by Paul Stanley
First published 2014
Paul Stanley opens his story in the 1950s and 60s, where a young boy born with microtia faces the world partially deaf with only one ear. This physical challenge becomes the driving force behind his unlikely path to music stardom. Stanley chronicles his journey from struggling child to co-founding KISS, one of rock's most theatrical bands. He documents the creation of his "Starchild" persona and the famous anthems that defined a generation. The memoir exposes the internal battles within the band, revealing decades of conflicts, betrayals, and shifting dynamics among bandmates. Stanley examines his personal relationships alongside the professional turmoil that marked KISS's rise to international success. He describes the contrast between the spectacular stage performances with pyrotechnics and makeup, and the raw reality behind the scenes. The book includes previously unseen photographs spanning his career. Stanley reflects on how his early trauma shaped his drive for success and his complex relationships with fame, bandmates, and himself over four decades in the spotlight.
Genres: biography, autobiography, music
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: overcoming-adversity, rags-to-riches
Period: 1950s, 1960s
462 pages · Hardcover · HarperOne