Rare KISS 'Dynasty' era footage surfaces online

Published September 3 2024 at 18:17

This summer it was precisely 45 years since KISS released their 1979 album 'Dynasty', the last to feature studio recordings by the original line-up of Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley & Peter Criss.

And creative as always, diehard KISS have just come up with a couple of new ways to celebrate this anniversary:

First up we have the release of a previously uncirculated 8mm fan-recording from the Coliseum in Richfield, Ohio on July 19th 1979. The 13 minute

long recording comes with audio, and has been digitally restored and enhanced to 1080p quality. You can enjoy the recording in the link listed below.

Second up, we have the latest release in a serious from überfan 'FranKENstein Live Redux', who already is famous for giving a digital super overhaul to vintage live-recordings from KISS.

This time he treats us to 'KISS 1979: The End Of A Dynasty', which is a reimagined version of the previously circulating full show recording from the Capitol Center in Largo, Maryland from July 8th 1979.

His goal with this video was to try and put together a "cleaned up" version of the 1979 Tour which fans can hopefully enjoy more than what we've had available until now. This is not a 100% historic representation of that single Largo show, but more like what he thinks the band might have released for public consumption.

The recording offers what will probably be the best version we'll ever have of a full 'Dynasty' show from KISS! You can enjoy it via the link below.....

Towards the end of their 'Dynasty' tour in 1979, KISS faced significant internal and external challenges that nearly tore the band apart.

Although the album produced the hit single "I Was Made for Lovin' You" and brought considerable commercial success worldwide, it also marked a departure from their hard rock roots, leading to tensions within the band and criticism from their fanbase. Drummer Peter Criss was at the center of the turmoil. His escalating personal issues, particularly his struggles with substance abuse, severely impacted his performance and reliability. Tensions between Criss and the rest of the band, especially Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, became increasingly strained as his behavior grew erratic. Onstage, Criss's playing became inconsistent, and offstage, conflicts reached a boiling point. The band's unity was fraying as they struggled to maintain their signature high-energy performances.

The 'Dynasty' tour, originally meant to reinforce KISS's dominance, instead highlighted their internal discord. By the tour's end, it was clear that Criss could no longer continue with the band. In December 1979, KISS made the difficult decision to fire Peter Criss, signaling the end of an era and a tumultuous chapter in the band's history.

You can enjoy the new 'Dynasty' recordings here: