KISS is pre-hair, glam rock, in the vein of Alice Cooper, Slade, or even David Bowie. In any case, great video!

Through their career, after 1979, KISS used this song as the opening for a majority of their tours. When it was not the opener it was sometimes the finale. One of their best.

Paul Stanley of Kiss wrote "Detroit Rock City" as a tribute to the music scene in that city, but when their producer, Bob Ezrin, heard the demo, he helped him rework the song into something far more complex. Breaking away from the partying-style lyrics that were typical of Kiss at the time, they made it a song about a young fan who is killed in a car accident on his way to a Kiss concert - a teen tragedy along the lines of the '60s hit "Last Kiss." The loud, driving beat of the music belies the seriousness of the lyrics. Stanley said: "On a previous tour somebody had gotten hit by a car and killed outside the arena. I remember thinking how weird it is that people can be on their way to something that's really a party and a celebration of being alive, and die in the process of doing it. So that became the basis of the lyric." Stanley sings lead on the track. The song opens with a vignette where we hear a radio news story about a youth who was killed in a head-on collision with a truck in Detroit. We then hear the sound of a car revving up and heading out, with the Kiss song "Rock And Roll All Nite" on the radio. Then the song kicks in, telling the story of this guy recklessly driving to the concert. In the end, we hear the crash and realize the news story was about him. "Detroit Rock City" is the first track on the Destroyer album, so the vignette is the first thing fans heard when they took the album home and dropped the needle. This non-traditional open was producer Bob Ezrin's idea. He wanted to turn the song into a mini-movie that tells a story. Instead of playing "Detroit Rock City," many radio stations played the B-side of the single, the ballad "Beth." In response, "Beth" was released as the next single and became a big hit, reaching #7 in America, the highest-charting Kiss song there. (Songfacts.com)

@ericelander9936

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for giving the history of this song.

@m2karateman

9 ай бұрын

To add to your first sentence, the first concert that KISS ever headlined and sold out was in Detroit at Cobo Arena. In a time when KISS was supporting other bands on tours, in Detroit they were featured as a headliner. It was what prompted Paul Stanley to dedicate a song to Detroit.

Saw KISS live on the Destroyer tour which this song was from back in the late 70s. They were actually before the hair bands on the 80s! The concert I went to was general admission and totally insane! You would have enjoyed the 70s!!

@shawnsford7071

11 ай бұрын

I saw them I believe around 96 when they came back with the makeup. Went with my oldest brother who's a huge KISS fan. That tour the opening band was a band from the area. It was in RI and Powerman 5000 opened up even tho they're a MA band. I knew Powerman so I thought it was awesome!! But an amazing KISS show!!

this song is a true story about a Kiss fan being killed in a fatal car accident on his way to a Kiss concert

@apect2756

Ай бұрын

That's sad

@davehess1019

Ай бұрын

@@apect2756 yeah it is

I've seen them 4 times. Nobody stays in their seats. Everytime they started with this song.

Saw KISS in 1978. There was a body ‘crush’ at the doors and a stranger put me up on his shoulders. The crowd was shouting “1,2,3,4, open up these f-ing doors!” Once inside, the concert promoter threatened that if people didn’t stop throwing stuff at the stage KISS wasn’t coming out. Everybody but my family was either drunk or stoned or both. It was the greatest concert a child could see.

KISS started in the early 70’s. The makeup was done as a tribute to the Kabuki style theatre and acting in Japan.

The guitar solo sounds so beautiful live!! I'm so glad I got to go to three Kiss concerts & the guitar part sounds beautiful!!

IN THEIR CONCERTS when the last note of Detroit Rock City was hit, a Complete Firework Display would be going off, ending the Song with a Literal BANG! Many Fans would wear the KISS Makeup, and it wasn't uncommon for the Ladies in the Audience to "Flash their Boobs" (Sometimes even just staying Topless) for the Band! They were at the Forefront of the "Glam" and "Big Hair" Rock bands (but not the Originators), And Alice Cooper started the Facepaint Trend (But KISS DID Take it to the Top Level). Since their Gimmick was the Face Paint, they avoided Photographers taking their Pictures without it For Years. Gene started Dating Cher, and would wear a cloth mask when in Public with her.

On Kiss Alive II, this was established as perhaps the coolest concert kick-off tune of the 70s. The live version is SO much better. Happy New Year, y'all!

@mickeykmiller

Жыл бұрын

Always funny that they never even opened up with this on that tour.

@darrenmaguire6298

Жыл бұрын

Agreed. Anything kiss that is live is so much better.

