KISStory – The Band Appeared Without Makeup On MTV
On September 18, 1983, the world saw a different side of KISS. For the first time in nearly a decade, the band that built its empire on face paint, fire, and theatrics appeared on MTV without makeup.
The unmasking came as part of the promotion for their new album Lick It Up. By the early ’80s, KISS had hit a crossroads. Album sales were slipping, critics were questioning their relevance, and even longtime fans wondered if the band’s shock factor had worn thin. Going bare-faced was a gamble—but one they believed necessary to prove that the music, not just the makeup, could still carry them forward.
When Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley sat in the MTV studio alongside new members Eric Carr and Vinnie Vincent, the reveal felt like an event. The network promoted it heavily, turning it into a cultural moment. Millions tuned in to see the band’s faces, some for the first time ever.
I was a senior in High School and it was the only thing we were talking about. It truly was an event!
The move paid off. Lick It Up became their first gold record in years, powered by the buzz of the unmasking and the strength of its title track. The band toured extensively, reinvigorated by the fresh attention.
Rolling Stone later called the unmasking “one of the great stunts in rock history.” For KISS, it marked both the end of an era and the start of a new chapter—proof that even without the makeup, they could still command the spotlight.
