Kiss / Early Years 1966–1974

The ultimate definitive collection covering the pre-debut era has arrived! It features Peter during his Chelsea days (where you can hear the prototype for “Beth”), Gene during his Bullfrog Bheer days (featuring the basis for “Only You”), and even Wicked Lester remixes originally produced for an official box set. This is the explosive release of the ultimate definitive edition regarding the groundbreaking *KISS* album—a 2-CD set preserving the ultimate master recordings for posterity! How was the legend of KISS born? This release is a labor of love from the “KISSTORICUS” project—an initiative dedicated to deeply exploring the history prior to the band’s formation—by unearthing rare material from the depths of the archives. It compiles ultra-rare recordings that have rarely, if ever, been heard before. Moreover, the quality is astonishing—rivaling or even surpassing official releases. Disc 1 compiles the little-known chronicles of the youth of Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss—the three future KISS members—leading up to the moment their destinies converged to form the band. Disc 2 gathers the best-available master recordings of Wicked Lester (the direct precursor to KISS) and rare, hidden gems from the time surrounding the KISS debut. While the tracks are arranged chronologically, we will introduce them here by member and project for clarity. Disc 1: Paul Stanley-related material – UNCLE JOE (1 track: Track 1). Kicking things off is Uncle Joe, a local band featuring a young Paul Stanley. The track “Stop, Look To Listen” was recorded at Mayfair Studios in New York and features Paul (vocals/guitar), Matt Rale (guitar), and Neil Teeman (drums). According to Neil Teeman, this recording captures a rehearsal session taped during an opportunity to use the studio unofficially. It preserves the fresh, raw, and unpolished vocal talent of the teenage Paul. DISC 1: Gene Simmons-related recordings from age 17 (1 track: Track 2). Next up is material related to Gene Simmons. First is “My Uncle Is A Raft,” composed by Gene when he was just 14. It is one of the earliest songs he wrote and comes with an amusing backstory: as an immigrant still unfamiliar with English, he mistakenly believed the phrase “My Uncle Is A Raft” held a profound meaning. The performance features Gene (guitar/vocals), Mark Nyberg (drums), and Larry Martinelli (guitar). BULLFROG BHEER (5 tracks: Tracks 8–12). Also essential listening is Gene’s earliest project, “BULLFROG BHEER.” These recordings, dating from around 1969–1970, originate from the famous “12-song publishing reel.” Of particular note is “Eskimo Sun” (originally titled “Eskimo Sun (A Six Month Waltz)”), a track not to be missed as it provided the melodic foundation for “Only You,” which later appeared on the album *Music from “The Elder.”* “Stanley The Parrot” is an early demo cut onto an acetate disc by Richcraft Recording. “Nancy” (originally titled “A Reevus In The Eye”) and “Put On Your Slippers” appear to feature keyboard overdubs by Brook Ostrander of Wicked Lester. DISC 1: Peter Criss-related material – THE BARRACUDA’S (2 tracks: Tracks 3 & 4). In fact, DISC 1 contains the largest number of tracks related to Peter Criss; among the original KISS members, Peter actually possessed an exceptionally extensive career history. First up are two tracks by “THE BARRACUDA’S.” These were released as a single (catalog number DE-502) on Delight Records, composed by Carlos Cancel and produced by Marty Kraft. Peter participates under the name “Peter Criscuola.” SOUNDS OF SOUL (3 tracks: Tracks 5–7): An R&B/soul cover band Peter was part of in the late 1960s, prior to Chelsea. These tracks are covers of classic songs, sourced from rare demos and acetates. CHELSEA (4 tracks: Tracks 13–16): The band Peter belonged to before joining KISS; they signed a two-album deal with Decca Records. Although they released a debut LP in 1970, the second album was shelved. The songs included here—”Beck,” “Heaven With The Stars Above,” “Run, Mr. Green,” and “You Make Me Feel”—are demos intended for that unreleased second album. The highlight is undoubtedly “Beck.” Written by Peter and Stan Penridge during the Chelsea era, this is the original version of “Beth,” the famous ballad that would later become KISS’s biggest hit. LIPS (5 tracks: Tracks 17–21): Lips was a band formed through the evolution of Chelsea (August 1971). They recorded at Bell Sound Studios. Five tracks are included here; four of them were later re-recorded for Peter’s 1978 solo album, *Peter Criss*. DISC 1: Paul & Gene-related—Tommy James recording (1 track: Track 22): Included at the end of Disc 1 is Tommy James’s “Celebrate.” Recorded at Electric Lady Studios in 1972, the session featured Paul and Gene Simmons. It is a valuable record of the era when the two made their living doing studio work. DISC 2: Wicked Lester Era—Masters for an Unreleased Box Set (10 tracks: Tracks 1–10): Disc 2 continues with the Wicked Lester era. A major highlight is the inclusion of ten tracks comprising the “Unreleased Box Set Masters”—a full Wicked Lester album remixed in 2001 for an official box set that never materialized. This release features those elusive