My very first concert was KISS, 1977 at the Forum in L.A., I was 11, and this was the song they opened with. Hell of a spectacle for a young lad at the time.

@steffenweidlich8698

Жыл бұрын

My first concert was KISS, Oct. 1980 here in Germany, I was 13. The show was opened by a young band from England called Iron Maiden 🤣

@rickdaniels1789

Жыл бұрын

@@steffenweidlich8698 Ha, very cool. A young up and coming band opened for KISS in '77: Cheap Trick.

KISS is my cousin’s favorite band. He’s seen them probably like 100 times. He goes to every concert possible. He took me to their concert back in like 2019. It was pretty awesome 🤘🏽 Had to add-KISS was popular since the ‘70s but they have been around every decade-70s, 80s, and 90s and they are still Rockin 🤘🏽and YES when they played this song, it definitely was a banger! 🎉🎉🎆

@christinahilt2978

Жыл бұрын

They made a movie with the same title. You guys might enjoy it.

Kiss Alive and Kiss Alive II are by far their best albums My older cousin introduced me to them when I was about 9. My favorite is Hard Luck Woman

This era of kiss is some of their best work. Seen them in 1980. Good choice of song.

they started in the early 70's and still touring today I have seen Kiss over 20 times their music is not the hardest and not the best but no one puts on a better show!!!!!! The concerts are amazing spectacles watch them live on You Tube you will see.

Kiss started way back before Hair bands started, Kiss started back in the early 70's

Asia got a BIG smile when talking about Gene’s tongue. LOL!

Asia & BJ, you’ll love their "Shout It Out Loud" and “Beth”!! “Beth” was their only top 10 hit in the US, and only included Peter Criss from the band on lead vocals!! ("I Was Made For Lovin' You" reached #11 in the US which you've reacted to)

@chrisoakley5830

Жыл бұрын

In 1990 the song..Forever.. was also a top 10 hit for Kiss.

@gingerty9628

Жыл бұрын

@@chrisoakley5830 that was our theme song for my prom lol.

Guys, you need to definitely check out anything live classic from Kiss. Classic live performances but also more emotionally incredible is when they reunited with the original four members and put the make up back on back in 1996. They took the world over again for a second time.

At one point in the duration of the Kiss years, beleive it or not they decided to try their own solo careers and one of my favorite songs of that period was by Ace Frehley (started a group called Frehley's Comet) and the song was called Rock Soldiers, a very cool banger song.

Kiss rocks. They would sell out the main concert hall in Detroit, Cobo Arena when they were playin clubs everywhere else. They did 3 sold out shows at Cobo in March of 1975. They recorded there break through album, KISS Alive,during those three nights at Cobo Arena. This song is there tribute to the fans of Detroit, Rock City. You gotta lose your mind in Detroit Rock City!

Thank you for sticking to the original studio recording. I always push for that on someone's first listen so they don't miss any of the foundational work.

@kennycamaro2361

10 ай бұрын

This version is the remixed version off Double Platinum, not the original release off Destroyer.

This album came out the year I was born. Ive been listening to it since equally as long, it feels like. lol. I have a brother who is 8 years older and is definitely responsible for at least half my music tastes. I thank him for that. Or at least my 'ear buds' do... (instead of taste buds lol). Ive loved KISS since then...still do. Saw them a few times in these last 10 years...incredible shows. First time I was seeing them live. I got tix for my brother and I and he just about sht himself. Lol. It was a gift for the gift that he gave me. The music. He had never seen them before either. Good times..Love ya'll! thnx!

My fave song by KISS. I became a fan when I was in 4th grade when they released Rock n Roll All Night and Beth.

The loudest concert I've ever been to: KISS at the New Haven Coliseum.

Yes to everyone mentioning that it was based on an actual incident and the first KISS song that had a story to it. I think it's their BEST song overall!

KISS had the hair but they started in 1973 years before the "hair band" or glam rock Era, they were a hard rock band but they delved into some disco in their waning years before they had their comeback and re-establishment in the rock world

KISS was doing the make-up thing approx. 10 years before the hair-metal/glam fad started in the 80s. It's more accurate to describe them in the same vein as Alice Cooper - a form of Vaudeville act set to music. Each member of the band had their own gimmick. Gene Simmons (bass and vocals) was the Demon. Ace Frehely Lead guitar) was the Space Man. Peter Criss (drums) was the Cat. Paul Stanley (rhythm guitar and lead vocals) was the Star Child.

@madmatteomountain

Жыл бұрын

Ny dolls

@MrAndrum11

Жыл бұрын

I get offended when people say kiss is glam. At the beginning they were called Thunder Rock…. Not many know that.

