KISS Alive II - Game Changer or Flop?

[@RichardSleyster]

Side 4 studio songs are so underrated!!!

[@EB1878]

I agree. In fact, "Any Way You Want it," was a cover of the Dave Clark 5, who originally sang it in the 50's. Bob Kulick played some of Ace's guitar leads on most of the studio songs on Alive II. Rocket Ride Ace Frehley sang on and played guitar on it.

[@user-cruton]

Larger Than Life is my favorite KISS song

[@AnthonyMichaelAMguitar]

You spelled awful wrong

[@mineralt]

Rocket Ride sealed Ace’s legacy

[@EdwardCaskinett]

Those could have made any of the previous albums

[@truckermikemct1]

KISS Alive II was my introduction to KISS.

[@vonster22]

best album by far...creatures of the night comes in second imho

[@Nic1973KISS]

My third Kiss album. Huge for me. It’s my “Alive!”.

[@TexMexGenX]

I spent hours upon hours of my childhood staring at that cover.

[@SleevelessRick]

Alive II was the first album I bought with my own money at 10 years old!! My all time favorite

[@BNatoAk]

I'm pretty sure Alive II was more people's intro to KISS than Alive I. That being said, without Alive I there might not be a Alive II 🤷

[@MaitreMark]

I spent all morning picking raspberries at the local farm to buy Alive. $7 it cost me.

[@MaitreMark]

I think I shoplifted Alive II......

[@farrellmcnulty909]

@@MaitreMark Awesome🤣🤣It's must've been the 8-track because good luck shving an album in your pants.

[@MaitreMark]

@@farrellmcnulty909 I bought Double Platinum and then slipped Alive II into the bag as I left.... naughty of me and I no longer shop lift.

[@SethEdwards-hq9pm]

1977 was a magical year. KISS Alive II & Star Wars!

[@deebedwell580]

Don’t forget Smokey and the Bandit!

[@thomasgray9824]

Elvis wouldn’t agree ..😢

[@farrellmcnulty909]

@@thomasgray9824 Yeh-well, there is that, yes.

[@dannys_rock-n-metal]

My first Kiss album. I was seven years old. I can truly say it changed my life.

[@MENFUSSMIKE]

@@dannys_rock-n-metal same album...same age

[@RudySaenzMusic]

One of my favorite albums of all time! Ace also sang Rocket Ride. Destroyer was my first album and pushed me learn to play guitar. There was something about Ace's guitar playing that just made KISS better.

[@switch1408]

My uncle bought me Rock and Roll Over when I was in 5th grade (just to piss off my folks). Not only did it work, my life has never been the same. Rock on!!!🤟

[@MaitreMark]

Great album

[@farrellmcnulty909]

Your uncle's a good man.

[@MaitreMark]

@@farrellmcnulty909 wish he was my uncle

[@mikesmith862]

I've LOVED those years of Kiss ('73 - '78) my whole life and I'm 55 now. I STILL listen to those albums and STILL think the songs are great, fun, "simple" , UNDERRATED, rock-n-roll songs! I think they hold up today as they did then! 🤘🏻

[@rightchordleadership]

Agreed

[@farrellmcnulty909]

73 to 78 was their best era. They enjoyed what they were doing and enjoyed each other - that's part of what made the music so great back then. Most groups would kill for a 5 year career. If they broke up after the solos and Dynasty, who would've blamed them.

[@jcstevegigs]

The cover photos are iconic! The bloody Gene pic!! The inside photo blew my mind as a kid. This was my favorite Kiss album. So much energy...the segue from DRC to King of the Nighttime World still gives me chills!! And how about Side 4? Some cool tracks there too...Rocket Ride!!

[@gopherb3985]

The Gene pic was my Screensaver for a long time!

[@kingfisher-theemptinessout3582]

Best Gene picture ever!!

[@audiomover]

One of the most iconic rock star photos ever. It's funny because the other three are perfectly lit, they look clean, etc. And then gene is soaking wet, runny makeup, blood, etc. Too cool!

[@christophernaples1315]

All American man

[@14citroner]

The bloddy Gene picture is so cool.Is there anyone who knows if you can get this picture in full size and not just a face shot, it would be awesome to have.

[@bradleystereoguitaramplifi9616]

I remember we would all rush home after school to watch The Flintstones and the brady bunch for the commercials for Alive II. It was so awesome at the time. There was no m t v so it was very rare to see live concert footage on television unless you stayed up late. There was nothing like it. I remember the first time my grandmother saw the blood come out of Gene's mouth ,She almost had a heart attack. Those were great days!

