Captured backstage and at the stage edge, this photograph documents Gene Simmons parading newly awarded gold records before ecstatic fans, freezing the instant KISS crossed from cult phenomenon into superstardom. Hand-signed by John Rowlands, strictly limited edition.
The Full Story
The Moment
Gene Simmons is shown, still in full Demon regalia, holding the gleaming disc aloft like a trophy, while fans press forward in shared celebration. Taken just four days after Destroyer was officially certified Gold, this image captures the literal birth of the KISS Army as a participatory force. Rowlands' frame collapses the distance between band and audience.
The Heritage
The April 26, 1976 Toronto performance was a defining stop on the first leg of the Destroyer tour. Toronto was one of the earliest cities to fully embrace KISS, pushing "Shout It Out Loud" to number one locally and cementing the band's status as arena headliners. Rowlands has described this moment as Simmons "staking his claim" on the city—an unmistakable gesture of conquest and gratitude.
Provenance & Release Never published, exhibited, or released in any form until now. Hand-signed by John Rowlands, strictly limited and hand-numbered. Museum-grade scanning and archival pigment printing on heavyweight, acid-free fine art paper.
Size:
Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, April 26, 1976
Captured backstage and at the stage edge, this photograph documents Gene Simmons parading newly awarded gold records before ecstatic fans, freezing the instant KISS crossed from cult phenomenon into superstardom. Hand-signed by John Rowlands, strictly limited edition.
The Full Story
The Moment
Gene Simmons is shown, still in full Demon regalia, holding the gleaming disc aloft like a trophy, while fans press forward in shared celebration. Taken just four days after Destroyer was officially certified Gold, this image captures the literal birth of the KISS Army as a participatory force. Rowlands' frame collapses the distance between band and audience.
The Heritage
The April 26, 1976 Toronto performance was a defining stop on the first leg of the Destroyer tour. Toronto was one of the earliest cities to fully embrace KISS, pushing "Shout It Out Loud" to number one locally and cementing the band's status as arena headliners. Rowlands has described this moment as Simmons "staking his claim" on the city—an unmistakable gesture of conquest and gratitude.
Provenance & Release Never published, exhibited, or released in any form until now. Hand-signed by John Rowlands, strictly limited and hand-numbered. Museum-grade scanning and archival pigment printing on heavyweight, acid-free fine art paper.
Image 1 of 1