Stunning Photos of KISS Pose for a Portrait Photo Session for the Cover of Their Self-Entitled First Album in 1974

Kiss dropped their debut album, ‘Kiss’, on February 18, 1974, through Casablanca Records, marking the beginning of their rock journey.

Much of the album’s magic came from the songwriting of Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, who had carried over material from their pre-Kiss days in Wicked Lester. Simmons estimated the recording and mixing process took about three weeks, though co-producer Richie Wise claimed it was wrapped up in just 13 days. They recorded the album at Bell Sound Studios in New York City, owned by the parent company of Buddah Records. Neil Bogart, founder of Casablanca Records and a former Buddah executive, went all out, hosting a glamorous party at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles to celebrate the West Coast release.

h/t: vintag.es

The album’s iconic photoshoot took place on January 31, 1974, at Joel Brodsky’s Manhattan studio. Paul Stanley later shared that everyone except Peter Criss did their own makeup; Criss had his “tribal lion mask” look applied by a professional. During the shoot, Ace Frehley added his own flair by spraying his hair with silver hairspray to stand out—though it washed out easily afterward. Photographer Joel Brodsky initially had frustrations with Simmons, who took extra time in the dressing room perfecting his makeup. Brodsky ultimately captured a stunning black velvet-draped photo of the band that stood out as striking and unique at the time.

The Casablanca Records release party itself embodied Hollywood glitz, complete with palm trees and a Humphrey Bogart impersonator. Kiss turned heads with their trademark explosive stage show, but it didn’t win over Warner Bros., Casablanca’s record distributor. The company even threatened to sever ties unless Kiss removed their makeup. With support from manager Bill Aucoin, the band stood their ground and refused. Shortly after, Warner Bros. ended their relationship with Casablanca, but the bond between Kiss and their audience was just beginning to ignite. Their boldness, from their makeup to their music, set the stage for the legendary career that followed.