[@ericnelson7524]

KISS is my #1 all time favorite band and have been since 1978 when i was 10 years old,and "Alive II" and the whole "Love Gun" era is my favorite classic 70's time period and tour!

[@MENFUSSMIKE]

Same

[@1wickedgroove]

I was 10 years old when i saw the Love Gun tour in Spokane, Washington, in 77. Thanks Mom!

[@chrisoakley5830]

I became a Kiss fan in 1978 at 12 years old, Alive ll was my first Kiss record.

[@farrellmcnulty909]

When they all "came back" for Psycho Circus, that was a real disappointment. I'd read stories about Ace & Peter not being allowed to play their own instruments on what was supposedly a "reunion" album. The unity was just not there. Gene and Paul had dollar signs in their eyes, that's the only reason (I think) Ace and Peter were rehired.

[@GTRmike64]

The album that made me NEED to start playing guitar. I liked a lot of different bands and music before, but this band and album put the fire in me to take up guitar, and still at it 45 years later.

[@johnmarshall3903]

Same here, thanks Ace.

[@Hi-owa]

Game changer. Mommy took me to the KISS Alive II album support tour. The concert was close to the album foldout. I can still feel the heat in the 24th row from the flash pots. Diehard fan for the last 47 years

[@Donandjess0305]

Larger than Life. Awesome song. The back cover pics were iconic to me. They were larger than life for an 8 year old.

[@audiomover]

Yeah, those photos are iconic KISS images all around. And as an 8 year old, the sound and imagery was amazing.

[@dandymc2458]

I got Alive II as a christmas present in about 1982 as 7 year old. Still got it. Havent played it in years but im going to put it on right now after watching this . Thanks for reminding me of it. The up tempo version of GOD OF THUNDER is great

[@sweetpain67]

Me too, 1978! 11 years old. Kiss Alive II, VH I, Stevie Wonder, Songs in the Key of Life

[@farrellmcnulty909]

Don't forget the Academy-Award losing SGT PEPPER movie! 😂😂😂😂😂

[@97warlock]

in 1978 there wasnt another album on earth that was better than this to me, this album set the bar severely high, unreachable , coolest album ,like pure gold absolutly loved every single thing about it.

[@mikeanthony8934]

well VH was a game changer, even moreso than Kiss ever was. Kiss was brilliant for showing how hard rock could be presented, but VH reinvented how hard rock was played

[@Gene-XL]

My favorite KISS album! The version of “Shock Me,” is the best for my money. Got to see Ace Frehley’s band a few years ago opening for Alice Cooper. I was thrilled when they played a killer version of it.

[@sconni666]

I was fortunate enough to see them in 1978 for my eighth birthday with my older sister. Changed everything.

[@ShawnTeece]

I'm 58 years old and have always been a huge KISS fan KISS ALIVE what was the first album I ever bought I remember seeing the promos for KISS ALIVE 2 and not being able to wait for it to come out. I ended up buying it at my local peaches record store if you remember those. I got to see them that year. Destroyer being my first concert and this being my second it was absolutely life-changing.you forgot to mention the little tattoos that came inside. Keep up the good work I thoroughly enjoy your channel 🙂

[@mikerivera7509]

Excellent video

[@hoosierhippy]

Loved KISS at this time. I was a 12/13 year old kid around then, and thought they were so cool! I even live in Evansville and remember when they played Roberts Stadium (actually played there many times). I’m almost 60 years old now and still love these albums; Alive, Destroyer, Love Gun, Rock and Roll Over and Alive II are their greatest run of albums! RaRO being my favorite studio album. Thanks for the video.

[@johnwest3499]

I always thought Alive II could have been a lot better. I think it needed 4 live sides instead of 3. The song selection was great, but it left me feeling that they were rushing the songs as the tempo was much faster than the studio versions. I also thought the sound quality wasn’t the best, it sounded a little tinny. Of course I’m comparing it to Alive I which is the best KISS album and I think the best live album ever.

[@audiomover]

They had SOOOO much material they could have played live for that album. I heard an interview (I think with Paul) saying their set hadn't changed all that much from the Alive days, and they didn't want to duplicate songs, thus the three side album. But still... I did like side 4 though. All American Man is still one of my favorite KISS songs.

[@suryadas6987]

​​@@audiomover All American Man kicks all form of azz! 💯 😎

[@Scottocaster6668]

Agreed👍🏻

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

Technically the Kiss Alive struggles to be concidered as a live album due to the massive amount of studio overdubs. Even the audience was overdubbed.

