Kiss '76: Twelve Months That Defined the Hottest Band in the Land
Martin Popoff
Feb 2026 · Motorbooks
Ebook
224
Pages
infoThis book will become available on February 10, 2026. You will not be charged until it is released.
About this ebook
Take a lively look back at the most significant 12-month span in Kiss’s career, 50 years on, joining Paul, Gene, Ace, and Peter as they conquer the world.
1976 suffered no shortage of notable events…Cincinnati’s “Big Red Machine” beat the Yankees in the World Series. Jimmy Carter beat Gerald Ford at the ballot box. Rocky lit up the big screen. And some guy named Bruce Jenner lit up the Summer Olympics. And it was all set against the backdrop of the United States Bicentennial.
Kiss stomped into the fray with their platform boots, barnstorming the world and still finding time to record and release two of their all-time bestselling albums. Formed in 1973, Kiss had already grabbed attention with their outrageous makeup, stage show, and (of course) music. But in 1976 the band truly took off, unleashing Destroyer and Rock and Roll Over in a span of just eight months and logging more than 100 performances in North America and Europe.
In Kiss ’76, Martin Popoff presents month-by-month narratives following the band around the world, across stages and through studios. The book features:
This nostalgic and handsomely produced book offers a unique look at a critical chapter in the band’s career, sure to appeal to the legions of Kiss fans.
1976 suffered no shortage of notable events…Cincinnati’s “Big Red Machine” beat the Yankees in the World Series. Jimmy Carter beat Gerald Ford at the ballot box. Rocky lit up the big screen. And some guy named Bruce Jenner lit up the Summer Olympics. And it was all set against the backdrop of the United States Bicentennial.
Kiss stomped into the fray with their platform boots, barnstorming the world and still finding time to record and release two of their all-time bestselling albums. Formed in 1973, Kiss had already grabbed attention with their outrageous makeup, stage show, and (of course) music. But in 1976 the band truly took off, unleashing Destroyer and Rock and Roll Over in a span of just eight months and logging more than 100 performances in North America and Europe.
In Kiss ’76, Martin Popoff presents month-by-month narratives following the band around the world, across stages and through studios. The book features:
- Detailed analyses of both albums, including the recording sessions, sleeve art, and each
- Info panels detailing the albums’ personnel, key dates, and track listings
- Listings of tour dates and venues
- Exclusive author interview material from figures like guitarist Ace Frehley, producer Bob Ezrin, and collaborator Kim Fowley
- Month-by-month sidebars offering concurrent world, entertainment, and music news, putting the band’s impressive achievements in the context of that momentous year
- Stunningly illustrated pages featuring performance and offstage photography, as well as period memorabilia and flat art
This nostalgic and handsomely produced book offers a unique look at a critical chapter in the band’s career, sure to appeal to the legions of Kiss fans.
About the author
Working out of Toronto, Canada, Martin Popoff (martinpopoff.com) has penned more than 100 books on hard rock, heavy metal, classic rock, and record collecting, including 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, RecordCollector, 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.
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