I grew out of Kiss a little while ago, but they're still good for an odd listen now and again. They're largely a novelty act now, but they did make some catchy hits back in t'day.

I have always had respect for the fan base KISS has and I am impressed with the fact they put a lot of expense in their stage shows. I like when a band goes all out. Unfortunately the show is better than the music. While I like some of their songs, most of it is basic stuff. These guys can't really play.

I like a handful of their songs but they have never really moved me musically. Maybe Simmons just ruined the band for me or something, but not among my favorites. The Revenge album is pretty good though.

It was only after watching Rock School that I decided to listen to some KISS to see whether Gene Simmons is the right man to be giving advice to young'uns about making it in the rock world. From a business perspective the answer is YES. He is materialism and bling incarnate and represents everything that stinks about capitalism. From a musical perspective..a resounding NO. I'd heard KISS were more about live performance than the music but this is a gross understatement. After listening to tracks like Crazy Nights and God Gave Rock n Roll to Yer whatever, mentally stable people among us will realise how impossibly shite they are.

one of my favourite bands i think they are great.

I blame disco for this musical shitstorm, along with the Carter presidency, Iranian hostage debacle, double digit inflation, double digit unemployment, Starsky & Hutch, John Y Brown, and the 1978 Hankees. Face it. When you dress up like deranged mimes, have more pyrotechnics than the bombing of Dresden and your lead singer is best know for his ability to stick out his tongue and have it roll into the next county, it's a good chance quality music is not in the cards.

Gene is a business genius.

In my oppinion KISS are one of the most influencial groups of all times. paul stanley has a such an amazing voice, i love him to death! Aces guitar playing is excellent, gene and peter are simply phenominal. the way they changed the face of rock and roll... their music will still be great in 50, 100 even in 500 years.

Nowhere near as good as their hard-core fans believe, and equally, not as abysmal as their detractor's would have it.

Competent, but not brilliant musicians, and good but not inspired songwriters, their true mastery is of showmanship and self promotion.

There is just enough substance to prevent them from being jokes, but on the "style vs substance" scale they are definately heavy on the style.

I have no idea how Kiss is so low on this poll. They are a top five band in any rock category. They have influenced so many artists and people around the world that you can not even keep track of them. Their music is catchy, fun and entertaining all at the same time. Nobody's live show can compare to their's and I mean no one in the history of entertainment can. People say that they are not good musicians, I say that people that say that have their heads so far up their ass, they would believe Jimi Hendrix was a good guitar player. It is a total sham that the Rock & Roll Hall of Shame does not have them inshrined already, what a joke! One other thing, if you show a picture of these other bands on this list to some young kid today, they would have NO idea who these grandparents are, but if you show them a picture of Kiss, I bet you top dollar they would know who they are, the most recognizable band in the history of Rock.

UNEQUIVOCABLY,PROUDLY AQND WITHOUT DOUBT...............

THE GREATEST BAND IN THE HISTORY OF ROCK MUSIC.......

PERIOD .

They should of packed it in years ago. The old stuff is good but the newer material is cliched and contrived.

KISS is all about the circus - they really set the bar high as far as a live show goes. That's why the 3 stars for me. I think musically is where they falter a bit. Let's face it, these guys aren't musical geniuses and are not what I would consider "masters" of their instruments, either (although "Detroit Rock City" is a really good tune). The music is what tells the tale down the road, and I don't think there music holds up compared to alot of other bands.

This one should be self-explanatory. For those that didn't get it, KISS was the very definition of larger than life (pun intended) ROCK! The sheer excess, the great memorable songs, the glam and glitz, the onstage personas, the incredible live show, the energy, the mystique and fantasy... and all hailing from the coolest city in the world, where everything is done BIG...New York City!!!! I'm 44 now, but I must say, KISS ROCKED MY WORLD and then some. TIMELESS!!!

Look, No they were not the most talented musicially but they did produce some of the best sing-along, foot-stomping anthems ever. their live show is unmatched, and will always be the most exciting Band of all time

KISS is better than all them other bands, those bands thank KISS!!

All you people who say KISS are crap are very narrow minded. Take this for an example...i think Phil Colins or Dire Straights are all very good bands but personally their music or show does not appeal to me. I think they are boring because they have a boring live show. Musically they are excellant though. A band isnt just "the music" you have to have a great show. If you love a band just becuase they musically talented, why not just listen to a CD. KISS is a live band show that leaves other music acts for dead. Their songs are very well written. If you dont like good 70's hard rock, of course you wont like KISS. I admit in the mid 80's through to the 90's they turned to heavy metal which to me isnt rock. KISS is for lovers of LIVE rock!....let the show go on!

KISS is the greates, there are few KISS songs I don't like. Most if not all the ones I don't like are from The Vinnie and Kulick days. People saying they have no talents are idiots who've probably only heard hte 3 songs they play on the radio. Go and listen to Love Theme From KISS or if possible the extended version of it, Acrobat. Or heck any song off the first self-titled album they all kick ass. How can you claim the band with more records sold than any ohter group but the Beatles only has a good show and no talent? May the fleas of a thousand camels infest your armpits. Do you people realize there are tons of KISS tribute bands, KISS Konventions, etc? If you've seen the episode of Family Guy with KISS in it, the part where they get into KISS trivia contest, THAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS! Man I hate stupid people.

