KISS:

The foundation of arena rock and pop metal that has dominated rock for the past 20 years was set by the captivating theatrics and fist pumping anthems of New York’s own KISS. Whether it was one of their hammering rock hooks or guitar powered ballads, KISS connected to its audience and even took it a few steps further. KISS’s glitzy costumes and make-up complemented their riveting stage show featuring smoke bombs, dry ice, sophisticated lighting, blood spewing, and fire breathing. The original line up of the band included founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley along with Peter Criss and Ace Frehley. The band’s theatrics have lived on since their first concert in 1973.