[@fred4241]

Agree…I will listen to Alive STILL but Alive II wasn’t good to me…I never liked the way it sounded…

[@Bsquared1972]

KISS Army since 1977...still love them to this day. :)

[@acebailey60]

I've been a Kiss fan since March of 74 when they first debuted on In Concert. I could go into detail about that, but I just want to say that Alive II was a bookend to the height of their fame. 74 to 78. Incredible story.

[@dominickdepaolo6668]

Kiss Alive II was my very first Kiss album. A gift under the Christmas tree, 1978, due to heavily reiterating to my mom that I really wanted a copy. I was 11 and I was absorbed by Kiss fandom. All Kiss, all the time. That is until I found Rush, Pink Floyd and Blue Öyster Cult etc and branched out. A long time favorite from the archives, for sure. Core music memory.

[@xyz8655]

Best ever stage entrance. 2 lifts bringing our rock god heroes down from atop of a wall of Marshall cabs onto stage level, to the glorious shock opening of I Stole Your Love. It's the best rock stage entrance I've seen.🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@DavidSanchez-bq9jv]

I seen it Live in 1978, at Detroit's olde Olympia stadium. Badd-ass stage show etc... 😎✌️🤠😱

[@guilty-of-being-right]

My favorite Kiss albums are Love Gun , and Kiss Alive 2 😘

[@ericeakes7733]

The studio cuts were a big part of my teen years, larger than life and all American man were good songs.

[@shandonsahm3343]

Rocket ride put all the other songs on side 4 to shame my opinion

[@stanleysimmons]

Larger Than Life the precursor to I Love It Loud and that heavy drum sound on Creatures of the Night.

[@johnharvey892]

The reason why ALIVE II doesn't sound as good sonically as the first live album it's because Eddie Kramer wasn't hands on in the mixing or mastering of it. It was done in Nashville. He dropped off tons and tons of tape two recording studio and told them to do the best they could with it. I met the guys that mixed and mastered those tapes years ago when I was in Nashville mastering something I had recorded. Long story short... I thought they might be teasing me because I was a kiss fan... They showed me pictures of the tapes. There was so much tape involved they had three people working on it. It was funny to hear some of the guys stories. Eddie Kramer came back in once they were done and then give the final go ahead that it was good.

[@audiomover]

That is super interesting. It can be dangerous admitting you're a KISS fan in certain circles.

[@EB1878]

That's an awesome rock n' roll story! 😊

[@BarricaG]

I had just discovered Kiss in 1983. I was 8 yo, and they came to play a series of concerts here in Brazil. I got my parents to buy me Creatures Of The Night, and I was instantly hooked. My second Kiss album was Alive II. I went to the store and when I saw the cover, I was so impressed I just had to have it. I love it to this day, and regularly listen to most of the songs. And it also started my love of live albuns and live music.

[@davehenry7262]

I was a huge KISS fan when this came out. As with all my other KISS albums, I would grab a tennis racket and became Ace when it played. I remember first time I put side 4 of this double album on. I thought "wow, the audience is awfully quiet during this part of the show". 😎

[@dirkfromhein]

Ha! Same... I ended up taking some extra wood panelling (you know the 70's stuff 😀 ) and my grandfather's Jig Saw and cut out a guitar... I was not very good, so it came out looking more like a Telecaster for some reason. Magic marker strings, frets, pickups and bridge. I ended up taking a puffy vest and covering it in aluminum foil and going as Ace for Halloween that year! HA

[@garcemac]

First album I got was Destroyer on my 13th birthday. Saw KISS for the first time a Varsity Stadium in Toronto on Labour Day - Monday Sept. 6, 1976. Had school the next day - couldn't hear a thing lol. Last time I saw them was during the reunion tour at the Skydome in Toronto. I wore Paul's makeup. My bass player wore Gene's, his wife was Peter and our friend was Ace. I had all of their albums, up to about Animalize or Hot in the Shade. Got the comics when they were released. Good times.

[@audiomover]

That is so awesome. Wearing the make up to a concert is epic!

[@farrellmcnulty909]

"Had school the next day - couldn't hear a thing lol." If it was Catholic school, what did you really lose? YOU GOT NOTHIN' TO LOSE 😂😂😂

[@brianmccormick8328]

I liked this album including the new songs. My older brother got the album for Christmas when I was 4. It was cool to look at.

[@twistereddie]

Most singers stack or double track their vocals, sometimes triple or quadruple their vocals, listen to Def Leppard, but yeah, Ace is not a high level singer to say the least but he’s still a massive legend

[@KenVance]

The booklet, the tattoo's, the double album, the music oh my! My 12-year-old self-thought the moon set and rose on Kiss.

[@vonster22]

My 1st album purchase was KIss Alive 2 and Diary of a Madman... I was like a freshman in highschool 1983......

