Classic Feature: Listen to the 1998 world premiere radio broadcast of KISS' 'Psycho Circus'

Published August 23 2024 at 19:52

In 1998, when KISS recorded and released their album 'Psycho Circus', the band was in a unique position both musically and culturally.

This album marked the first time since 1979 that the original line-up of Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss worked together on a full studio album. However, we know now that the reunion was not as harmonious as it seemed then; the actual involvement of Frehley and Criss in the recording process was limited, with session musicians often stepping in, creating internal tensions.

The album came at a time when KISS had experienced a resurgence in popularity, largely due to their highly successful 1996 reunion tour, where they performed in their iconic make-up for the first time since the early 1980s. This tour reignited interest in the band and exposed them to a new generation of fans.

The nostalgia for KISS's 1970s heyday was at a peak, making 'Psycho Circus' highly anticipated. Musically, the album was intended to be a return to the band's classic hard rock roots, blending the bombastic, theatrical style that had made KISS famous with modern production techniques. Despite mixed critical reception, the album was a commercial success, debuting at number three on the Billboard 200 and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance for the title track.

In essence, 'Psycho Circus' reflected both the enduring legacy and the ongoing internal conflicts of KISS, encapsulating a moment where the past and present collided for the legendary band.

Let's wind the tape back to September 1998 and listen to the original world premiere broadcast of the album as it was broadcast to some 135 radio stations across America......