When you hear the word “kiss,” what comes to mind? A sweet peck on the cheek? An impassioned impression on the lips? Fearless rockers in black and white makeup?
If you went with the third option, then author Martin Popoff’s latest book is for you. On February 24, 2026, Popoff will release KISS ’76: Twelve Months That Defined the Hottest Band in the Land via Motorbooks, an imprint of The Quarto Group. Maybe you were around in ‘76, when KISS shook the rock and roll world. Maybe you developed a love for the rock band way after this time. In any case, “This is the story of 1976 by someone with way too much Kiss on the brain,” as Popoff mentions in the prologue.
In 1976, only three years into their career, KISS achieved new levels of fame. They released two studio albums, Destroyer and Rock and Roll Over; took on a rigorous tour schedule consisting of over 100 performances across North America and Europe; and were enmeshed with the United States Bicentennial. Here, Popoff captures a month-by-month timeline of this explosive year for KISS, tracking the band’s rise from cult favorite to global phenomenon.
Popoff delivers his fan-first voice through a professional and well-informed tone across the book’s 176 pages. Readers follow KISS as they tour, record, and experience one of the biggest years of their lives. Included are exclusive interviews with late KISS guitarist and founder Ace Frehley, producer Bob Ezrin, producer and songwriter Kim Fowley, and more. There is also recording-session and song-by-song breakdowns for Destroyer and Rock and Roll Over, sleeve-art commentary, personnel and track-listing panels, full tour listings, and vivid on and off-stage photographs.
Overall, KISS ’76: Twelve Months That Defined the Hottest Band in the Land is more than just an immersive book about KISS—it’s a well-structured time capsule full of exclusive details, memories, and music.
Martin Popoff has written over 100 books on hard rock, heavy metal, classic rock, and the art of record collecting. His enthusiasm and respect for these genres can be felt through titles like Van Halen: A Visual Biography; Led Zeppelin: All the Albums, All the Songs; and Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers: The Rise of Motörhead. Additionally, Popoff has worked on award-winning documentaries such as Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage and ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band from Texas. If you’re not too familiar with these projects, you might have seen his words in many record label band bios and liner notes. Popoff has also appeared in Revolver, Guitar World, and Record Collector.
Pre-order KISS ’76: Twelve Months That Defined the Hottest Band in the Land, out February 24, here.
You can also check out Popoff’s 2023 book, KISS at 50, here.
