Collecting KISS: The Most Merchandised Band Ever!
I have been a member of the KISS Army for over forty years. I will never forget the first time I heard them. I was fourteen years old and my friend Tim had KISS Alive II which we wore out in his basement bedroom. The big sound and the make-up made them almost like superheros to me. I was also into comic books so this was a match made in heaven.
My very first KISS collectable was this 1976 Bicentennial poster. The four members recreating the famous “Spirit of 76” painting. I don’t know where I got it, but it has hung on on a wall in every home I’ve lived in.
1976 Bicentennial KISS poster. No matter where I lived this poster always found it’s way onto a wall.
Today I have what I would call a “modest” collection of KISS items, a little over two hundred pieces. My friends think it’s huge, but I know that there are people out there with collections that would put mine to shame. What I sacrifice in quantity, I make up for in quality. Some of my pieces are very hard to find. And when you do find them they can be quite expensive.
Here is one those items. 1977 and 1978 were the peak of KISS merchandising. Most of my favorite collectables are from those years. The KISS trash can below is one of those pieces. I don’t know if it’s the material these were made from, but it’s hard to find one that’s not completely rusted through or dented. What is amazing is the story behind this particular collectable. In delivery to our house this trash can fell off the back of a the truck into the parking lot of a strip mall. Busting open the box. What’s incredible is that: 1. It amazingly survived without being dented. 2. The guy who found it actually called my wife to tell her he had found it. Every time I look at it , I can’t help but think about how it made it’s way to me after all that.
Metal KISS Trash Can
Also of note on this piece is one of the pictures of Paul. Take a close look. See something out of whack?
Paul’s star is on the wrong eye.
So what pieces are my very favorites? Check out the videos below. In addition to the original piece I have updated this with a second video that showcases the very latest additions to my collection. KISS collectibles, which ones do you have?
My mid 70’s KISS trash can.
