Here we pick just a handful of the most famous alter egos from the 50s to today. From country to rock, jazz to hip-hop, these personas embody a specific moment in an artist’s development. And some are just ill-fated from the start, like Garth Brooks’ fictional rock star persona Chris Gaines. When Simon & Garfunkel were told their names were too “ethnic-sounding,” they recorded under “Tom And Jerry,” borrowed from the cartoon adversaries. For others, it was self-mythologizing, with Robert Zimmerman dropping his supposedly unfashionable moniker for the much hipper Bob Dylan, complete with an itinerant troubadour backstory.įor others, it was due to industry pressure. When The Beatles wanted to retire their mop-top boy band image and be considered serious artists, they created Sgt. Retrieved May 15, 2019.More than a stage name, musicians have been creating multiple identities as part of their performance for centuries.

^ 'Derek Sherinian Gets Kissed All Over Again'.

'Eric Carr Remembered with Gary Corbett Pt1 – Ep265'.

^ 'Bruce Kulick Sits in with Kiss on Kiss Kruise'.

^ 'Kiss Reunite with Ace Frehley on Kiss Kruise: Watch'.^ 'Kiss: Australian Support Acts, Tour Dates Announced'.^ 'Paul Stanley: Ace Frehley Won't Be Rejoining Kiss'.^ 'It's Official: Kiss To Perform With Australian Symphony'.^ 'Video – Peter Criss Modern Drummer Web Exclusive'.'When Kiss Commandeered An Aircraft Carrier For A Press Release'. ^ Christopher, Michael (April 16, 2016).'Kiss Reunite for 'MTV Unplugged' in 1996'. ^ 'Kiss' Gene Simmons: Why We Fired Eric Carr On His Deathbed'.^ 'Eric Carr, 41, Is Dead Rock Band's Drummer'.The Official Price Guide to Kiss Collectibles. 'The Long Kiss Goodbye: The Search for Vinnie Vincent'. '32 Years Ago: Vinnie Vincent Plays His First Kiss Concert'. ^ Wilkening, Matthew (December 29, 2014).'Dysfunctional Days & Crazy Nights: The Epic Story Of Kiss In The 80s'. '35 Years Ago: Peter Criss Leaves Kiss – The First Time'. Tommy Thayer – lead guitar, backing vocals.Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions (1997).Bruce Kulick – lead guitar, backing vocals.Vinnie Vincent – lead guitar, backing vocals.You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best!! (1996).With the current lineup, Kiss has released two studio albums: 2009's Sonic Boom and 2012's Monster. By February 2004, Criss was out of the band for a third time, with Singer returning to take his place again. In October that year, the band announced a special show with the Melbourne Symphony to feature original drummer Criss, who subsequently remained a full-time member. The following year, Frehley also left Kiss for a second time, with Tommy Thayer taking over his position in March 2002. The group released new album Psycho Circus in 1998, but by January 2001 had splintered again, as Criss left between legs of the Kiss Farewell Tour and was replaced by Singer. After performing with the band for several songs as part of MTV Unplugged the previous year, Frehley and Criss officially rejoined Kiss in April 1996 for a reunion tour. Due to his illness, Carr was temporarily replaced by Eric Singer for the recording of Revenge, and upon Carr's death Singer joined the band permanently. The lineup featuring Kulick was the most stable since the band's first incarnation, only ending on Novemwhen Carr died of heart cancer. After contracting arthritis which made it difficult to perform, he was temporarily replaced on the Animalize World Tour by Bruce Kulick however, when his condition failed to improve, the replacement was made permanent in December and St. He was replaced the following month by Mark St.

Vincent also performed on Lick It Up, but was fired at the end of the album's promotional touring cycle in March 1984 for what Simmons called 'unethical behavior'. Two years later Frehley also left the band.įrehley was replaced by Vinnie Vincent, who debuted with the group in December 1982 after contributing to Creatures of the Night earlier in the year. He was replaced by Eric Carr, after Anton Fig filled in for 1979's Dynasty and 1980's Unmasked. The band's lineup remained stable for seven years, before Criss left on after an injury and increasing personal tensions. Formed in January 1973, the group originally featured rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley, bassist Gene Simmons, lead guitarist Ace Frehley and drummer Peter Criss, all of whom contributed to vocals. Kiss is an American hard rock band from New York City, USA. The original and current lineups of Kiss performing live in 1977 (top) and 2013 (bottom), respectively.

Alter ego band members