Name______

67. Kiss (1973 – present)

Gene Simmons (1949 - ), Paul Stanley (1952 – present), Peter Criss(1945 - ), Ace Frehley Page (1951 - )

Kiss was formed in New York in 1972 by guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley and bassist Gene Simmons. The line-up was rounded out by drummer Peter Criss, located through a Rolling Stone ad, and lead guitarist Ace Frehley, who answered an ad in the Village Voice. The band's cartoon image, kabuki makeup and 4th-of-July stage show concept was in place from the start, and they began promoting their own hall shows in NYC. TV director Bill Aucoin saw them, became their manager, and secured a deal for them with Neil Bogart's Casablanca Records within two weeks. Three LPs were released in a year's time, but the live fourth LP, “Alive!” (1975) contained their first huge hit, "Rock And Roll All Nite." Until the early '80’s, Kiss was unstoppable, with two huge-selling Marvel Comics, a network TV movie and four simultaneously-released solo albums under their studded belts. In 1980, Criss left for a solo career and since then, the drum and lead positions have been ever-changing. In 1983, the band stripped away the makeup and celebrated renewed interest.

Listen to: Rock And Roll All Nite

As you listen to the music, answer the following questions. Short answers are fine.

  • What are the instruments used to make the music? Name as many as you can.
  • How does this music make me feel?
  • Is there a singer? If yes, are they male or female?
  • In what genre does this music best fit?

68. The Eagles (1971 – 1980, 1994 - present)

Glenn Frey (1948 - 2016), Don Henley (1947 - ), Bernie Leadon (1947 - ), Randy Meisner (1946 - ), Joe Walsh (1947 - )

Formed in Los Angeles, California, USA, in 1971, this highly successful unit was formed by musicians drawn from singer Linda Ronstadt's backing group. Of the original quartet, Bernie Leadon boasted the most impressivebackground, having embraced traditional country music with the Scottsville Squirrel Barkers, before gaining significant rock experience as a member of Hearts And Flowers, Dillard And Clark and the Flying Burrito Brothers. Randy Meisner was formerly of Poco and Rick Nelson's Stone Canyon Band; Glenn Frey had recorded as half of Longbranch Pennywhistle; while Don Henley had led Texas-based aspirants Shiloh. Such backgrounds ensured interest in the new venture, which was immediately signed to David Geffen's emerging Asylum Records label.
Listen to: Hotel California

As you listen to the music, answer the following questions. Short answers are fine.

  • What are the instruments used to make the music? Name as many as you can.
  • How does this music make me feel?
  • Is there a singer? If yes, are they male or female?
  • In what genre does this music best fit?