KISS – KISSTORY VOLUME SIX 1980: VOLUME 1

Description

The hugely popular KISS treasure video series “KISSTORY” is now releasing its sixth installment, the “UNMASKED” era edition!

　This series is what you might call the hidden history of KISS. It’s a compilation of rare footage, including unknown TV appearances, forgotten commercials, rare interviews, and film footage, all compiled by the best masters. Up until now, five films have archived the golden ’70s, but this one finally moves into the ’80s. It’s a must-see, even more valuable. Before we get into the intriguing details, let’s first take a look at the collection so far, for those who are discovering the series for the first time.

VOLUME ONE: 1974-1976 (until the Destroyer era)
VOLUME TWO: 1976 (until the Rock and Roll Over era)
VOLUME THREE: 1977/1978 (until the solo era)
VOLUME FOUR: 1979 (Dynasty era part 1)
VOLUME FIVE: 1979 (Dynasty era part 2)
*VOLUME SIX: 1980 (Unmasked era) ←★This album★

●DISC 1: Chapter 1-2 “TV Programs Just Before Peter Criss’ Departure (2 Types)”
　The “UNMASKED” era was the time when the original lineup collapsed with the departure of Peter Criss. However, Criss’ departure had not been publicly announced since the early 1980s. The opening of this work features two TV programs just before Criss’ departure.

　The first is “The Lynda Carter Show” from January 12, 1980. This show, starring Lynda Carter, also known for her role as Wonder Woman, kicked off 1980 with a tribute to KISS. Surrounded by dancers wearing KISS makeup, Linda sings “I Was Made For Lovin’ You,” and the costume design was later used by Gene Simmons for her role as Velvet von Ragnar in the 1985 film, Never Too Young to Die.

　The second is the Australian program “60 Minutes” broadcast in April 1980. It features a unique interview with Ace and Gene that took place in New York, and both broadcasts are included.

●DISC 1: Chapter 3-6 “TV footage accompanying ‘UNMASKED’ (4 types)”
　Then, on May 18, 1980, Peter Criss left the band. Here, you can see TV footage from immediately after that. First, West Germany’s “UFO Magazine” broadcast on May 22nd. Paul and Gene are interviewed in a moving car, interspersed with footage from the DYNASTY tour.

　The remaining three are promotional videos related to “UNMASKED,” including TV commercials accompanying the album’s release and edited versions and outtakes of the “Shandi” clip.

■DISC 1: Chapter 7-9 “Warm-up Palladium Performance (3 Versions)”
　KISS welcomed Eric Carr and embarked on the “UNMASKED Tour.” It was an unusual tour in KISS’s history, consisting only of Europe and Oceania, but the warm-up performance took place at The Palladium in New York City. Here you can see three versions of the footage filmed on the day of the Palladium performance, July 25th.

　First up is Eric Carr! This 16mm master reel was shot the afternoon before the concert, featuring Eric in his silent, full-length Fox makeup. This was filmed as a replacement for the footage of Peter Criss from the DYNASTY tour.

　The second is the New York evening news reporting Eric Carr’s debut concert, and the third is the final version of the promotional film featuring footage of Eric Carr shot at the Palladium (with audio).

■DISC 1: Chapters 10-11 “TV Programs Just Before the Trip to Europe (Two Types)”
　The final section of DISC 1 features two types of footage filmed on July 27th, two days after the Palladium performance. The first is the TV show “KIDS ARE PEOPLE TOO.” This was Eric’s first television appearance, and initially only Ace, Gene, and Paul appeared. Finally, new member Eric is introduced. This historic program marked Eric’s debut across the US.

　Finally, there was the “KISS COUNTDOWN SPECIAL” that was broadcast in Australia on the same day. It was a spectacular 34-minute TV special in which Eric was introduced to Australian fans from under the Statue of Liberty. It was a legendary show that featured a drunk Ace who was laughing his head off.
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■DISC 2: Chapter 1-3 “Footage from the early stages of the ‘UNMASKED Tour’ (3 types)”
　The ‘UNMASKED Tour’ has finally begun in earnest. This is the first European tour since the ‘DESTROYER Tour’, and in response to the enthusiasm, a special corner was also set up on the TV program. The first is a report on the second performance, “Genoa Performance on August 31st,” and in addition to live pro shots, interviews with fans and promoters also appear.

　The second video is also a TV appearance, a promotional video filmed for “Picadilly TV” on September 4th, when they went to the UK.

　The third is a precious 8mm film taken at the “September 5th Stafford Performance” and digitized from a reel master with sound.

Disc 2: Chapter 4: “The Unmasked Peter Criss (Various Versions)”
　features an interview with Peter Criss, who left KISS after leaving the band and taking time off from the tour. The interview was filmed during a guest appearance on the TV show “Tomorrow Show” aired on October 22nd, in which Peter, without makeup, discusses his departure from KISS.