remix masters, digitally transferred directly from the original studio reels, allowing listeners to fully experience Wicked Lester’s signature soft, eclectic pop-rock sound. Notably, “Love Her All I Can” and “She” are the original versions of songs that KISS would later re-arrange and release on the album *Dressed to Kill*. DISC 2: Rare recordings from the early days of KISS—Lynn Christopher sessions (Tracks 11–12). The second half of Disc 2 focuses on rare recordings from the band’s formative era as KISS. It begins with two tracks featuring Paul and Gene from 1973: “Celebrate II” and “Weddin’,” recorded at Electric Lady Studios. Like the Tommy James tracks on Disc 1, these serve as a valuable record of the duo’s work as session musicians. CHED Radio Promo Clips (Track 13). Next is a set of “CHED Radio Promo Clips” from May 2, 1974. These are short radio IDs recorded by Gene Simmons for the Canadian station CHED—promotional spots cut by the band shortly after their debut. WNEW Special “Nightbird” (Tracks 14–23). The collection concludes with the WNEW program “Nightbird,” hosted by Alison Steele. Recorded on June 23, 1974, this FM broadcast features an intro set to “Strutter,” broadcast performances of early classics like “Deuce,” “Nothin’ to Lose,” and “Cold Gin,” as well as interviews with the band members (Peter & Paul, and Gene & Ace). This collection features top-tier digital transfers sourced from pre-FM transcription discs, allowing you to enjoy historic FM broadcasts that capture the band—fresh from their debut—in a state of youthful, ambitious energy. Spanning approximately two hours and seven minutes, this is a treasure trove of rare recordings. It is the ultimate compilation, condensing the band’s trajectory from their 1966 Mayfair Studios sessions to their full-scale launch as KISS in 1974. Highlights include “Beck” (the prototype for “Beth”), “Eskimo Sun” (the basis for “Only You”), and original Wicked Lester tracks that paved the way for the *Dressed to Kill* album. It is a historical chronicle where the budding talents that would eventually blossom in KISS shine brightly throughout. This definitive pre-debut collection is crafted from superb master recordings unearthed through exclusive channels. It is a stunning release, featuring audio quality that rivals—or even surpasses—official archival standards. Listen to Peter during his Chelsea days (featuring the prototype for “Beth”), Gene during his Bullfrog Bheer era (including the basis for “Only You”), and even Wicked Lester remixes originally produced for an official box set. A truly definitive collection covering the band’s entire pre-debut history has arrived. Disc:1 (65:33) Mayfair Recordings Studios New York City 1966 1.Uncle Joe (Paul Stanley) – Stop, Look To Listen Unknown Studio, New York City 1966 2.Gene Simmons – My Uncle Is A Raft Delite Records, New York City 1967 3. The Barracuda’s (Peter Criss) -Chicken 4. The Barracuda’s (Peter Criss) – No Use Gotham Recording Corporation , New York City 1967 5. Sounds of Soul (Peter Criss) – My Girl 6. Sounds of Soul (Peter Criss) – Respect 7. Sounds of Soul (Peter Criss) – Since I Fell For You Richcraft Recording Company, New york City 1969 8. Bullfrog Bheer (Gene Simmons) – Eskimo Sun 9. Bullfrog Bheer (Gene Simmons) – Leeta 10. Bullfrog Bheer (Gene Simmons) – Nancy 11. Bullfrog Bheer (Gene Simmons) – Put On Your Slippers 12. Bullfrog Bheer (Gene Simmons) – Stanley The Parrot Chelsea Unreleased 2nd Album Demos, New York City 1970 13. Chelsea (Peter Criss) – Beck 14. Chelsea (Peter Criss) – Heaven with the stars above 15. Chelsea (Peter Criss) – Run, Mr. Green 16. Chelsea (Peter Criss) – You Make Me Feel Bell Sound Studios, New York City 1972 17. LIPS (Peter Criss) – Don’t Let The Blues Surround You 18. LIPS (Peter Criss) – Hooked On Rock and Roll 19. LIPS (Peter Criss) – I’m Gonna Love You 20. LIPS (Peter Criss) – That’s The Kind Of Sugar Papa Likes 21. LIPS (Peter Criss) – Don’t You Let Me Down Electric Lady Studio New York City 1972 22. Tommy James (Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley) – Celebrate Disc:2 (61:18) Electric Lady Studios, New York City 1972 Wicked Lester 2001 Unreleased Box Set Remaster 1. Wicked Lester – Sweet Ophelia 2. Wicked Lester – Love Her All I Can 3. Wicked Lester – She 4. Wicked Lester – Keep Me Waiting 5. Wicked Lester – Shout It Out Loud 6. Wicked Lester – Simple Type 7. Wicked Lester – Molly 8. Wicked Lester – What Happens In The Darkness 9. Wicked Lester – Too Many Mondays 10. Wicked Lester – When The Bell Rings Electric Lady Studios, New York City 1973 11. Lyn Christopher (Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley) – Celebrate II 12. Lyn Christopher (Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley) – Weddin’ Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 630AM CHED RADIO 2nd May 1974 13. Gene Simmons Radio ID’s Nightbird & Company with Alison Steele WNEW Transcription Disc (Pre FM Vinyl) Interview with Alison Steele 23rd June 1974 14. Intro : Strutter 15. Interview #1 (Peter & Paul) 16. Deuce 17. Interview #2 (Peter & Paul) 18. Nothin’ To Lose 19. Interview #3 (Gene & Ace) 20. Love Theme From Kiss 21. Interview #4 (Gene) 22. CM 23. Cold Gin : Outro