After an obviously very successful run in the ‘70s, KISS decided that it was time for the fans to get to know their faces a little better. Maybe they were getting a little sick of the gimmick, maybe they were trying to capitalize on the ‘80s hair metal trend, or maybe they just loved getting their fans all up in an anticipatory frenzy. We’re thinking a little of columns A, B, and C.
Whatever the case, they made a massive splash in popular music when they announced the “KISS Unmasked” interview on MTV. Fans tuned in en masse as KISS revealed their faces publicly for the first time on September 18, 1983. This moment helped kick off the release of their album, ”Lick It Up,” & subsequent tour that successfully revitalized their career and introduced the band to a whole new generation of fans.
Don’t you love it when a good plan actually works? In case you weren’t around for that moment, or you’re just feeling nostalgic for it, here are 20 pictures of KISS in the makeup-less ‘80s! (Well, there was still some glam-y makeup for sure, but you know what we mean).