KISS is marking the 50th anniversary of one of the defining performances of its early career with the first official release of its legendary 1976 Anaheim Stadium concert.
The live collection, KISS Destroys Anaheim ’76, arrives Aug. 21, giving fans an officially restored version of a performance that had circulated for decades only through unofficial recordings.
The concert took place on Aug. 20, 1976, during the band’s ‘Destroyer’ tour, also known as the Spirit of ’76 Tour, and drew more than 42,000 fans, making it KISS’ largest audience to that point. Recorded by longtime collaborator Eddie Kramer, the performance has been newly mixed from the original multi-track master tapes, allowing the complete 17-song show to be released officially for the first time.
The concert captured the original lineup of Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss as the group was emerging into rock superstardom following the success of Destroyer and Alive!. The production featured the elaborate stage presentation that became synonymous with the band, including pyrotechnics, blood-spitting effects, guitar and drum solos, confetti and the debut of its elaborate destroyed-city stage set. The setlist includes signature songs such as “Detroit Rock City,” “Shout It Out Loud,” “Rock And Roll All Nite,” “Deuce,” “Firehouse” and “Black Diamond.”
KISS Destroys Anaheim ’76 will be available in multiple formats, including standard and colored double-LP vinyl editions, CD, a picture disc and a Japan-exclusive SHM-CD through the band’s official store. The vinyl editions also feature previously unseen photos, memorabilia and liner notes highlighting the significance of the landmark concert.
The release is the latest project celebrating the 50th anniversary of Destroyer, one of the band’s most influential albums, and continues KISS’ effort to preserve key moments from its catalog following the end of its farewell touring career. For longtime fans, the album transforms one of rock’s most famous bootlegs into an officially restored live document from a pivotal moment in the band’s history.
Presave ‘KISS Destroys Anaheim ’76’ – HERE.
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