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KISS Destroyer: The Definitive Visual History
Making and Touring the Legendary Album, Official and Authorized
Published by Insight Editions
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
Have a “Rock and Roll Party” with this incredible chronicle of KISS’s first platinum studio album and one of the greatest rock records in history.
In 1976, Gene, Paul, Ace, and Peter stomped their platform heels into the mainstream with Destroyer, which catapulted them to superstardom. This official, authorized retrospective takes you behind the scenes at the recording sessions and backstage at the mind-blowing tour that followed, offering eye-opening insights into
• Marlon Brando’s significance on the direction of the album
• tensions in the sound studio
• the destruction of Paul Stanley’s favorite guitar
• creating the costumes and the cover artwork
• the photo shoots to promote the record
• a dare that led to the birth of the KISS Army
• David Bowie’s influence on the stage design
• the band’s hijinks on tour
• their encounters with Karen Carpenter, Margaret Hamilton, Paul Lynde, other stars of the day . . . and more!
The book features interviews with more than 50 people, including exclusive new interviews with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and producer Bob Ezrin, who reveal all the sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll that went into making the record. It comes jam-packed with deep dives on all the songs—including demos that didn’t make the final cut and who titled “Beth”—and contains hundreds of photos, some never before published. Comprehensive tour information covers dates, venues, and key performances, and a complete timeline of recording and promoting the seminal album features world affairs and other cultural events, putting the band’s milestones in meaningful context. So paint your face, stick out your tongue, and “Shout It Out Loud” with this must-have showcase of one of the most influential rock records of all time!
In 1976, Gene, Paul, Ace, and Peter stomped their platform heels into the mainstream with Destroyer, which catapulted them to superstardom. This official, authorized retrospective takes you behind the scenes at the recording sessions and backstage at the mind-blowing tour that followed, offering eye-opening insights into
• Marlon Brando’s significance on the direction of the album
• tensions in the sound studio
• the destruction of Paul Stanley’s favorite guitar
• creating the costumes and the cover artwork
• the photo shoots to promote the record
• a dare that led to the birth of the KISS Army
• David Bowie’s influence on the stage design
• the band’s hijinks on tour
• their encounters with Karen Carpenter, Margaret Hamilton, Paul Lynde, other stars of the day . . . and more!
The book features interviews with more than 50 people, including exclusive new interviews with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and producer Bob Ezrin, who reveal all the sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll that went into making the record. It comes jam-packed with deep dives on all the songs—including demos that didn’t make the final cut and who titled “Beth”—and contains hundreds of photos, some never before published. Comprehensive tour information covers dates, venues, and key performances, and a complete timeline of recording and promoting the seminal album features world affairs and other cultural events, putting the band’s milestones in meaningful context. So paint your face, stick out your tongue, and “Shout It Out Loud” with this must-have showcase of one of the most influential rock records of all time!
Product Details
- Publisher: Insight Editions (October 27, 2026)
- Length: 272 pages
- ISBN13: 9798337402789
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Raves and Reviews
Critical Acclaim for Nothin' to Lose
"Entertaining. . . Revelations about New York's pre-punk glam scene and the 1970s hard-rock touring circuit alternate with heartwarming small-town tales.” —ROLLING STONE
“A richly detailed day-to-day accounting of all the myths in their legend. . . . You are right there, center section, front row, through every twist and turn.” —HUFFINGTON POST
“What makes this one so special is the tremendous amount of detail to be found in the more than 200 interviews. . . . Full of extraordinary primary-source material that will keep KISS fans up at night . . . excellent work.” —LIBRARY JOURNAL starred review
“A fascinating chronicle.” —PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
“A rollicking oral history.” —KIRKUS REVIEWS
“If you thought you knew everything there was to know about KISS . . . you’d be wrong. . . . This is the book that’ll tell you. Buy this book or just KISS off!” —ALICE COOPER
“An electrifying look at a band that changed the course of rock ’n’ roll history by sticking to their guns and blazing their own trail of heavy metal thunder. I couldn’t put it down. Two thumbs up!” —JOE PERRY, Aerosmith
“This book is the real story of the American rock ’n’ roll dream.” —TED NUGENT
“Quintessential . . . The KISS story is told with complete accuracy and attention to detail by Ken Sharp with help from Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. Mandatory reading for every new artist. This is a masterpiece!” —KENNY KERNER, coproducer of Kiss and Hotter than Hell
“A gripping look at the underbelly of rock ’n’ roll . . . I should know, I was there.” —PETER “MOOSE” ORECKINTO, KISS roadie, 1973–1976
“Nothin’ to Lose brought back great memories of our days touring with KISS in the ’70s. The book is an incredible ride through KISS’s early days and a must-read for any KISS fan!” —DON POWELL, Slade
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Book Cover Image (jpg): KISS Destroyer: The Definitive Visual History
Hardcover 9798337402789
