted KISS odds and ends...

Stephanie Tudor (2013)

Former Aucoin Management director of production recalls working with the "genius" Bill Aucoin and the buzz and excitement surrounding the 1978 KISS solo albums.

Carol Kaye (2013)

Publicist recalls KISS being on top of the world in 1978, the promotional strategy for the solo albums...

Carol Ross-Durborow (2013)

Head of the Press Office discusses the promotional campaign for the 1978 solo albums, working with Bill Aucoin from the beginning, the challenges in representing KISS...

Dennis Woloch (2013)

Art director details the creative process for the iconic solo album portraits, his goal to make them look "classic and timeless...

Larry Harris (2013)

Former Casablanca Records executive VP goes on record about the internal friction within the band, Neil Bogart's gambling mentality and why the KISS solo albums were a "death knell" for the label...

Christopher K. Lendt (2013)

Former vice president of Glickman/Marks Management takes us inside the business of the solo albums from his perspective...

"Never have all the members of an ongoing rock 'n' roll band released their own albums simultaneously. Never have the members of a band taken a touring break specifically to grant each one the time to develop his own individual statement... KISS is more than a rock 'n' roll band. KISS is an institution, and to its fans, inspiration. The albums were done to prove that there is a place in a group for its members' unique temperaments to be expressed, without altering that group's inner harmony. When the KISS members decided to create their own albums, they contacted many friends and colleagues outside the band to play at the sessions" (PR).

All of the interviews that originally comprised this incredible 35th celebration of the KISS Solo Albums, plus those added for the publication of "Gene, Ace, Peter & Paul" book in 2015; and any since... September 18, 1978. KISS made music history when they simultaneously released the member's four solo albums. The albums were backed by an unprecedented, multimillion dollar marketing and publicity campaign, and a total of more than 5.3 million units were shipped to retailers, creating KISSteria and representing perhaps one of the last examples of record industry excess in the '70s. "Gene, Ace, Peter & Paul: A Detailed Exploration of the 1978 KISS Solo Albums" is based in large part on a 2013 KISSFAQ.com celebratory retrospective that commemorated the 35th anniversary of the solo albums. That "Back in the Solo Album Groove: The KISS Albums. 35 Years Later..." project was an ambitious multi-week retrospective dedicated to arguably one of the biggest milestones in KISStory.

By 1978 KISS had transformed from simply a rock band into a cultural phenomenon. Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, Peter Criss and Paul Stanley had just completed their busiest year to date in 1977: a 12-month cycle that yielded the "Love Gun" studio album, "Alive II" and an intensive touring itinerary -- including the band's first tour of Japan. Under the direction of manager Bill Aucoin, what followed was a year that firmly established and took "Super KISS" over the top, cementing their status as an American cultural icon. Following the conclusion of the "Alive II" tour, Casablanca Records released the first proper KISS greatest hits package, "Double Platinum," in April 1978. The band then embarked on the filming of "KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park," a made-for-television movie that premiered on NBC television in October. Meanwhile, the flood of KISS merchandise -- from belt buckles, sleeping bags, makeup kits, and dolls -- became a tidal inundation of retail outlets nationwide. KISS was everywhere. The transformation into a brand was fully underway.

The solo albums presented the KISS members like fans had never heard them before. Simmons called on a cavalcade of stars to round out his LP, from artists such as Donna Summer and Helen Reddy to Aerosmith's Joe Perry and Cheap Trick's Rick Nielsen. Containing an impressive breadth of material, the album spanned Beatles-inspired tunes, lushly orchestrated ballads and electrifying rock tracks, with a touching cover of the Disney classic "When You Wish Upon A Star" thrown in for good measure. For his solo album, Frehley teamed with renowned producer/engineer Eddie Kramer, who was fresh from spearheading the band's last two studio albums and "Alive II." With only two lead vocals to his credit at that point, Frehley's album was arguably considered the wildcard of the bunch. But with an armory of guitars and amps, a bolt of confidence and drummer Anton Fig in tow, the Spaceman had an ace up his sleeve.

Meanwhile, Criss fulfilled his musical dreams by presenting a song cycle reflecting his diverse interests, from R&B and old-time rock and roll to delicate ballads and even a disco-flavored tune, which pre-dated the 1979 hit "I Was Made For Lovin' You." The Catman was aided by an A-list of studio musicians and the talents of KISS creative guru Sean Delaney and Grammy-winning producer/songwriter Vini Poncia. Stanley expanded his creative horizons, mixing straight-ahead KISS-inspired numbers with dynamic tracks that showcased his impressive vocal range, including his first-ever performed ballad. The Starchild tapped an able group of musicians, including guitarist Bob Kulick, who had ghosted guitar tracks on the studio side of "Alive II." In a sense, Stanley's album ultimately defined a model for his future output within KISS.

Nearly 4 decades later, "Gene, Ace, Peter & Paul: A Detailed Exploration of the 1978 KISS Solo Albums" puts the four KISS solo albums under the microscope like never before. More than 30 brand-new interviews were conducted with various individuals who either worked directly on the solo albums or have a strong connection with the projects. These interviews offer readers fresh first-hand perspectives straight from studio musicians, producers, engineers, and songwriters, and the creative professionals working in the KISS camp at the time.

To: Gene, Ace, Peter & Paul

This feature was the brainchild of then KissFAQ co-admin Tim McPhate. Tim drove the project to celebrate the solo albums with drive and passion.

"Gene Simmons" Related

Richie Ranno (2015)

Starz guitarist recalls a last minute phone call requesting his participation on Gene Simmons' solo album and challenges being part of the AMI family.