[@highwayman1218]

Right there with you. Still remember being a freshman in 83, back of the bus after school and listening to DOAM on my Walkman. 👍

[@vonster22]

@@highwayman1218 i liked ace frehley best.....i wanted to play guitar like him...i play but still not as good as him

[@jamesmarcin4787]

I became a Kiss after watching the Paul Lynde show in 1976. I was 7 y/o My first album was Alive and when Alive 2 came out I begged my parents for it. It's still one of my favorites.

[@juicyfruit6311]

Decades later, Gene says the most memorable moment for him was he got to meet the REAL Wicked Witch, Margaret Hamilton.

[@peterpinnpalermo6887]

Destroyer was my first KISS album. I was 8 in 1976. I love all the images that you resurface. I remember all of them. I am now searching KZbin for 1977 Summit show. Great job.

[@audiomover]

Thank you.

[@mikeanthony8934]

well both Summit shows are on here. Also, check out the 76 show in Jersey City, Nj

[@AlabamaSkunkApe]

Alive II was my first KISS album and remains my favorite album of any artist. I was around your age, 10, when it came out. My Dad bought it for me because I thought the cover looked cool. I did not know what type of music this was. My Dad was a musician in the United States Air Force Band (trumpet) so I was heavily exposed to jazz and symphony music as a young child. Then came KISS…. I dropped piano lessons, got a cheap acoustic guitar and took lessons. I still play every week even 50 years later! My son and daughter are guitar players. Alive II single-handedly caused me to start playing guitar. Of course, I had to get all of the prior albums and was hooked for life. I have all of my original albums from KISS through Creatures. They were and are the pinnacle of what a rock god looked like to me! Great video and thanks for the content.

[@ThundersMcCoy]

"The cover looked cool" - That's a thing that so lost on this generation. Back in the day when you bought a record you were invested in it. If it didn't hit you the first time, you played it again, and again until it did. Now kids will hear a song and if it's not at the chorus within the first 15 seconds they just move on. I had pretty much the same experience as you, only with The Dolls, I was 6 when I saw that cover in '74. Music changed/shaped our lives back then. Now it's all gone.

[@rogerdodger6025]

@@ThundersMcCoy I love the NY Dolls, but that album cover hurt their career before they even got started. America was a macho country back then and didn't go for it. It's ashamed because that album is full of ballsy Rolling Stones-ish Rock & Roll.

[@AlabamaSkunkApe]

@ At least we can enjoy the memories of how it was for us! Most of us remember record stores in the Mall. Kids these days have no concept. My kids are all grown now, but they never had the “album” experience we did. Streaming music is ok, but look at what we lost to get instant access. They’ll never open an album gatefold and be transported to a time and place!

[@audiomover]

That is awesome! Got the kids involved too. I became a guitar player too eventually, but at the time I actually spent a lot of time playing a tennis racket and jumping around the basement with Alive II on the record player pretending I was Paul Stanley.

[@charlesbronson4282]

Alive 2 is the greatest assembled package of ALL TIME...tied with The Beatles White Album. The overall package is stunning. The picture in the gatefold. A booklet, order form, tatoos, and discography covered record sleeves. And the songs are HEAVY. Side 4 is the desired Zeppelin type sound KISS was trying to achieve...finally achieved with the studio cuts. Their next studio album should have sounded like this

[@audiomover]

Side 4 had strong songs. All American Man is still one of my favorites. And you're right about the packaging. I spent many hours as a kid going through all the great stuff.

[@RobertDAdams-ui7tz]

I loved everything about KISS! I lived and breathed that band in my younger days.

[@audiomover]

I completely relate to that.

[@BushcraftingBogan]

I really do miss playing albums and holding the covers and reading every word, staring at the sleeves, photos, lyrics and art. I miss those days. ❤

[@GNewcomb-q9v]

That’s on you! Millions still hold actual albums from vinyl to cassette!

[@BushcraftingBogan]

@GNewcomb-q9v Didn't say it wasn't. I just said I miss doing it. Relax. 🤣

[@MD-wk3gj]

@BushcraftingBogan having grown up in the 70s I understand. A few years back I began buying albums again. It’s been the best thing ever. I’m back to enjoying music again and highly recommend anyone considering it to take a chance and get an album or two and see where it takes you.

[@jamesbarnett2483]

@@MD-wk3gjme too, same experience.

[@michaelvandiver2475]

Bought this record as an 8 yr old. Was hooked on KISS after getting Destroyer for my 7th birthday. Bought KISS Alive! a month later, then the Originals compilation of 1st 3 records, then Love Gun the week it was released. Listened to KISS almost every day after school with my friends for probably 2 years up to the solo records in fall of 78. Never latched on to Dynasty in 79. Had moved on to other rock music...KISS still in my top 5 favorite bands of all time! Ace and Peter were my always my favorite members.

