KISS Locations in New York City: A Journey Through Rock History

Known as ‘the hottest band in the land,’ KISS – originally comprised of bassist Gene Simmons, guitarists Paul Stanley and Ace Frehley, and drummer Peter Criss, all lead singers and songwriters – was formed in New York City over 45 years ago in early 1973. Currently embarking on its End Of The Road farewell tour, KISS is still playing arenas, stadiums, major festivals, and even underwater for sharks all these decades later. Having been covered by the likes of Nirvana, Garth Brooks, Cher, and the cast of Glee alike, few bands have been more influential than KISS.

As the original lineup of KISS was comprised of New Yorkers, some of whom have residential history in New Jersey, there is plenty of KISS history – KISStory? – to experience around the New York metro area. Below are 10 spots you can visit to learn more about the roots of Gene, Paul, Peter, and Ace.

Ed Sullivan Theater

Few New York City spots hold as much pop culture history as the Ed Sullivan Theater, located on Broadway between 53rd and 54th Streets. It’s the site where The ‘Ed Sullivan Show’ was filmed, where The Beatles changed the course of history with their February 9, 1964 appearance, and which all of the members of KISS have gone on record to say had a massive impact. The theater is also where the ‘Late Show With David Letterman’ – on which members of KISS have performed many times – and the ‘Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ have been filmed.

The Record Plant

A recording studio based at 321 West 44th Street, The Record Plant was established in 1968. Currently the site of the New York Observer newspaper, this iconic studio has contributed to key recordings by legends like John Lennon, Aerosmith, Cyndi Lauper, Guns N’ Roses, and Bruce Springsteen. KISS recorded some of its classic albums there, including 1975’s Destroyer, 1977’s Love Gun, and 1979’s Dynasty.

Corner of 23rd and 8th

The third studio album by KISS, 1975’s Dressed To Kill, was not an immediate hit upon release. However, it is the album from which the KISS classics ‘Rock And Roll All Nite,’ ‘C’mon And Love Me,’ and ‘She’ originated. Its album cover was shot on the southwest corner of 23rd Street and 8th Avenue, featuring all four original members in tow, famously wearing borrowed suits with their iconic makeup.

10 East 23rd Street

Crosstown from where the album cover of Dressed To Kill was shot, 10 East 23rd Street may look like your average building in the Flatiron District, but it played a crucial role in the early history of KISS. There are conflicting reports regarding timelines; however, it has been reported that both the 2nd and 4th floors served as rehearsal spaces for the band, earning the nickname ‘the KISS Loft.’

54 Bleecker Street Loft

The 54 Bleecker Street Loft – located on the 8th floor – was another influential venue for KISS in their early days. It is where the band performed alongside various other artists for the first time. Significantly, producer Eddie Kramer was present at this May 1973 performance, which marked KISS’s first Manhattan gig.

Bank of America Tower

Much of KISS’s early success can be attributed to their first manager, Bill Aucoin. He first saw the band perform live at the Hotel Diplomat, then located at 108 West 43rd Street, which convinced him to manage KISS. Although the hotel no longer exists, the site is currently known as the Bank Of America Tower. It is interesting to note that this building does not share its address with the hotel that once stood on the site. The official address is One Bryant Park, with service entrances at 106 West 43rd and 110 West 43rd Streets.

Sarge’s Deli

As one of the first prominent hard rock bands with known Jewish roots – Paul Stanley was born Stanley Eisen, while Gene Simmons changed his name from Chaim Witz to Gene Klein – it’s not surprising that some of its members knew where to find excellent soup. Located at 548 Third Avenue, or 36th & 3rd, Stanley referenced Sarge’s Deli on page 169 of his 2014 memoir. He mentioned: “After the first two [Madison Square Garden] gigs, the other guys met up with family and friends; I found myself sitting alone at Sarge’s Deli on Third Avenue and 36th Street eating a bowl of matzo ball soup.” Sarge’s Deli is about a 10-minute walk from Madison Square Garden, a legendary venue that has hosted many KISS performances.

Electric Lady Studios

A recording studio built by Jimi Hendrix after years as a Greenwich Village nightclub, Electric Lady Studios – located at 52 West 8th Street – opened in 1970 and remains popular to this day. Among the numerous icons who have recorded at Electric Lady are the Beastie Boys, U2, AC/DC, Taylor Swift, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Weezer, and Bob Dylan. KISS recorded at least three albums at Electric Lady, which also hosted the Van Halen demos produced by Gene Simmons.

279 East 10th Street

Singer/songwriter Mike Viola – also a renowned producer and A&R executive – previously resided in Apartment B of 279 East 10th Street. Viola’s former home, which later became a juice store, is where he wrote the song ‘KISS Alive II’ and many other Candy Butchers staples. The building was also home to former Jon Spencer Blues Explosion drummer Russell Simins, who has no known relation to Gene Simmons.

East Hanover, New Jersey’s Nielsen Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep-Ram Car Dealership

Original lead guitarist Ace Frehley may not be along for the End Of The Road tour, but he has been keeping busy with touring and solo albums in recent years. In September 2019, Frehley and his band infamously performed at the Nielsen Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep-Ram Car Dealership – located at 175 NJ-10 – in East Hanover, New Jersey. This location is also known for hosting the annual Beach Party Savings Bash of the Franklin Sussex Auto Mall.