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The Four Faces Of Rock: A Deep Dive Into The Current And Original Group Kiss Members (2025 Update)

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The iconic rock band KISS, often searched for by fans as 'Group Kiss members,' officially concluded their touring career in late 2023, but the legacy of the "hottest band in the world" continues to dominate headlines into late 2025. The final lineup—featuring co-founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons alongside longtime members Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer—has cemented its place in rock history, a journey marked by explosive stage shows, legendary makeup, and a rotating cast of characters. The most recent and significant update for the band is the somber news of the passing of original lead guitarist Ace Frehley in October 2025, which was commemorated by the band at the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors.

The band, co-founded by Stanley and Simmons in New York City in 1973, has always been defined by its four distinct, larger-than-life personas: The Starchild, The Demon, The Spaceman, and The Catman. This article provides a comprehensive, up-to-date look at the final lineup, their roles, and the crucial founding members who shaped the band’s enduring mythology.

The Final Lineup: Biographies and Iconic Personas

The final, longest-serving lineup of KISS, which performed during the monumental End of the Road World Tour, consisted of four members, each embodying a classic character.

  • Paul Stanley (The Starchild)
    • Real Name: Stanley Bert Eisen
    • Born: January 20, 1952 (Age 73 in late 2025)
    • Hometown: Queens, New York, U.S.
    • Role: Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitarist, Co-founder
    • Persona: The Starchild, known for his star-shaped eye makeup and romantic, charismatic stage presence.
    • Key Fact: Stanley and Gene Simmons are the only two members who have been constant throughout KISS's entire history, spanning over five decades.
  • Gene Simmons (The Demon)
    • Real Name: Chaim Witz
    • Born: August 25, 1949 (Age 76 in late 2025)
    • Hometown: Haifa, Israel (raised in Brooklyn, New York)
    • Role: Bassist, Co-lead Vocals, Co-founder
    • Persona: The Demon, instantly recognizable by his black and white makeup, trademark tongue-wagging, and fire-breathing stage antics.
    • Key Fact: Simmons is the band's primary businessman and has been instrumental in building the KISS brand into a global merchandising powerhouse.
  • Tommy Thayer (The Spaceman/Space Ace)
    • Real Name: Thomas Cunningham Thayer
    • Born: November 7, 1960 (Age 65 in late 2025)
    • Hometown: Portland, Oregon, U.S.
    • Role: Lead Guitarist, Vocals
    • Persona: The Spaceman (inherited the role from Ace Frehley), wearing the silver-themed costume and makeup.
    • Key Fact: Thayer originally worked with KISS as a songwriter, producer, and road manager before officially replacing Ace Frehley as the lead guitarist in 2002.
  • Eric Singer (The Catman)
    • Real Name: Eric Doyle Mensinger
    • Born: May 12, 1958 (Age 67 in late 2025)
    • Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
    • Role: Drummer, Vocals
    • Persona: The Catman (inherited the role from Peter Criss), known for his distinctive feline makeup.
    • Key Fact: Singer first joined KISS in 1991, following the death of Eric Carr, and has been the band's longest-serving drummer across multiple non-makeup and reunion eras.

The Founding Era: The Original Group Kiss Members

The original quartet, often considered the classic lineup, created the foundational sound and visual identity of KISS. Their impact is immeasurable, defining the hard rock and heavy metal genres for decades. The original members were Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss.

The dynamic between these four artists—The Starchild, The Demon, The Spaceman, and The Catman—launched the band to global superstardom with albums like Destroyer and Alive!.

Ace Frehley (The Spaceman)

Ace Frehley was the original lead guitarist and the creator of the Spaceman persona. Born Paul Frehley, he brought a raw, blues-infused rock style to the band. His departure and subsequent returns were a major part of the band's history. Tragically, Frehley passed away in October 2025 at the age of 74, a loss deeply felt by the rock community and his former bandmates, who honored him at the Kennedy Center Honors.

Peter Criss (The Catman)

Peter Criss was the original drummer and the creator of the Catman persona. Born Peter George John Criscuola, his unique, jazzy drumming style provided a distinct rhythm to the band's early work. Criss was celebrated alongside Stanley and Simmons at the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors, highlighting his critical role in the band's origins and success.

Beyond the Tour: The Future of the KISS Brand in 2025

Following the final show of the End of the Road World Tour, the question of the band's future has been on every fan's mind. As of late 2025, while the band has ceased touring, the KISS brand remains highly active.

KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer confirmed in a recent interview that although they are "not touring anymore," there is "still a ton happening behind the scenes." This suggests that the legacy will continue through new forms of media, merchandise, and potentially, new music. The band has been working on innovative ways to present their iconic characters, ensuring that The Demon, The Starchild, The Spaceman, and The Catman continue to reach new generations of fans.

The recent 2025 Kennedy Center Honors, where the founding members were celebrated for their cultural contributions, underscores their lasting impact. The band's history is a complex tapestry of lineup changes, from the loss of drummer Eric Carr in 1991 to the temporary stints of guitarists like Vinnie Vincent and Bruce Kulick. However, the core vision of Stanley and Simmons has always guided the Group Kiss members, ensuring the theatrical, explosive spirit of hard rock lives on.

group kiss members
group kiss members

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