[@KennethFinuf]

Kiss was way ahead of their time !! I remember buying that album at Kmart when I was 15 !! The stage the sound the look!! 😮😊

[@MD-wk3gj]

I was all in on KISS when Alive II came out. To this day I still spin their albums and have gone on to purchase 1st releases of the makeup era albums in VG+ or better condition. For me Alive! is a favorite. I wish Alive II had been 4 sides of live music and dear god I wish the audience sounds were lower. Besides the vinyl collection my favorite KISS item is the ‘78 Bally pinball machine and I was fortunate to get one a few years back.

[@RichardSleyster]

Ace also had to lay on the floor & yell into the mic while recording as a lead singer according to what I’ve read. KISS was my favorite band growing up. I’ve seen them in concert full makeup 9 times.

[@SBPRODUCTIONS24]

Great video! Alive 2 was great but I always preferred Alive 1 it was a masterpiece I always thought.

[@GIBSONMARSHALL666]

Only my opinion but Alive II is one of the best live albums ever , the packaging and pics on the outer covers are great but its inside where it gets unbeatable with THAT inner gatefold picture. Wowza, I used to stare at that pic for hours on end, my eyes were drawn back to it time and time again. Brilliant stuff. My introduction to Kiss came at the Dynasty stage of their career, this was the 2nd album I bought and it blew me away.

[@vanhouten7377]

Alive II was the first KISS album I bought myself and third overall

[@aaronw8781]

My mom bought this for my older brother and I for Christmas in 1979. I was 5.

[@donniekellerman5833]

The overall sound of Alive 2 is lacking but 'flop' NO FUCKING WAY!!!! Theres great songs on there, you got a studio side 4 ( I could do without, 'Anyway You Want It') , a killer gatefold inside cover & best of all is the Lp cover itself!! That lp cover is ICONIC!!!!

[@tshouse2782]

I still love this record! I've had this on every platform, CD, cassette, 8 track... Classic!

[@PaulIreland-od5fo]

Can't beat double platinum by Kiss for their best album

[@jorgeocampo1794]

This was the mid 70s I guess and my mom asked me what I wanted for my birthday and I told her we lived a block away from a target store back in the day and she walked over there. She got she bought it when I came home from school. There was a birthday cake and the Kiss Alive two album right next to it, great memory

[@vesaparkkonen4279]

I have played guitar since I was 6 and listened music very much..my cousin had eventually all Kiss albums. Alive 2 sounded different and I always thought why..but of course,they did lots of tricks to make it work, including new recordings with studio musicians. Today we know better.

[@domenicbell2834]

Good show Rob, digging these old paper clipping articles, yeah, for me , definitely a high impact game changer at the time ,and it sure set the bar on how Rock n Roll gatefold/ double live album packaging and design should be presented (even though it was staged.) I was 12 and on holiday in 1980 when i first became aware of it, a group of older kids at a river bank were blasting out Back in Black and this on a big portable cassette player, i went over to them when Shout it out Loud was playing, I asked 'who's this'?..'its KISS mate',.and man, did i bug my parents to see if I could get this or any KISS tape at the next big town's record store or petrol station (which used to sell tapes back in the day,) . My mind exploded when i heard that intro for 'Detroit' and the opening feedback and riff and drum blast to 'Making Love' , Aces solo on 'Shock Me' and of course , God of Thunder. Side 4's studio track ending always bothered me , especially the 'Any way you want it' cover, after such a strong performance , it just sort of fizzled out ,...and learned why , and about all the overdubbing of it in Pauls book. Cheers champ, and thanks for another top show.

[@jamesf3200]

As a pre-teen, my KISS fandom started with Alive! and ended after side 3 of Alive II. Didn't follow them much after that, but those 3 years were life changing and I still revere that period of the band

[@chrisbohner1092]

