05-10 Heavy Metal author Martin Popoff's new book: KISS "76 - 12 Months That Defined The Hottest Band In The Land
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Today’s guest is Martin Popoff. Martin is the author of over 100 books on hard rock, heavy metal, classic rock, and record collecting, bringing both archival depth and fan‑first storytelling. Today we are speaking with Martin on his new book: KISS ‘ 76.
KISS was formed in 1973, and was one of the hardest-working bands in rock, releasing three studio albums and their breakthrough Alive! in 1974-75, setting the stage for a true breakthrough into superstardom. Fifty years on, Popoff frames the band’s nonstop momentum in 1976- two landmark studio albums, a relentless touring schedule, and the birth of the Kiss Army fan club - against the wider cultural moments of the Bicentennial year, from the Bicentennial to blockbuster films and headline sports and political events.
Written with the fan’s eye and the historian’s rigor, KISS ’76 follows the band around the world and into the studio, pairing detailed album analysis with on‑the‑road reportage and archival discoveries. As Popoff puts it in the prologue, “This is the story of 1976 by someone with way too much Kiss on the brain,” a voice that gives the book its affectionate, insider energy while never losing sight of the year’s bigger picture.
SHOW NOTES:
Martin’s new book; KISS ’76 – Twelve Months That Defined the Hottest Band in the Land can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Kiss-76-Twelve-Defined-Hottest/dp/0760398844/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2W2QTB9FEXDL0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3vtwjZ4Krh9VWzej7rjd4UOmErzOThMjKJz22oESqwC7pOwR4czcReqHjzxtSOTBws76yYkA-Yn8i5riD8c2joxYt1V3LWjUp6c3WNCEBNQ6dObc24h86ZxKQ78jm4rC4YlrvvGAvdrM2Hh4l5GsHX7hSr3C0uMTE9LQ2bZ23ybxs2lAGsEGBhuO2s7FSDdJj_1H-631_9vWjCgq-AMintm1YblyG3JUpM6sGXMYG6Y.QrB1ghe0r5QdhAjdaD3nYsDDh9OGgIs4odmBylcHGtI&dib_tag=se&keywords=kiss+%2776&qid=1773517037&sprefix=kiss+%2776%2Caps%2C164&sr=8-1
Martin has written plenty of books, mostly on heavy metal bands, see the list here:
https://martinpopoff.com/books/
Martin’s website is: https://martinpopoff.com/
Social Media Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martin_popoff63/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinPopoffAuthor
Martin also has his own podcast, and if you are a music junky, you might want to check it out: https://martinpopoff.com/podcast/
KISS VIDEOS:
KISS Live in Houston TX 1976 DESTROYER TOUR "FULL SHOW" SOURCE MASTER TAPE 60fps HD 1080p: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sTkacvoLY0&list=RD4sTkacvoLY0&start_radio=1
KISS - 1976 Paul Lynde Halloween Special: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAgnq20pb90&list=RDZAgnq20pb90&start_radio=1
In case you heard Rita talking about Gene Simmons son and Paul Stanley’s son forming a group, well here is a sample of Stanley Simmons!