@madmatteomountain

Жыл бұрын

@@MrAndrum11 whatever, they were a glam band.

@robrobert9541

Жыл бұрын

@@MrAndrum11 The only people that were "glam" back when KISS started out were people like Mick Jagger and David Bowie. Glam metal hadn't even been thought of yet.

Their concerts were awesome. Was fortunate to see all three drummers perform. Peter is my favorite for singing Hard Luck Woman, Black Diamond and of course Beth but I absolutely loved watching Eric Carr(RIP) perform.

I’ve seen a lot of concerts and I can’t even say I’m a “Kiss Army” type fan… but I have to say entertainment value wise… best concert I ever went to was KISS. Every person on the planet should experience a kiss concert. Well worth the time and money!

I saw Kiss in San Antonio mid 90s reunion tour masked. Best concert I've ever attended

They started in the early 70s, way before hair bands, actually in the eighties they took off the face paint and became more glam

On the original album, there’s news footage and sound effects.

Love this song. Perfect rock song. Simple, rebellious, reckless, unapologetic.

KISS was about 15 yrs ahead of the Glam Rock bands starting in the early 70's

KISS gets overlooked as a great band, but they were brilliant early on to treat it like a business/brand. They had the KISS Army (fan club). Any group that lasts as long as them is doing SOMETHING right!

KISS started in the early 70's....at the time it was kinda known as Shock Rock or like you said Glam Rock ......but we just called it hard rock.......it wasn't until the 80's and the immergence of MTV that you have hair bands. This song was their opening song in their concerts since it came out.

Love you guys. This brings up memories. Kiss was first band I ever liked as a little kid. I even went Trick or Treating dressed as Ace Frehley (the guy in silver) My brothers would mess with me saying only little nerds listened to kids. They was into Wueen, Zeppelin and Skynard

One of the greatest rock songs ever!!!!

Definitely my favorite Kiss song. Moving fast down 95...lol...so many traffic jams on that interstate. Maybe fast in the 70s, but not anymore. I will take an extra hour and take the back roads to avoid I-95 especially around Richmond.

This song is from 1976. Destroyer album. Kiss started 1973 with Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons and then Peter Criss and Ace frehley. They wanted to become the band they wanted to see live and after seeing Alice Cooper one night they decided that all four members should have their own identities. They didn't become a hair band till they took the makeup off for a fresh start in 1983 until 1996 so when the original four members got back together. For a short time but they've been in makeup ever since the only constant members being Gene and Paul.

@markwilliams6394

Жыл бұрын

Too bad they didn't play the Destroyer version.

This song was the first track on the KISS album "Destroyer", along with pre and post song add-ons like keys jangling on the way to the car and starting it up, and the squealing tires and crash noises at the end. Saw KISS on the "Destroyer" Tour. 7/11/76, my 18th Birthday, at The Cape Cod Coliseum, with Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band as openers. The crowd was just a LITTLE amped up, it was exactly one week after the 4th of July 1976, with LOTS and LOTS of fireworks all over the place. In the crowd and on the stage. KISS started the show with this song, and never let up the rest of the night. One of the most fun, energized and over the top concerts of the hundreds I have attended, before and since.

I remember when KISS first appeared, it was wilder than the Beatles arriving in America. The concerts were packed and lots of people painted their faces to mimic those of the band. They had a more forceful, even manly feel to their style and set a standard that everyone that followed tried to exceed.

50 yeas KISS! My first rock concert too!

Having been born in 1966, I was in 4th grade when I was introduced to Kiss… what kid didn’t want to be a kiss band member lol Great stuff

Saw this live in the late 70's awesome song live.

Now you might have to watch Detroit Rock City ( 1999 ) about 4 kids trying to get to a KISS show

when I was in high school, 1978...this was our favorite band...at that time...disco was disappearing in the rear view mirror, and we were thrilled when KISS rocked the world...Rock ON!!!

In the 70`s KISS was the biggest band in the world! They made millions and put on the best show you ever seen.

...and here I thought this was a Detroit Rock City; movie reaction. 😔 Oh well, love this one...I had all of their albums until the Unmasked one came out.

I'm not a big Kiss fan but I always liked this song..I remember my cousin blasting it around 1978

I actually prefer the original album recording with the sound effects of his car crashing. KISS was BEFORE the "Hair Band" look of the 80's. KISS was more Glam Rock which started in the early 70's NYC scene (i.e. New York Dolls) or David Bowie in the U.K. when he was Ziggy Stardust.