Hello!...I love your site and I'm now subscribed!. I got to tell you this subject was right up my alley. I'm 56 and the first Kiss album I bought was Kiss Alive 2 in 1977 I was 9. The same year I got my first drum kit which my parents bought me cause they were tired of me beating on Tupperware wear in the kitchen. My parents paid for drum lessons for me which I was grateful. When I started taking drum lessons my teacher was trying to get me to learn how to read music...which was part of the lesson and proper I might add....but I just wanted to play...so after 2 months I quit my lessons...now at this point my parents thought my kit would turn into a dust collector...ha! But I practiced everyday when I got home from school to wear my parents would open my door to my room and tell me to quit after a long day of work...I dont blame them....they wanted to relax after work. Well I would put on my vinyl record Alive 2 and practice it over and over again...I had a knack for playing drums and taught myself at about 10 to play that whole album including the 4th studio side verbatim. I've been playing now for 47 years...self taught....still dont know how to read music...ha!...but this is the kicker....I emailed Peter Criss to tell him this story and how he was my drum teacher and taught me how to play....this was last year I emailed him. I labeled it to him MY TEACHER. I was shocked one day when I pulled up my email and He had taken the time to send me...I might add a lengthy email which was totally beautiful and from his heart....His email to me was actually alot longer than what I sent him He mentioned in my email that God gave me my tallent and taught me...not Him...but that he was glad to be a big inspiration to my playing and practicing....and loved my story! If someone would have told me when I was practicing that album Alive 2 back in the 70s that I was going to be able to share my story with Peter and get this really humble long email from him.....I would have been floored!....I printed it out its framed and on my wall...and Peter made my day my year.....I cherish it!....Alive 2 is my favorite over all Kiss album.... The bass when it was mixed is punched up really high....and I love who did that. Plus Gene double recorded his voice too alot...you can really hear it on Plaster Caster when he says his t..s and his s..s...plus you can really hear it on his 1978 solo...but who cares I love it!....Thank you everyone for letting me share this life changing fun great experience!!.... .

[@chrisbohner1092]

P.S. I saw Kiss on the END OF THE ROAD TOUR at the LA FORUM where alive 2 was recorded over 3 nights with my nephew whom I recruited to the Kiss Army....great way to end all my live Kiss concerts I saw over the years...cheers!

[@MAGNUM2F]

It's a masterpiece, the same as Alive.

[@mikeadams2351]

I've never been a Kiss fan, but I did enjoy the video.

[@mikeanthony8934]

yea, right. OK

[@H-mu4bo]

Alive 2 was everything a 70's kid reading Mad magazines, watching saturday morning Hanna Barbara cartoons could dream of. Blood, great costumes, great lighting, massive amps, fireworks and great catchy songs.

[@Keepmelevel]

Im 54 and will forever be a KI⚡️⚡️ fan. They lost me after Unmasked. But anything from when they started to 79’ is “ GOLD Jerry GOLD!” My mom and dad took a picture me playing KISS ALIVE II on my little record player with my kiss shirt on. 😊 My mom and dad also dressed up as kiss and went to a Halloween party back in 78’ my mom was Ace and my dad went as Gene! They looked great too! 🤟🏽😝

[@jimhines7936]

I'm 55 and have been around for all of the KISS stuff. I still love them. Even some of the stuff after Unmasked. Especially the Elder.

[@Keepmelevel]

@ The Elder was cool too… some really good songs on that record. 🤘🏽😎 I played ACE’s solo record the other day, one of my favorites!

[@allenyazell]

this article came out one day before my first kiss show on January 12th, 1978 Riverfront Coliseum in Cincinnati Ohio.

[@rogerdodger6025]

I was at that show! I remember it got cancelled because of the harsh Winter of 1978 and rescheduled a few days later, great show even though I was starting to outgrow them, but still liked them. I was a few weeks away from turning 16 and my musical tastes were rapidly changing.

[@audiomover]

How cool!

[@danzemacabre8899]

For me, the last great Kiss album and the greatness of the band the ended with Ace's superb solo album, i have no problem tossing on any of those albums up to then, but my favorite studio albums are Hotter Than Hell and Ace's solo but the two real gems are both the live albums, they are heavier with a better mix than all the rest 19:06

[@dandymc2458]

I mostly agree with you but I think REVENGE is also brilliant

[@MENFUSSMIKE]

Same. ALIVE!, HOTTER THAN HELL AND ACE....top 3

[@claytonwilkie1963]

Ive been a KISS fan since 1975 when i saw Rock 'n' Roll All Night on the ABC , countdown in Sydney Australia, and i was hooked right away with the band and ever since. I do love all there albums and i do specially love there last album Monster, as it brought me back to the 1970's with this album as it has that 70's feel and sound to it. The Alive albums are awesome as i sit in my lounge room and listen to them and it takes me back to yhe 14 concerts ive seen here in Australia. First time I've seen your post and i like it thank you. I will be listening to your post from now on, again thank you. Clayton from Brisbane Queensland Australia

[@johnoliver189]

As a kid always listened to my dads music , contemporary stuff like Tom Jones, Johnny Mathis and others but when I first heard KISS Alive I couldn’t believe the power, sound and electrifying images on album cover and booklet.

