Take It Off: The Story of Kiss Without Masks and Censorship

"The most detailed and authoritative book on the 'no-makeup' era, and it’s often unfairly ignored in favor of the 'masks' age. TAKE IT OFF is mandatory listening for every member of the Kiss Army". Metal-Rules.com The book, written by music journalist Greg Prato, will tell you about one of the brightest milestones in KISS history—the time many fans believe the band created their best songs: Heaven’s On Fire, Lick It Up, Tears Are Falling, Crazy Crazy Nights, and others. This is an era when the musicians decided to wash off their trademark makeup and take off their elaborate outfits—not only so they wouldn’t get lost among other performers, but also so they could reclaim their place on the 80s rock music Olympus. Inside the book, you’ll find exclusive interviews with people who collaborated with KISS at different times: musicians, journalists, and producers. They also recall the band’s first appearance on MTV without “masks,” describe how they wrote hits from their albums, and share vivid memories of concerts and tours. The book also lists the band’s entire discography and the most outstanding video performances from this period.

During an MTV broadcast on September 18, 1983, KISS first appeared before the public without makeup. In terms of popularity, the broadcast could compete with watching the Super Bowl cup! Fans had been waiting for this moment—and it finally arrived: the musicians weren’t afraid not only to show their faces and get rid of their signature “makeup,” but also to release a new album with a heavier sound. The Lick It Up record brought KISS back their former glory and entered the top of the best rock albums, ultimately earning “platinum” status. Today, the “no-makeup” period is undeservedly being forgotten, but real fans of the band remember this time well and are grateful for many bright hits. Music journalist Greg Prato compiled dozens of fascinating, unique interviews with musicians, producers, journalists, publicists, and composers who were involved with KISS in this vibrant period for his book TAKE IT OFF. From this book you’ll learn:
– how KISS’s style changed and why they received waves of hate from listeners,
– where the yodel in Heaven’s On Fire came from,
– how the musicians communicated on tour and recorded their crazy clips.
TAKE IT OFF also presents the band’s entire discography from the 13-year “no-masks” era—a real gift for every member of Kiss Army!