Nothin' to Lose: The Making of KISS (1972-1975) Kindle Edition

THE PROS.Ken Sharp's approach to writing this book was to let the people speak for themselves. It's almost entirely quotes directly from the band and all the other people involved. You'll read not just what Kiss says about themselves but also a lot of comments from their roadies, the record label, and other bands at the time. There isn't much "dirt" but there is a lot of honesty in these pages. And it's a very smooth read. The pages turn quickly, so to speak. Plus, it comes with tons of images, not just of the band but of actual records from that time--even Gene's hand written notes about their tours.One aspect I want to mention is that this book really makes clear just how important Neil Bogart (head of Casablanca) was for Kiss's success. Bogart put everything he had into Kiss and if the 1975 Alive! album hadn't been a breakthrough hit the band would likely have collapsed (and Casablanca with it). Also, the leadership of band manager Bill Aucoin was central to Kiss as well. Kiss only knew they wanted a theatrical show, it took Aucoin's television background and Bogart's music industry savvy to make Kiss a commercial success. And readers will see just how far the label and the band went to win over fans despite great hostility from the press.I've read just about every Kiss book that's been published. There is definitely a lot of material in this book that is not in the other books.THE CONS.Not much the be negative about. There is no definitive history written about Kiss yet, and this isn't a definitive telling either (I'm not sure such a book is even possible). So I very much want author Ken Sharp to do a follow up to this book with another that covers the next three years of the band when they became the biggest act in America.

I'm only about half-way through this book but I am enjoying it immensely.Fans who've read everything else will STILL find lots of cool tidbits throughout this well-organized retelling of their early years. Even the familiar stories are fleshed out with all sorts of little details that really bring you back to those early days and make you feel like you are there.I put it right up there with Chris Lendt's "Kiss and Sell" (which picks up just where this book leaves off), "Kiss: Behind the Mask," and the Paul Stanley autobiography.Highly recommended. (I didn't give it five stars only because I didn't want casual readers to assume I was the sort of fan who just puts 5 stars on everything, but actually it's good enough to get them all.)

Most people buying this book will already be card carrying members of the KISS Army, and there is enough fresh content in here around the formative years that will satisfy them. What I didn't expect was how important a part the whole push behind KISS was, to get them airplay on the radio, or gigs in high school halls. It was a lot of hard work, and money invested, to get the band to where they cracked it, and no shortage of faith was provided by Bill Aucoin and Neil Bogart in particular. I also appreciated that this book wasn't all kiss arse to the band, with people giving their honest opinions so we get a more balanced view. And this manages to enhance the guys in the band in my eyes, and they were all (at this exciting stage at least), four decent but different guys living their dream, doing it tough but paying their dues. Even with their talent KISS almost didn't make it, so it just goes to show how hard it is if you want to make a living from rock and roll.

If you are a Kiss fan or not, this is a great read for anyone who wants to know what type of personality it takes to make it in the music business or any other business for that matter. The fact that Ace, Peter, Gene and Paul were able to stick it out like they did in the beginning with little to no resources says a lot about them. The traveling alone would have had others falling by the wayside early on. Ken Sharp's interview format was very appealing to me as it informs the reader who said what and when. These quotes come from the people who were there. And how did he find all these people anyway? Amazing. Great insight on the attitude of some headliners toward the opening acts and how Kiss was different when they started headlining.

Sharp has become an invaluable resource for KISS fans, and should probably hold a ph.d. in KISS. This is an excellent companion to his and Leaf's 'Behind the Mask', a thorough examination of the early phase of KISS' career, an oral history told by every person you could possibly imagine that had a big, small or completely obscure part in, or observation of, the events that created KISS.From the breaking up of Wicked Lester and the founding of KISS in 1972, to the major breakthrough that was 'KISS Alive!' in late 1975, and every single beat in-between, this is the definitive story. One can only hope that Sharp will compile a companion piece that discusses the even more dramatic period of 1976 through 1978, because this read is addictive.