[@vaekkriinhart4347]

KISS was #1 in Gallup poll 2 consecutive years, 1977 & 1978. That pic was in the booklet that came with the album, btw

[@chrisoakley5830]

I thought it was 3 years, 76,77 and 78.

[@andypyper5294]

Bought this album with my first Saturday job wages , £ 5.00 , album was 5.25 so had to borrow 25p Still have the album

[@neano62]

My first KISS concert was ALIVEII

[@DavidSanchez-bq9jv]

Basically, mine too 1978, Detroit, Michigan.

[@ArtShimko]

Alive II was my first KISS album, I bought with my 8th grade “graduation” money. I was eyeballing this album for months at the record store across the street from my mom’s house. Was so excited when I played on my new stereo turntable, King Of The Nighttime World and Shock Me are my favorite tracks, I loved all the live tracks, not so much side 4 though. Years later, I got Alive! and really love that a bit more, but Alive II will always be special to me.

[@paulthomasbranda7591]

Grand Funk played Shea Stadium, check it out!!!😃

[@CoreySosner]

KISS Alive 1 blew my mind KISS alive 2 was great love that album played the grooves off these albums. And the new songs were great as well. What a great time back then late 70s !!!! GEN X !!!!

[@KISStorianBrothers]

hey man, nice!! ... regarding Ace's voice, he's on the back vocals on most of the tracks on ALIVE II and, if you listen closely to Detroit Rock City, and listen for Ace's voice, his delivery on the "Get Up... Get Down" is so f-cool, the blending of their four unique voices is one of the few subtle things about KISS and Eddie Kramer got it!!

[@audiomover]

It was actually a really cool things to have them all singing. And the blend was actually great. They were all very distinct.

[@KISStorianBrothers]

@@audiomover yes, that is 'actually' what I was saying, cheers!

[@SabianK]

This bring back memories....I was a huge KISS fan...I was totally floored by the image and the music...I think Kiss Alive 2 was my fourth album...I was about 8 yrs old and was liked and hated for loving this group...but I didn't care... I loved Kiss and I loved Ace Frehley

[@briansmith546]

Became a fan during the Alive period but loved Alive II

[@henrikharbin5521]

The biggest thing for me is that we got to hear Ace live. Yes, part of his solo was cut out after "Shock Me"_ but his playing is raw and honest. And we got to hear him do ALL guitars and bass on "Rocket Ride".

[@24quorthonschuldiner62]

His solo wasn’t cut out, who the hell told you that?

[@joeparks284]

​@24quorthonschuldiner62 It wasn't cut OUT, but it was edited. Because of the length and time constraints of vinyl records at the time 45 min total for both side. The drum solo was edited down as well. Same was done for the solos o. ALIVE too.

[@bethanyhealy4989]

I was there. Brother and uncle took many many many photos. Great seats.

[@audiomover]

Very cool!

[@videodude1969]

I saw Alive II at a friends house and immediately wanted a KISS album. I was lucky enough to get Destroyer, and the rest is history. ACE is the reason I became a guitar player and was always my favorite.

[@zr24X4ROCKS]

love it ! those photos were just mesmerizing to me , kiss army member

[@EDDIETRUJILLO-q8p]

Bob Kulick did some great guitar work on it. The first album I ever bought.

[@chrisoakley5830]

Alive ll was my first Kiss album and because of that it is so special to me. I've always loved it, probably my favorite era of Kiss. I think the studio songs on side 4 are great, thanks for this video.

[@audiomover]

I'm glad you liked it.

[@birdsoffir]

Loved Kiss from the beginning thanks to my big sister in 1974. Saw them several times in the 70s and Destroyer was the best stage show IMO. I saw them on the Alive II tour and AC/DC opened. That night I left Kiss behind and became a huge AC/DC fan.I still have all my Kiss records even the solos but for me they Jumped the shark with Alive II.

[@EB1878]