This is my favourite Kiss song and one of my favourite rock songs of all time. This song is from the album Destroyer and it is arguably the best Kiss album ever made. At least in my opinion. Also, the groovy bass line in this song was one of my main inspirations to become a bass player as a young kid. Thank you for a great reaction!

70'S ROCK BAND ASIA! 😊 THIS IS FROM THEIR GREAT ALBUM ( DESTROYER ) THE OTHER HUGE HIT WAS THE SONG THAT THEIR DRUMMER ( PETER CHRISS ) WROTE: BETH 😊

They were a hard rock/metal descendent of early 70s glam rock. During the 80s when they took the makeup off they were considered a hair metal band. This version is a minor remix. The original album cut has audio of a guy at a diner listening to a news story then getting into his car and drives. Then the song starts. His car crashes at the end of the song.

They were know as arena rock. Their concert were know as the loudest concerts ever! Supposedly they had nuclear powered speakers!

They were before glam bands. They come out in I believe 74 with their first album named KISS . I had all their albums. You need to watch it in concert form .

My favorite band, people always though their music would be more heavier due to the way they looked in the 70's. I believe 70's KISS is the best KISS, this song is from the 70's.

KISS Alive II was the first vinyl I bought as a kid. This song was one of the first songs I fell in love with. Got to see them once front row in Dallas for the Creatures of the Night tour (paid $75 dollars for the ticket! HA). As a 10th grader, It was incredible!

Paul (The Lead Singer for this song) Is the "Starchild" (a Star on his Right Eye), Gene was the "Demon" (a "Dragon Wing" design on is face), Peter (drums) was the "Catman" and Ace was the "Spaceman"... Eric Carr (who replaced Peter in 1981) Became the "Fox" and Vinne Vincent (who replaced Ace) was the "Ankh Warrior" After Eric's Death and Vinnie being replaced, they went back to "Starchild" and "Catman" for their respective roles. You should have the Mini Poster of the 4 KISS Solo album artworks on your wall... I have them Individually on my wall, and Above Each is their "Beatle" Counterparts (The Artwork paintings of their Faces from "Yellow Submarine"... Paul McCartney's above Gene, John's above Paul Stanley, George is Above Ace and Ringo's above Peter...

Wife here.., One of the very First Rock Concerts I ever attended with my Girlfriends!!...Asheville NC....Memories!!!...And I Loooove this song!!❣🤘...Ms. Asia alot of people would claim KISS invented the Glam/Hair era of music!!!

They were my first concert in 1977 in Louisville Kentucky. Yes I'm old. 😀

Theme characters with their heavy makeup and leather outfits. The star-struck lover, the spaceman, the vampire, the cat man!!!

KISS opens each concert with Detroit Rock City... and they always do God of Thunder and Love Gun... the theatrics of their concerts is amazing... watch a concert and see what I mean

KISS and Twisted Sister started the costume rocker trend in the early 1970s.

@jerrywoods4066

Жыл бұрын

Alice Cooper

This was the Double Platinum version. Original was on Destroyer. And No Kiss was not a hair band when this came out (1976). In the mid 80s they did lean more towards a hair band.

Great song - I've heard it a million times & I'm so jealous that you guys are hearing it for the first time LOL And you're right about it being a concert favorite ... Kiss opens nearly all of their shows with this track and it might just be the best concert opener that any hard rock band has in their set list.

You have to see the live show from 2006": Detriot Rock City is about a fan going to their concert & crashed & died. Paul Stanley the singer & guitarist is Starchild * Gene Simmons the bass is Demon * Ace Frehely is StarMan & Peter Criss the drummer is Catman 🤜💥🤛

Kiss was LONG before the Hair Metal bands of the 80s. They performed in Kabuki make up, with four different personalities--Demon, Gene Simmons, the bassist and vocalist; the Lover, Paul Stanley, rhythm guitar and vocals; Starchild, Ace Frehley and lead guitarist; and Cat--Peter Criss, drummer. There were a few guys at the drum kit. But this is the original lineup.

This was the mid and late 70s. They were doing this costume and outrageous stage shows at the same time as Parliament/Funkadelic. Very current in the time period. Great reaction.

You guys need to REALLY watch a live version of this from 1977-1978 or from the VH-1 Rock Honors" performance in 2006.

You guys need to watch some live KISS. Even if you just watch it while displaying the lyric video for us. "God of Thunder" or "Firehouse" would be great. "Hard Luck Woman" or "Beth" don't need the video, but would fun to see some diversity of KISS.