Told through a mix of multiple interviews criss crossing years, but mostly chronological, this book was difficult to read at time. It was, however, truly fascinating to read to story of how KISS got started. To see all the behind-the-scenes goings on of the management and road crew was terrific. It was also neat to see so many photos from their early days. All in all, it was a difficult, but rewarding read for any KISS fan.

While some of the stories / accounts are somewhat repetitive, gives the reader a very in-depth look at what it took to achieve the band's success. I'm a big fan of how to further to achieve success in anything that I want to do or become. This book points to the faith, belief and sheer imagination taken to go the distance for the goal of whatever dreams you may have. While most bands say their success seemed overnight, and KISS' s was...to a certain degree, this story covers the rollercoaster effect in great detail.

... You got the best- book about the early days,yes its been covered before in other books , but not in this detail,this is just a fantastic read and in the words of Joe Perry,you cant put it down.Essentially a series of anecdotes and recollections from the early days thru to the momentus success of 'KISS - ALIVE', from people that were there,not just the band,(who's opinions are often skewed to their individual/biased way of thinking).So its great to have a different perspective.It a beautiful book,right from the embossed dust jacket,with a typical classic Kiss live pose,thankfully all 4 members featured and not just Gene & Paul,to the last page,it will keep you interested.Ken Sharp has done a great job,written in the same style as his previous book,'Behind The Mask',the only thing that might have been included would have been dates when the quotes were taken from,giving the reader an idea wether it was an off the cuff remark from the time period 72-75,or a soundbite from later years where views may have hardened,particularly with reference to the band members.There are some fabulous quotes from various bands such as THE STOOGES/NEW YORK DOLLS/BOB SEGER/SLADE/STATUS QUO/BLUE OYSTER CULT/JOURNEY/TED NUGENT/AEROSMITH/RUSH & URIAH HEEP to name but a few.Also oncluded are some great photo's,mainly black and white but there are a couple of colour inserts,particularly loved the photo's from Bell Sound Studios,recording the 1'st album,i'd never ever seen those,excellent stuff.If your not sure wether to buy,all i can say,as someone who has 20 odd kiss books already,i dont regret for one minute buying this,its a great addition to the collection.Here's to the next one,can i suggest 'Kiss 1976-1979 - Everything to lose,nothing to gain' as the title.

If you are a long time Kiss fan then much of this you will already know....it is quite repetitive and no doubt most bands travelled far in less than comfortable conditions to play many small gigs in the quest to make the big time. I enjoyed the parts about album recordings more than the road trips stories. Some excellent photos makes this book worth owning...I'm holding on for Paul Stanley's autobiography now, expecting that to be a little more exciting and relevant to the 21st Century. Or a similar book about the albums/tours up to and including Unmasked...that would be a little more varied.

Superb insight into the greatest rock band of all time, as a Kiss fan since the Seventies and a reader of numerous books on them, I have to say this is far the best. I thought I knew nearly everthing about the band but reading this just proved I didn't, all told by first hand experience from the band, family members, club owners, other band members and fans who were there from the start, this book tells the trials and tribulations and perseverance of a band who would go on conquer the planet, but in the beginning........... This book is a must not just for any Kiss fan but for every rock fan.

Even if you're not a KISS fan, this book is a great read of the heady times of early 70's Rock. Written in the same quotation style as the brilliant New York punk era history "Please Kill Me", the book offers insight by the band, roadies, managers, relatives, groupies & concert attendees. Other bands who played with KISS are also quoted including members of The Stooges, New York Dolls, Aerosmith, RUSH & other less well known but important contempories of the band. Management figures including Bill Aucoin, Neil Bogart & others offer great insight into the difficult financial times the band endured before finally cracking the big time. The book is filled with lots of photos featuring candid moments of the band & early shots, many never seen before. I consider this the best book written on KISS & a great companion piece to KIssology vol 1. I hope they follow up with 1976-1980 book when KISS were at their peak.

this is everything you wanted to know and more transporting you back to the wonderfull 70s and how kiss became kiss this is a very honest warts n all look back to those early days of determination and triumph. lots of amazing pics with and without make up. kiss fans you need this book!!