Alive II vol. 1 and 2 I have on 8-track tape. Those were my second and third 8-track tapes in my original collection, all second hand stuff. I listened to those first before I heard the Kiss Alive! LP. My introduction to Kiss was their self-titled album on 8-track. I best described their sound as a preteen girl as, "Heavy with a hint of darkness blended with distinct Jimmy Hendrix and Led Zeppelin influences." My initial impression of seeing Kiss's first album when younger I had jotted down as "Shockingly beautiful!" Keep in mind this was pre-internet days so finding anything 70's Kiss related was rare for me. In my original collection I was given three Ace Frehley's Don Russ trading cards #20,#21, and 65, one Peter Criss song book '78, the Peter Criss Lp with order form mint condition, no poster though. I had Dynasty on 8-track, Lp, and cassette. I absolutely loved and cherished everything I had of Kiss albeit I was an 80's Kiss fan. I also had Ace Frehley solo album on 8-track too. I bought those 8-track tapes for 25 cents each in '89. My first home stereo unit was a Lloyd's 8-track player with headphone jack, tone, treble, volume. A very low end model Lloyd's that lasted me three years. It was originally destined to be thrown away until I rescued it. My second 8-track player was also a near mint excellent condition Lloyd's with auxiliary outputs in back and had an on/off switch. I miss those days of my youth. I played my 8-track tapes continually and dubbed copies onto cassette so I had my analog music on the go. In every other format nothing quite had that unique sound that 8-track tapes gave me. LP's sufficed, cassettes were good. To my young ears back then, analog was totally awesome! 😊 I still listen to 8-track tapes to this very day. I'll always love Kiss. No other rock band quite held a mystique that was both shocking, alluring, and phenomenal at the same time. This is/was from my preteen perception of Kiss and hasn't changed much now that I'm an adult. 😊 I thought Alive II was great. I enjoyed it. I was under the erroneous impression that Alive II was recorded at Cobo Hall, Detroit, same venue that Alive! was recorded. However, now thanks to the internet and Kiss's autobiographies, depending on which original band member says Largo, MD, the Forum in L.A., and the rumor that I jotted down in 1990-91' it was a studio album made to sound live. Regardless, when I heard Alive! It was electrifying and more awesome! Having a decent stereo system to hear it on made a huge difference. When I heard those pyrotechnics erupt through the JVC floor speakers at my grandparents house in '89 I was totally in awe. As a preteen, one could only dream and imagine what it must have been like to see them live. And yes, I saw their Reunion tour and Farewell tour with Peter and Ace both times. It was spectacular and phenomenal in person. 😊

[@TheLordGoat]

Having Alive II in my hands was like a movie. The pictures they used of them were brutal. The packaging was very sedating for a kid and still one of the most aesthetically pleasing albums ever. The japanese version is utter candy.

[@scottoz7891]

BEST Ever ❤❤

[@jimmyjambhere]

I love Alive 2 especially the studio tracks 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@jamesagnew6512]

KISS ALIVE II was the first KISS music I ever heard or owned. Funny now, on 8-track tape. Everyone in 5th grade had to have it. The girls in my school were pushing Kiss and us guys with crushes fell in line. Do you remember the nation wide rumor that Kiss beat up Shaun Cassidy and put tar cover drum sticks down his throat. It was hilarious in the late 70s. Also, Kids in Satan’s service and the churches charge against them. Good times.

[@MENFUSSMIKE]

I was a Kid In Satan's Service

[@Ramatx]

Great album ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@scottedwards2618]

Yes, I remember when KISS WAS good.

[@databasedan6833]

Been there since 77 for Alice II! It’s great don’t listen to any negativity regarding this classic album!

[@NoNotMe0000]

I discovered KISS alive I at 12 in 1975. Then Destroyer and Rock n' Roll Over, and by the time Alive II came out there was a KISS frenzy everywhere! The buzz and then release went supersonic! If you experienced living in those times (thank God I did) then you'd know how Important Alive II was. Went to all three shows at the Forum in L.A. back to back! KISS were absolutely on fire, there was not a whole lot like that back then. So yeah' jus say'n.

[@rich52569]

In regards to the " Gallup Poll" story and it's not popular among us Kiss fans and regularly ignored, but I listened to an interview of Bill Aucoin and he was the one the had them win the poll. He tasked his people to photocopy the mail in ballot and proceeded to continuously fill them out and mail them in. Gallup poll changed the rules to only count original ballots and not accept copies. So that's the rest of the story.

[@kellywright8248]

Born in 74. We had an 8 track of alive 2. Small pictures on it but I would stare at those pictures like they were super heros

[@acebailey60]

Love Gun actually shipped platinum.

[@davidmanocchio6815]

Alive 2 was a Game Changer for me as a young drummer 🥁!

[@bradbaird6526]

Really enjoyed this video. My first KI⚡️⚡️ album was Love Gun. I got Alive 2 soon after. I still love all the original albums. I treat the unmasked like a different band. I love it as well. It just doesn’t have the magic the original has.

[@truvakaplan2376]

"Almost Real People." An excellent description of this very strange band. I grew up in the 1970s and managed to avoid buying anything by Kiss. I was the lone wolf Zeppelin, Rolling Stones and Genesis guy...

[@AaronJoseph-t4b]

Alive 2 was my first Concert flying solo at 10 years old,it was their Zietgiest $ Zenith, Paul's "Disco" tune was self admittedly "Phoned in"