KISS “Destroyer” 1976. Today, April 27th, is KISS guitarist and “Spaceman” (or “Space Ace” if you like) Ace Frehley’s birthday (b. Paul Daniel Frehley, 1951). Frehley was a founding member and guitarist for the legendary rock band from 1973-1982 and then again from 1996-2002 and has been ranked among the best metal guitarists of all-time. I’m not a big KISS fan, but Destroyer is OK, especially the lead track, “Detroit Rock City,” and “Shout It Out Loud.” Their fourth studio album, it initially hit #11 on the US album charts but quickly fell off. With the unintentional success of the “Detroit Rock City” single’s B-side ballad “Beth” at the end of the summer, sales roared back to life and by the end of 1976 Destroyer had gone platinum.

I included a photo of the record sleeve for Destroyer because it makes me laugh. “Join the KISS army! As a member of the KISS Army you will receive: 1. The official KISS ARMY NEWS (published quarterly) 2. Your own official KISS ARMY I.D. Card 3. A KISS discography information about all KISS albums and singles 4. Biographies on Gene, Peter, Paul & Ace. 5. An official Membership Charter 6. A KISS ARMY Iron-on patch 7. A Full Color Poster, 22″x35″ 8. An 8″x10″ Color Group Photo and 2 black and white concert photos. All for only $5.00 per year!” That’s a lot for 5 bucks. I wonder if it’s still honored?