10 Rock Bands That Survived Major Line-Up Changes
6. KISS
When KISS broke out of the New York club scene dawning makeup, it really felt like the band were brothers in arms. Despite what some would consider silly stage gimmicks, you really got the impression that these guys were inseparable in their quest to become the biggest band in rock and roll. Once time and money get involved though, things tend to change.
As the band started floundering in the 80's, drummer Peter Criss left the group with guitarist Ace Frehley not far behind. This was more than a shock to the system; this felt like a death in the family for most KISS fans. Frehley's solos were often the greatest parts of KISS songs and Criss's gruff voice on songs like "Beth" gave the band their biggest hits.
Determined to carry on, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley ended up drafting new drummer Eric Carr, whose hard hitting style introduced the band to a heavier sound on Creatures of the Night. With other guitarists floating through the ranks like Vinnie Vincent and Mark St. John, the arrival of Bruce Kulick gave the band one of its greatest lineups since their glory years. Though the band have had reunions with the original members over the years, the foundation of KISS seemed to be secure as long as Gene or Paul were leading the charge.