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KISS — Gene Simmons, The Manifestation
Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, April 26, 1976
Taken onstage during the Maple Leaf Gardens performance, this image captures Gene Simmons not as a performer, but as a force in motion—employing deliberate shutter drag to transform physical motion into spectral presence. Hand-signed by John Rowlands, strictly limited edition.
The Full Story
The Moment
Employing deliberate shutter drag, John Rowlands allows Simmons' movement to blur across the frame, transforming physical motion into spectral presence. The white greasepaint of the Demon mask streaks through deep, inky blacks, while the metallic glint of Simmons' bass emerges like a weapon from the darkness. The figure appears to phase in and out of visibility—less human than elemental.
The Heritage
Rowlands has long emphasized that his goal was never perfection, but truth of energy. In this image, the blur is not a flaw but the essence of the performance. "With Gene, the spirit was heavy," Rowlands has reflected. This photograph reveals the darker, more dangerous side of KISS—far removed from merchandising or iconography. It documents the moment when Simmons fully inhabited the Demon persona, turning a rock concert into ritual.
Editions & Dimensions
SMALL (16") — Edition 150
Paper Size: 18.66" × 19.33"
Image Area: 16" × 16"
Margins: 1.33" (sides/top), 2" (bottom)
Shipping: 19"L × 5"W × 5"H, 2.0 lbs
MEDIUM (24") — Edition 100
Paper Size: 28" × 29"
Image Area: 24" × 24"
Margins: 2" (sides/top), 3" (bottom)
Shipping: 28"L × 5"W × 5"H, 3.0 lbs
LARGE (33") — Edition 50
Paper Size: 38.5" × 40.13"
Image Area: 33" × 33"
Margins: 2.75" (sides/top), 4.13" (bottom)
Shipping: 37"L × 6"W × 6"H, 4.0 lbs
Provenance & Release
Entirely newly unveiled and never published or exhibited. Printed from the original negative using museum-grade scanning. Hand-signed by John Rowlands, strictly limited and hand-numbered. Museum-grade scanning and archival pigment printing on heavyweight, acid-free fine art paper.Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, April 26, 1976
Taken onstage during the Maple Leaf Gardens performance, this image captures Gene Simmons not as a performer, but as a force in motion—employing deliberate shutter drag to transform physical motion into spectral presence. Hand-signed by John Rowlands, strictly limited edition.
The Full Story
The Moment
Employing deliberate shutter drag, John Rowlands allows Simmons' movement to blur across the frame, transforming physical motion into spectral presence. The white greasepaint of the Demon mask streaks through deep, inky blacks, while the metallic glint of Simmons' bass emerges like a weapon from the darkness. The figure appears to phase in and out of visibility—less human than elemental.
The Heritage
Rowlands has long emphasized that his goal was never perfection, but truth of energy. In this image, the blur is not a flaw but the essence of the performance. "With Gene, the spirit was heavy," Rowlands has reflected. This photograph reveals the darker, more dangerous side of KISS—far removed from merchandising or iconography. It documents the moment when Simmons fully inhabited the Demon persona, turning a rock concert into ritual.
Editions & Dimensions
SMALL (16") — Edition 150
Paper Size: 18.66" × 19.33"
Image Area: 16" × 16"
Margins: 1.33" (sides/top), 2" (bottom)
Shipping: 19"L × 5"W × 5"H, 2.0 lbs
MEDIUM (24") — Edition 100
Paper Size: 28" × 29"
Image Area: 24" × 24"
Margins: 2" (sides/top), 3" (bottom)
Shipping: 28"L × 5"W × 5"H, 3.0 lbs
LARGE (33") — Edition 50
Paper Size: 38.5" × 40.13"
Image Area: 33" × 33"
Margins: 2.75" (sides/top), 4.13" (bottom)
Shipping: 37"L × 6"W × 6"H, 4.0 lbs