Martin Popoff is set to release *KISS ’76: Twelve Months That Defined The Hottest Band In The Land* on February 24, 2024. This 176-page hardcover book explores the pivotal year that turned Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss from a lesser-known band into global superstars.
Popoff takes readers through each month of 1976, covering the release of two studio albums, a packed schedule of concerts, and the launch of the KISS Army fan club. He connects the band’s journey to significant events of the Bicentennial year, including movies, sports, and political changes. In the prologue, Popoff humorously notes, “This is the story of 1976 by someone with way too much KISS on the brain.”
KISS began in 1973, and their hard work in 1974 and 1975, which included three studio albums and the live record *Alive!*, set the stage for their breakout in 1976. The book features a detailed song-by-song breakdown of *Destroyer* and *Rock and Roll Over*. It also includes interviews with Ace Frehley, producer Bob Ezrin, and Kim Fowley, along with concert and backstage photos.
Martin Popoff has written over 100 books on hard rock, heavy metal, and classic rock, covering bands like Rush, Led Zeppelin, and AC/DC. He has also contributed to documentaries about Rush and ZZ Top. Based in Toronto, Canada, Popoff’s new book will be published by Motorbooks, an imprint of The Quarto Group. The hardcover is priced at $40 USD and $53 CAD, with an ISBN-13 of 9780760398845. Pre-orders are now available. This release marks 50 years since the events it chronicles.