Ben D. Bollinger (2015)

Founder of the Citrus College Singers details his involvement on Gene Simmons' 1978 album and recounts a "first-class" experience for his students.

John Cavazos (2015)

Member of the Citrus College Singers recollects his "first taste being in the big time" in the studio with Gene Simmons.

Eric Troyer (2015)

Vocalist/pianist rewinds to the sessions for Gene Simmons' solo album, the days of Wicked Lester and an early KISS gig...

Michele Slater (2015)

Production coordinator for Gene Simmons' solo album details her responsibilities, an attempt to secure the Beatles and Lassie...

Michael Des Barres (2015)

Renowned musician/actor recalls early experiences with KISS and working with Gene Simmons and provides his two cents on the direction of Simmons' solo album...

Mitch Weissman (2013)

Background vocalist/original "Beatlemania" cast member recalls his contributions to Gene Simmons' 1978 solo album...

"Ace Frehley" Related

Susan Collins (2015)

Vocalist details her experience working on Ace Frehley's album, lending her "Brooklyn street" sound to the three tracks she sang on...

Will Lee (2015)

Grammy-winning musician/renowned studio bassist recalls throwing it down at the Plaza Sound sessions for "Ace Frehley."

Rob Freeman (2015)

Award-winning engineer details everything you want and need to know about Ace Frehley's solo album.

Russ Ballard (2015)

Award-winning songwriter details the creative process for his iconic song "New York Groove," the recording of the original version by Hello and his recollections of how the song came into the Ace Frehley fold.

Anton Fig (2015)

"The Thunder from Down Under" revisits Ace Frehley's 1978 solo album and working on the album's demos.

Eddie Kramer (2015)

Legendary producer/engineer recalls a "big family gathering" at the Colgate Mansion and revisits how Ace Frehley stacked the deck and trumped his bandmates with a brilliant solo album...

"Peter Criss" Related

Brendan Harkin (2015)

Guitarist recalls "one small credit" on Peter Criss' solo album...

John Tropea (2015)

Renowned jazz/R&B guitarist recalls his work on Peter Criss' 1978 solo album...

Art Munson (2015)

Guitarist on Peter Criss' solo album checks in with a message, plus a brief Q&A.

Neil Jason (2015)

Renowned studio musician discusses his bass double-duty on Peter Criss and Gene Simmons' solo albums.

Richard T. Bear (2015)

Pianist shares memories of playing on Gene Simmons and Peter Criss' solo albums.

Tom Saviano (2015)

Renowned L.A.-based session musician revisits his horn arrangements for Peter Criss' 1978 solo album and how he got his proper career start as an arranger and session musician...

"Paul Stanley" Related

Mikel Japp (2005)

The late song-writer discusses his work with KISS, and on Paul's solo album, in this interview originally conducted in 2005...

Richie Fontana (2015)

Drummer recalls the comfortable creative environment during the sessions for "Paul Stanley," and provides insight on the tracks he played on...

Diana Grasselli (2015)

Desmond Child & Rouge vocalist recalls lending the group's signature sound to "Move On" and working with Paul Stanley...

Peppy Castro (2015)

Renowned artist/friend of the KISS family recalls collaborating with Paul Stanley...

Steve Buslowe (2015)

Bassist recalls laying down the bottom end on "Paul Stanley," the sterling guitar work of Bob Kulick, and the atmosphere at the sessions ...

Doug Katsaros (2015)

Multi-talented Emmy-winning musician recalls formulating the piano track for "Hold Me, Touch Me," constructing the lush string arrangement, and working out the background vocals with Paul Stanley and Peppy Castro...

Bob Kulick (2015)

Longtime member of the KISS family fondly remembers great music and great vibes during the "Paul Stanley" album sessions...

Jeff Glixman (2015)

The award-winning producer/engineer gives his first-ever in-depth interview about his involvement on Paul Stanley's 1978 solo album.

Additional Related!

David Edward Byrd (2013)

Renowned graphic artist/illustrator details the "hellacious" experience of creating the interlocking solo album murals, plus other assorted KISS odds and ends...

Stephanie Tudor (2013)

Former Aucoin Management director of production recalls working with the "genius" Bill Aucoin and the buzz and excitement surrounding the 1978 KISS solo albums.

Carol Kaye (2013)

Publicist recalls KISS being on top of the world in 1978, the promotional strategy for the solo albums...

Carol Ross-Durborow (2013)

Head of the Press Office discusses the promotional campaign for the 1978 solo albums, working with Bill Aucoin from the beginning, the challenges in representing KISS...

Dennis Woloch (2013)

Art director details the creative process for the iconic solo album portraits, his goal to make them look "classic and timeless...

Larry Harris (2013)

Former Casablanca Records executive VP goes on record about the internal friction within the band, Neil Bogart's gambling mentality and why the KISS solo albums were a "death knell" for the label...

Christopher K. Lendt (2013)

Former vice president of Glickman/Marks Management takes us inside the business of the solo albums from his perspective...

Editor's note: The editing of the interviews comprising this work were approached with a desire to leave the original intent and "voice" of the interviewee intact; even at the cost of correct grammar. Except in the most egregious cases, a bare minimum of corrections have been applied, and in some cases, the ubiquitous [sic] has been inserted out of respect to what are in essence transcriptions of conversations converted into a more readable form. Hopefully, the unique character of each interviewee's "voice" is preserved, and won't cause too much reader discomfort! Please also consider that one person conducted and transcribed the vast majority of these interviews, and another is taking on the task of editing the work. Therefore, only the former would recall the nuances only present in the original tone of the conversation.