- - Legendary ‘70s Rock Band Celebrates 50 Years of Iconic ‘Destroyer’ Look

Geca FloresJanuary 14, 2026 at 4:23 AM

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KISS looked back on a bold yet memorable gesture that would forever change their legacy in the history of rock music.

The legendary rock band is celebrated for their headbanging anthems, their high-energy live shows and, of course, the iconic makeup and costumes.

However, before rising into the global phenomenon and rock and roll legends that they are today, KISS came up with a bold idea to promote their fourth studio album.

In 1976, the four-member rock band with original members Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss released their album, Destroyer.

To create a signature look, they introduced striking black and white costumes detailed with spikes, studs and metallic accents, giving them a commanding stage presence.

Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, Peter Criss and Paul Stanley of KISS perform on stage at Hammersmith Odeon, London England. This was their first London gig on their 'Destroyer' tour on May 15th, 1976. Gus Stewart/Redferns via Getty Images

Fifty years later, KISS celebrated the legendary impact of their trademark, a visual statement that changed rock forever.

“This day in #KISSTORY, Jan 13, 1976, KISS unveiled their Destroyer costumes at A&R Studios in New York, debuting the iconic new look that would define an era of legendary rock music,” the post reads, along with a series of photos capturing the band wearing the costumes for the very first time.

The comment section was buzzing with awe as fans marveled at their legendary look.

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“My favorite costumes,” one wrote.

“Only they can rock those giant platforms,” a commenter chimed in.

Fans were also showing love for their favorite KISS member.

“Paul and Ace’s boots weren’t ready for this shoot,” a follower said.

“Gene always had the best costume,” an Instagram user added.

Meanwhile, fans also shared heartfelt messages on how they miss the late KISS guitarist, Ace Frehley.

The rock band mourned the passing of the founding member in October 2025 due to an accident at home.

Simmons and Stanley expressed in a joint statement, as noted by The Hollywood Reporter, how “devastated” they are by the death of the former member.

"He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history,” the statement reads.

According to a separate report by the publication, the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that the death resulted from blunt force head injuries sustained in a fall.

Frehley suffered fractures around the eyes and left ear and also had bruising on his left abdomen and thigh area as well as on his right hip.

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This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”