KISS – Author MARTIN POPOFF’s “KISS ’76” Book To Arrive In February
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Martin Popoff’s KISS ’76 arrives February 24, a lively, month‑by‑month exploration of the year that transformed Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss from cult spectacle into a global phenomenon.
Formed in 1973, KISS was one of the hardest-working bands in rock, releasing three studio albums and their breakthrough Alive! in 1974-75, setting the stage for a true breakthrough into superstardom. Fifty years on, Popoff frames the band’s nonstop momentum in 1976- two landmark studio albums, a relentless touring schedule, and the birth of the KISS Army fan club – against the wider cultural moments of the Bicentennial year, from the Bicentennial to blockbuster films and headline sports and political events.
Written with the fan’s eye and the historian’s rigor, KISS ’76 follows the band around the world and into the studio, pairing detailed album analysis with exclusive interviews and vivid in‑concert and off‑stage photography. As Popoff puts it in the prologue, “This is the story of 1976 by someone with way too much KISS on the brain,” a voice that blends passionate fandom with the knowledge and expertise of a seasoned music journalist, while never losing sight of the year’s bigger picture.
The book is richly illustrated and meticulously researched, with recording‑session and song‑by‑song breakdowns for Destroyer and Rock and Roll Over, sleeve‑art commentary, personnel and track‑listing panels, full tour listings, and exclusive interviews with figures including Ace Frehley, producer Bob Ezrin, and Kim Fowley. Month‑by‑month sidebars place the band’s activity alongside concurrent world, entertainment, and music news, while images of period memorabilia make the volume a collector‑friendly package.
More than a chronicle, KISS ’76 is a vivid time capsule — an in-depth celebration of the year that made KISS unstoppable. Fifty years later, it offers fans and rock historians alike a definitive keepsake of the band’s most explosive chapter, captured in full color and detail.
Pre-order KISS ’76: Twelve Months That Defined The Hottest Band In The Land here.
Martin Popoff is the author of over 100 books on hard rock, heavy metal, classic rock, and record collecting, bringing both archival depth and fan‑first storytelling. Working out of Toronto, Canada, Popoff’s books include Rush: The Illustrated History, The Clash: All The Albums, All The Songs, Led Zeppelin: All The Albums, All The Songs, Pink Floyd: Album By Album, Bowie At 75, AC/DC At 50, and KISS At 50. In addition, he has appeared in Revolver, Guitar World, Goldmine, Record Collector, bravewords.com, lollipop.com, and hardradio.com. Martin also worked on the award-winning documentaries Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage and ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band From Texas for Banger Films.
(Source: www.bravewords.com)