KISS came along way before the Glam Era. In the 80’s they turned into a Hair Band.

I was still in single digits when I first heard "Detroit Rock City" on the 45 my older sister owned. It was a great tune to play loud on the huge speakers we had in the basement of our Maryland home. However, it would be the song on the B side of that 45 that would become my first favorite song. That B side song was called "Beth", a beautiful ballad sung by raspy-voiced Peter Criss, the original drummer of KISS. I'm sure y'all will react to that masterpiece at some point.

So in 1976 I turned 11, my aunt took me to a local department store and said I could get whatever I wanted. So I chose KISS Destoyer album! She asked, “You sure”? YES I WAS! My 4th grade music teacher had “record” day. You could bring a 45 or an album but you could only play 1 song off the album. Everyone was asking if I was going to play Beth? I told them I wasn’t sure. When the teacher called my name, I handed her the album and said the first song please. I remember her staring at me while Detroit Rock City played, I have always wondered what she was thinking???? I remember my classmate, Mark coming up to me at recess and said Ms ???? said she would’ve played more of your album if she had more time.

Plenty of people know of Kiss, know they are a popular heavy rock band and have never actually heard their music, that was genius on their part, could go to a Kiss show never having heard their music and still get into it for the sake of a rock and having a good time, they have some great rock anthems, and I'm not actually huge Kiss fan, I just gotta appreciate what they achieved, they essentially created the modern rock and roll concert experience with way too many lights, pyrotechnics, guitars catching fire, drum risers as big as a house, Gene Simmons spitting blood and breathing fire, way over the top and so ridiculous and it's great

Love the hat BJ!!!!! And Detroit Rock City is a banger! Much love from Massachusetts!!!

Destroyer was released in 1976, glam rock. Try listening to the original off of Destroyer. It starts with the soundtrack of someone washing dishes listening to the radio and ends with the sounds of a car accident, then bleeds into King of the Night Time World. You'll love it.

Asia/BJ- Kiss started in early 70’s, well before “Hair Metal” period; this song is from 1976. Try songs Nowhere to Run and Mr Speed by Kiss; to great songs!

Again, you 2....looked incredible on New Year's! Just gorgeous!!!!!!

@AsiaandBJ

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!!

That a dual guitar solo gives me shivers every time

This song was my introduction to this band

KISS is not a hair band they've been doing their own thing for 50 yrs. Epic band for many generations.

I saw them 3 times and it was an amazing fun, loud concert!

For my birthday my mom spent $2500 for me to go see KISS in Nashville for the Psycho Circus Tour. She got me a private booth by the stage with 16 tickets. She still talks about it.

My Fave Kiss song!

Back when Kiss was at their best (the 1970's).

Awesome choice! You’re RIGHT Asia! LIVE kills it! Check out “KISS East Rutherford Detroit Rock City” - from 2000: kzread.info/dash/bejne/qmp6mZKEm92Tmrg.html This is from last tour of all 4 original members, which on this song were: Paul Stanley (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Gene Simmon$ (bass, backing vocals), Peter Criss (drums), Ace Frehley (lead guitar).

Its Kabuki make-up. That is a Japanese art form all within itself.

Great choice, "Rock and Roll All Night" and "Beth" are my favorites.

They formed in the early 70's. ✌️

In the early 70's they wanted to do anything they could to be the hottest band in the world. Their inspiration for what to look like, their stage shows. theatrics. They went to an Alice Cooper concert (The Godfather of Shock rock).He also had some face make up.Not as much as KISS. They designed their own make up to fit their personalities .Gene bassist (The Demon) liked horror movies. Co vocals / guitar Paul Stanley (Star child) liked stars & wanted to be a rock star. Ace Frehley lead guitar (The Space man) liked Science Fiction. Peter Criss drummer (The Cat man) he thought he had nine lives, especially growing up near gangs in New York & his love for cats.

Yes I am kiss army from the 70s getting the kiss alive record I really wanted to believe Santa gave it to me ❤

“Attention shoppers”😂

Correction....yes they were also part of the glam rock 80's scene, bot long after they were the hottest band in the world in the mid 70's. They rose to prominence in the 70's while all wearing alter ego face paint, then chose to get rid of it in the early 80's, then put it back on in the early 2000's and then.....ahh hell, too much lol. Just watch the Kiss documentary heheh.

Hair Metal-80s. Glam-70s. KISS predates hair Metal by more than a decade.

Just started before the glam-rock, back in 1974. Influence all kinds of bands that followed them

Amazing. You have to see the video with them in character.

There from the 70s 80s & 90s! They started in the mid 70s!