KISS was founded in New York City in January 1973 by bassist Gene Simmons and guitarist Paul Stanley, who had previously played together in the band Wicked Lester. They were soon joined by guitarist Ace Frehley and drummer Peter Criss, completing the original line-up that would go on to shape one of the most iconic bands in rock history. KISS performed their first concert under that name at the Popcorn Club (later the Coventry) in Queens, New York, on 30 January 1973.
The classic members all came from the New York area. Gene Simmons (born Chaim Witz) was born in Haifa, Israel, and moved to the United States as a child, growing up in Queens. Paul Stanley (born Stanley Eisen) was born and raised in Manhattan. Ace Frehley was born and grew up in the Bronx, and Peter Criss (born George Peter John Criscuola) came from Brooklyn.
Over the years, KISS went through several line-up changes, introducing later members such as Eric Carr, Vinnie Vincent, Bruce Kulick, Eric Singer, and Tommy Thayer, while Simmons and Stanley remained the band’s core.
Today, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley live in Los Angeles, California. Peter Criss resides in New Jersey, while Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer are also based in the United States.
Gene Simmons former homes include a long-time Benedict Canyon estate which he sold in 2021, a Nevada property which was sold in 2025, and a recently sold Beverly Hills mansion. His long-time family home in this area, featured on his reality show, was sold for $16 million in 2021 after being on the market for some time. He currently resides in a Malibu home.
Paul Stanley’s former home in Los Angeles, California is a mansion in Beverly Hills that was sold in 2021 for demolition and new construction. The original home, sometimes called the “Stanley House,” was located in the Hollywood Hills and featured exotic woods, a nightclub, a screening room, and panoramic city and ocean views.
Several former members have passed away. Guitarist Ace Frehley (1951–2025) died on 16 October 2025 following injuries from a fall. He was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, New York. Drummer Eric Carr (1950–1991), who replaced Peter Criss in 1980, died of cancer at the age of 41 and is buried at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Newburgh, New York. Guitarist Mark St. John (1956–2007), who briefly played with the band in 1984, died from a cerebral haemorrhage at the age of 51 and is buried at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, California.
KISS LOCATIONS
COVER ART
Corner of W 23rd Street and 8th (Dressed to Kill)
Park Avenue United Methodist Church (Music from The Elder)
GRAVES
Ace Frehley’s Grave
Eric Carr’s Grave
Mark St. John’s Grave
MONUMENTS
Cadillac’s KISS Monument
Munich Olympic Walk of Stars
RockWalk
RESTAURANTS
STREETS
Electric Lady Studio (Dressed to Kill, Alive II, and Asylum)
One On One Recording Studios (Crazy Nights and Psycho Circus)
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