Answer:
Paul Stanley (Stanley Eisen) and Gene Simmons (Chaim Witz) played on the streets of NYC together and formed a band named Wicked Lester. Wanting to go further, they posted ads for drummers and lead guitarists. Peter Criss and Ace (Paul) Freheley seemed to fit their bizarre, rock hard, persona the best and the four formed the most well known version of the rock band Kiss. They started experimenting with make up and pyromania early in their shows. It took a few years to gain popularity with their live shows doing far better than their record sales. After the release of a live album, the band took off in that arena as well.