KISS is the New Gold Standard for American Rock 'n' Roll

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Submitted by S.J. Mitchell on Tue, 09/15/2015 - 11:38

According to the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America), KISS is now #1 with the most Gold Album Record awards. With 26 albums and 4 solo albums under the KISS brand (released simultaneously), a feat never duplicated, they have earned a total of 30 Gold albums. They have also acquired 14 Platinum and 3 multi-Platinum albums over the years.

A true testament of their longevity that spans across four decades.

From the press release:

“Congratulations to KISS – the new Gold standard for albums by American bands,” said Cary Sherman, Chairman & CEO, RIAA. “What an extraordinary achievement for an enduring band. Forty years later and the band is still rocking. Congratulations to KISS on their Gold album milestone and continued success."

KISS remains one of the most influential bands in the history of rock and roll. Decades of record-breaking tours around the globe have included high-profile appearances at Super Bowl XXXIII, the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, the Rockin' The Corps concert dedicated to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, special guest appearance on the 2009 American Idol finale that boasted 30 million viewers and a 2010 Dr. Pepper Super Bowl commercial and advertising campaign in support of their Hottest Show On Earth tour.

Having over-turned their roster several times throughout the years, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanely's dedication to keeping the band together has not faltered. Known most for their high-octane live performances and trademark makeup and costumes, KISS has transcended the musical genre through merchandising. Having crossed-over into comic books and even a Scooby-Doo animated film, KISS' marketing strategy has kept them at the forefront of entertainment and pop-culture. A legion of fans known as the KISS Army, continue to pack concert venues, selling out wherever they go. Their last album, Monster (October 2012) debuted at No. 3 in the U.S. on the Billboard 200 best-selling albums chart.

In 2014, their success was culminated with their induction into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. An album celebrating their 40th anniversary, KISS 40, is available now.