■DISC 2: Chapter 5-7 “TV broadcasts from the middle of the ‘UNMASKED Tour’ (3 types)”
　Returning to the “UNMASKED Tour”, five types of TV footage are featured. The first is the Dutch program “Veronica’s Countdown”, which reports on the “October 5th Leiden performance (24th performance)”. In addition to an interview with all four members, you can also see live pro shots.

　The second is the West German specialty program “Rock Pop,” filmed on “September 1st.” This is a superb leaked master with a vivid time code, and you can enjoy two precious songs, “Talk To Me” and “She’s So European.” Paul plays his own Star Model guitar.

　The third is “OKAY TV MUNICH OLYMPIAHALLE” which reports on the “September 18th Munich Performance”. This is also a time-coded outflow master, so you can enjoy the ultimate live pro shot.

■DISC 2: Chapter 8 “TV Broadcast Using the Lost KISS Film (Various Versions)”
　While the 1978 KISS film “KISS MEETS THE PHANTOM OF THE PARK” is well-known, a second film was also planned for 1980. While the project was canceled, a script featuring a KISS fan couple chasing the band remained. The West German program “Schüler Express” used footage that would have otherwise been shelved. Including professional shots from the “September 30th Cologne Concert,” the footage truly captures the feel of “KISS MEETS THE PHANTOM OF THE PARK.” This release digitizes directly from the time-coded TV master. Enjoy the approximately 30-minute mini-movie.

■DISC 2: Chapters 9-11 “Further Rare TV Footage (3 Types)”
　The final section features three diverse TV broadcasts that are a little different from live performances. The first is the Swedish TV program “Bällnge Byfest,” filmed on October 8th. KISS are interviewed during breakfast, and even though there is no live performance that day, they are wearing full makeup. They are truly professionals.

　The second is “OKAY TV,” which reports on the “Rennbahn Express Awards” ceremony. The ceremony took place on May 31, 1981, and Jean and Eric appear in their “Unmasked” costumes and with hairstyles from their days as Elder.

　The final video in this release is “Eugene” by Crazy Joe & the Variable Speed ​​Band, featuring Ace. Ace wrote two songs for his friend Crazy Joe, “Buzz Me” and “Eugene” (apparently he wrote them about Gene Simmons), and he also appears in the clip for the latter. Enjoy this rare clip, rarely aired, in the highest quality.

　This collection of 22 treasured videos spans three hours and 20 minutes. This two-disc set brings together incredibly rare footage from the “UNMASKED” era, a unique moment in KISS history. This is the ultimate collection possible in 2026, with all the latest master recordings provided by researchers. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the history of KISS, which became even more diverse with the arrival of Eric Carr.

The sixth installment in the “KISSTORY” video collection series. This two-disc set compiles approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes of rare footage from the “UNMASKED” era, a hidden gem in KISS history. All of the footage is from the highest-quality, updated masters provided by researchers, showcasing the band’s 1980 debut with Eric Carr in makeup by The Fox. This is the definitive edition that will transform your collection shelf into a repository of the “golden age of KISS.”

Disc 1　　1:43:18
1. Lynda Carter Show 12th January 1980
2. 60 Minutes Australia April 1980 (Super Kiss)
3. UFO Magazine Germany 22nd May 1980
4. Unmasked TV Commercial
5. Shandi Video Alternate Edit
6. Shandi Raw Footage And Outtakes(with time counter)
7. Palladium, New York 25th July 1980 Eric Carr 16mm Pro Reel(Silent)
8. Palladium News Reel
9. Dynasty/Unmasked Tour Promo Film
10. Kids Are People Too 7-27-1980 TV Reveal and introduction of Eric Carr
11. Kiss Countdown Special Australia 7/27 1980

PRO-SHOT COLOUR NTSC Approx.103min.

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Disc 2(96:51)
1. Kiss Genoa Italy PRO TV 31st August 1980
2. London PRO TV Interviews 4th September 1980
3. Stafford Bingley Hall 5th September 1980 8mm Reel
4. Tomorrow Show PeterInterview with Tom Snyder 22nd October 1980
5. Veronica’s Countdown Holland October 1980 report Leiden concert
6. RockPop Germany 13th September 1980
7. OKAY TV MUNICH SPORTHALLE 18th September 1980
8. Schuler Express Koln, Sporthalle 30th September 1980
9. OKAY TV Rennbahn Express Awards 1980 31st May 1981
10. Ballnge Byfest Stockholm Sweden 8th October 1980
11. Crazy Joe & The Variable Speed Band – Eugene video featuring and written by Ace Frehley

PRO-SHOT COLOUR NTSC Approx.97min.

PRO-SHOT COLOUR NTSC Approx. 200 min. total

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