Crazy face paint, outrageous antics, and wild, energetic music made KISS an unforgettable band for anybody who loved rock. They ruled the rock charts for most of the seventies, and if you’re a fan of classic rock, you could probably belt out some of their hits (like “I Was Made For Loving You” and “Crazy Nights”) without having to look the lyrics up.
They’ve sold an astounding one hundred million records since they first hit the stage. Their wide mass appeal and fun music are just a few of the things that attracted fans to them.
Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones
Few are luckier when it comes to the consequences of their dangerous habits than Keith Richards. As a founding member of The Rolling Stones, he was one of the rock legends that still inspires young musicians. The band produced unforgettable hits like “(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction” and “Jumpin' Jack Flash,” as well as plenty more.
Richards often said that two writers on a song are better than one, and so he regularly worked with others, most often Steve Jordan. It must have worked since he joined the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1993. But his bad habits came back to bite him.
Keith Richards Today
Not only did Richards struggle through his hardy rocker lifestyle, but a freak accident while in Fiji in 2006 almost took his life. It happened during The Rolling Stones' 2006 European tour, forcing them to reschedule a big number of shows.
Richards suffered a head injury when he climbed a tree to gather coconuts and fell out. At first, it was just a concussion, but it was later found to be far more serious, with him needing life-saving surgery. Thankfully, he made it. As for his relationship with Mick Jagger, he thinks the man is a snob but still loves him dearly.
Gene Simmons Today
KISS joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in December 2013 and shortly after advertised a joint tour with Def Leppard. Gene Simmons, frontman for the band, has also become an entrepreneur, an actor, and a television personality.
He started his own magazine – “Gene Simmons Tongue Magazine” – his own label, Simmons Records, and even an animated series, “My Dad the Rock Star.” Thanks to these ventures, as well as the band, of course, it's estimated that Simmons has a net worth of three hundred million, making him one of the wealthiest rockers in the world.
Corey Taylor of Slipknot
Slipknot had a lot more than just their unique brand of metal music going for them. Their wild costumes, bizarre performances, and unforgettable videos grew a huge fanbase, and despite most record labels considering them unsignable, they became one of the heralds of the evolving music scene.
Behind the masks, however, frontman Corey Taylor was riding the wrong kind of high. He turned to drink to try to get away from the problems plaguing his life. It resulted in low spirits for Taylor. His ex-wife Scarlett helped talk him down both times.