KISStory

release year: 2021
genre: documentary (2 episodes)
viewing setting: home streaming 2/11-13/23

synopsis: This documentary details the career of the band KISS, from its formation in 1973 through the then-current 2021.

impressions: This was a two-part documentary, with each part an hour an a half long. Part one detailed the formation of the band, its early days, rise to prominence, then rise to supertstardom; it ends around 1977-1978 when rifts started to form between some of the members. Part two covered that point until the present which was 2021; this included numerous lineup changes, a decline in sales, the removal of the makeup, the 1996 reunion, and the eventual collapse of that reunion. Ace and Peter apparently chose not to participate in this documentary, but still managed to do so thanks to a ton of archive video and audio which apparently could be used. Bottom line, they weren't willing or able to do what it took to stay in the band and do the grueling tour schedule, and so each had to split from it - twice. Overall - and I know this material well - the documentary did an excellent job of telling the story.

acting: n/a but the quantity and quality of the interviews and footage is quite impressive.

final word: Great biography of a rock band that, for a time, ruled the world (and left a massive musical legacy.)

back to the main review page