10 Rock Bands That Were Successful After Major Lineup Changes

9. KISS

Just as much a licensing and merchandising machine as a band, 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees KISS have been going strong since 1973. Known for their face-painted characters and theatric stage shows, the band has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide. The one constant with them throughout their storied career has been frontman/rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley and vocalist/bassist Gene Simmons. The band's other two founding members, guitarist Ace Frehley and drummer Peter Criss, were members band from inception up until the early 80s, when drugs, alcohol, business disagreements and personality conflicts led to their replacement. Criss was replaced with Eric Carr, who would remain with the band for 11 years until his death in 1991. Notable auditions to replace Space Ace were Richie Sambora and Yngwie Malmsteen, as well as Eddie Van Halen who was looking to leave his band due to tension between he and David Lee Roth. Frehley's spot briefly went to Vinnie Vincent, and then Mark St. John before Bruce Kulick settled into the role. During this time the band would go through their "unmasked" phase, where they ditched the makeup that defined them. While a re-masking, several reunions, breakups, lineup changes and re-reunions would follow in the years to come, it's obvious that Stanley and Simmons have always been the driving creative force behind the success of KISS. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Hgz-q76KtQ