AUGUST 11, 1999 – KISS arrived on Hollywood Boulevard to unveil their star on the city’s Walk Of Fame in trademark KISS style, sporting their trademarked makeup and costumes, and with bassist/lead vocalist Gene Simmons (the Demon) sticking out his bright red tongue. “We make a complete spectacle out of ourselves and that’s our job,'” Simmons said. He was joined by the other three band members: lead guitarist/vocalist Ace Frehley (the Spaceman), guitarist/lead vocalist Paul Stanley (the Lovechild) and drummer/vocalist Peter Criss (the Catman).
KISS music blared from loudspeakers and large crowd of fans, many decked out as their favorite band member, turned out for the ceremony as well as representatives of the media, VIPs including Detroit Rock City director Adam Rifkin, producers Kathleen Haase and Barry Levine, associate producer Tim Sullivan and Marilyn Manson guitarist John Lowrey, and KISS’ family members stood by as the KISS star was unveiled at the intersection of LaBrea and Hollywood. The band received commemorative plaques from Hollywood’s honorary mayor Johnny Grant, who proclaimed it “KISS Day.”
Peter Criss hit an emotional note when he said, “I wish my mom and dad were still here to see this because I did it for them.” “We wouldn’t be here without you,” Paul Stanley told the crowd. “This star is for you people. It has our name on it, but every one of you is responsible for it.” Probably the happiest of the responsible horde was the artist who passed a large painting of the band up to the front and got it returned with all four members’ signatures.
The KISS star is located at 7092 Hollywood Blvd. on Marshfield Way as it merges into Hollywood Blvd. The KISS star is one of more than 2,500 five-pointed stars featuring the names of not only human celebrities but also fictional characters honored by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for their contributions to the entertainment industry.
The revealing of the star coincided with the release of a new movie “Detroit Rock City” (named for a KISS tune) about four teen-agers who embark on a wild adventure to attend a sold-out KISS concert.
Famous for their elaborate stage makeup and six-inch platform boots, KISS is even better known for their rock music and hits like “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Beth.” With highly theatrical stage shows featuring fireworks, “thunder and lightning,” and spurts of fake blood, KISS concerts have sold out worldwide since the 1970s.
KISS have released over 30 albums and sold over 80 million records world-wide, making them truly worthy of a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.