I loved kiss since 1975 when i was introduced to there rock music, im HOOKED ever since!!! I Adore Ace frehley and Paul stanley, WHAT CUTIES!!!!!! I have all there albums i collected thru the years, and collecting them in my CD'S now!! KISS ROCKS, I went to this KISS Impersonators down at pipeline cafe here in honolulu, hawaii this past may of 2005... WOW!! They were so much alike like the original Kiss groups!! FANTASTIC, Makeup, appearances, music, personality was Like KISS Themselves!! KISS ROCKS, AND I LOVE THEM FOREVER, I wish they would come down to Honolulu, hawaii to perform at pipeline cafe and or at aloha stadium, and or at blaisdell arena for a Aloha tour!! I LOVE THERE MAKEUP!!! Come back KISS WE LOVE YOU FOREVER!!!!!!Aloha with love marty (mom) from hawaii.P.S. THE IMPERSONATORS OF KISS WAS #1 FANTASTIC CONCERT OF THE REPLICA OF KISS!! I JUST HAD TO CLIMB THE STAGE AND HUG THEM.....WHICH I DID, I COULDNT HELP MYSELF!!! LOL!!

They're alright. I've liked a couple of their songs, but I've never understood the purpose of their makeup.

the #1 rock band ever!! i have been a fan since i was 10 years old. i was lucky enough to see them in concert when i was 11. i begged and pleaded to be aloud to go. my mother finally relented but on the condition my uncle who was 19 at the time chaperone my friend and i. it was the greatest and he was the greatest for agreeing to chaperone 2 11 year old girls to a kiss concert. it became an even more special memory cuz i lost my uncle in a drowning accident a few years later. we dressed up as kiss for halloween and sometimes we dressed up as kiss just to dress up as kiss. we all had walls covered with kiss posters. it was great part of growing up. even though my kids dont care them they know who they are when they come on the radio.

used to like this group, but then one day about 7 years ago I really listened to them and then I realized: they have no talent, only possibly a good show(from what I have heard)

i cant stand KISS they suck soo bad there gay.

What exactly is the purpose of KISS?

After Kiss Alive, it was all downhill.Now they're like a stale joke that keeps getting told.

This poll goes to show how many imbeciles are out there that know nothing about hard rock music whatsoever. Kiss is one of the best,hardest working,most diverse and entertaining bands in history. Can you explain how else they have the most gold records in music history and have sold $1 billion in merchandise? It's not just the paint gimmick,this isnt pro.wrestling. Gimmicks only go so far. Obviously they are great.

This is one band that has stood the test of time.Man they hve been around for 3 decades I have seen them twice with and without make up.They put on a good show and as for as their albums go I think revenge was their best album.A band like kiss and bon jovi are alike not their music its worlds apart.The reason is their both are so huge and are everywhere which is fine.The bad news is that when you get that big you always get people who put you down.Which dosent matter look at album sales and the sold out arena shows of 50,000 and 80,000 people.Also for 2004 kiss and poison has teamed up for a awsome summer tour and sold out shows everywhere they go.ROCK ON

This is one of the most over rated bands out there. Their music was not that good. They only had like 2 hit songs. The only reason I give them a two is because of the hits they did have and the impact they made on music. They pretty much started the whole face paint/mask gimmick.

I'd give 'em 100 stars if I could. What can I say about a band that inspired me to get a tattoo and have them with me for life? Their music and lives are an inspiration. They rock and live life hard and they don't make excuses. They are the real deal. You don't have to spend beaucoup dollars to know this. They've been rock'n for almost 30 years. Their longevity alone speaks loud and clear as well as their music as to why they are the hottest band in the world...

They really suck. I've never understood their success. Tip: Painting your face like a clown does NOT cover up talentless music.

If you love flash over substance, there will never be a better band for you. Big on flashes, explosions, makeup and self promotion.. Low on music, talent and anything relevant to say. I've seen hundreds of bands do live shows and I have to say, theirs was one of the worst. At times I don't thinks they were even playing their instruments. who has time for that, when they are busy hawking Kiss memorabilia on QVC. Let's all ponder for a moment the talent and depth of songs like "Let's put the x in sex" and "Love Gun"... Dress it up, let the tongue hang, wear leather pants at 50.. whatever.. it's still crap !!

KISS is a pathetic joke. I can't believe anybody actually likes their substandard music...makes me question the judgment and intelligence of my fellow human beings. KISS is a bunch of gimmicky guys who have no talent but have a knack for dressing creatively.

Top level entertainment! What a rock group should be.

Been a KISS fan since 75 and I've seen EVERYBODY! And what they do they are masters at. You just don't hang around like they have if you're awful. Does Gene piss me off...yes!....should they put out more music ...Yes! But thats not the question here. For what they have done they are great....it's nothing more than a good time and thats all rock should be anyway. I for one hate what rock has become...everyone hates this hates that....what do I care about some kid that lived down the block and couldn't catch a football so he sat in the house and tried to teach himself guitar and hates him father. KISS is about having a good time and ROCK should be a good time. Long Live KISS!

This may bother some fans of Kiss, but they are a gimic band. People buy the CONCEPT of Kiss rather than their music. Although they do have some classic rock songs, their music isn't spectacular. I do admit that their live show is unbelievable, but I can't get over The Elder and the disco friendly "I Was Made For Loving You", aren't they a rock band?

I hate KISS.

while the movie sucked,how many can say they have had a true movie

Like em or not, Kiss are a successful and influential rock band. They started with drive and purpose, they set out to be a hard rock version of the Beatles; and that worked, most of their first few albums are 4 minute songs with powerful guitars and catchy hooks (Strutter, Deuce, Rock n Roll all night). They matured into their own style, Love Gun and Destroyer were classic albums. Yes, then the marketing took over, they became an industry and they had internal problems but depite that they still had some great albums - Creatures of the Night, Lick It Up. The nineties their style changed, they seemed to produce more mediocre songs but still had a few great numbers in there. It's a shame the reunion didn't last longer. It would be nice if now they could produce more new material instead of compilations. Paul Stanley can still write some great material...Gene needs to diversify more, though! Yes I am a fan, Ace Frehley and Paul Stanley were big influences on me. Eric Carr, rest his soul, was an underrated drummer. KISS are still rocking, still an influence and still producing good stuff 30 years on. In 2030 who will remember Britney Spears, Guns n Roses or Puff Daddy? So you don't like the makeup? Get over it!! Sure it was a gimmick - so what? So was the beatles' haircuts and Britney's goody goody image. You don't like the music? That's ok. But at least recognise that they were a great band.

KISS by itself can be considered as a theaterical advertisement..... Compared to real bands like the Rolling Stones who can play with just the lights on even without any extra designs in the backround of the stage, KISS is a pitiable "trying hard number".

Nah. . .a three-chord garage band that rode a gimmick (makeup) all the way to the top. One or two good songs. . .but they are smarter with marketing than music.

Damn Good band My Kids were just as excited as I was to see Paul Stanley backstage at Darren Romeo's show in Vegas ("psst-see that guy over there...") THAT is staying power. I will correct two erroneous statements: Nerd Kissonaut- the Kiss Logo had NOTHING to do with nazi SS logos fool Gene Simmons' mother did time in one of those nazi hellhole concentration death camps and I don't think Gene likes them too much either- He's Jewish! Texx- I remember Humble Pie with Merrit & Frampton...freaking great band.

How did this band of maybe slighty better than average musicians reach legendary status? You tell me, and then we'll both know. If not for that wicked makeup to set them apart, I doubt they would have ever sold more than a few dozen copies of anything. If they had spent as much time practicing as they did applying makeup, they would have been awesome.

Greatest Band in the World..KISS..

any one who isn't stoned out of their minds has no excuse to listen to this crap.

Don't let the makeup and theatrics fool you; this band has put out some quality music. If you have never seen them, check them out before you bad mouth this band. It will be an evening you will never forget.

Worst band of ALL time.

dude...if that's gene singin stanley the parrot....i'm f'n amazed

They had some GREAT set designs and staged SPECTACLES! But face the facts; GREAT SONGS AND SUPER TUNES don't need the fireworks, because there IS enough power in KISS music. I saw their act on ABC's "IN CONCERT" without thrills and bought their first album! Some zionist church goer came up this acronym to put the band down and build up their flock of sheep! Paul has such a manly chest of hair and way with women. I meet YOU at the Ladies Room! XOXOXOXOXOXOXO Rock and Roll needs eXcitement, or just the same old thang!

great live band,the best show i have ever seen.to me they are the gods of thunder.

How can they be anything but great? They are, after all, the hottest band in the world......KISS!!!!!

The best band in the world!!! From ILP!

Individually, they weren't the best singers, guitarists, basists or drummers, but as a group, they were one of the best, if not the best stage band of all time.

i love love love kiss!!!!! kiss army for life!!!!

Without the pyro and makeup this band would be as fondly remembered as Humble Pie. Don't know 'em? - Exactly.

Do they have any songs that are worth listening to besides "Rock and Roll all Night"?

Lord, they scare me. They freak me out (pun intended). It was sooooo insane when Gene Simmons hair caught fire. But their music is all right even if the band is composed of men from Mars.

KISS puts out a rocking show. I have no problem with the way they dress and like many of their "unpopular" songs.

KISS is not just a rock band. KISS is life.

An overrated bunch of weirdos!!

KISS IS GREAT!!!

KISS is the best band. They at least give a person what their concert ticket is worth! I admire them greatly for not being just another BORING band. At least they do something extraordinary.

What a bunch of fools. Their music stinks and they won't win any respect from me for dressing like the clowns they are. They're freaks!

guys rn't suposed 2 wear makeup

My goal in life: To lick Gene Simmon's boot.