KISS Begins Four Nights of Live Recording for Alive II
On August 25, 1977, KISS kicked off a series of four concerts at the Los Angeles Forum that would form the backbone of their iconic live album KISS Alive II. Following the success of their first live album, Alive! (1975), the band sought to capture the energy and spectacle of their stage shows during the height of their fame.
The performances featured the classic lineup of Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss—complete with the pyrotechnics, elaborate costumes, and theatrical flair that had become KISS trademarks. The resulting album, released later that year, was a mix of live tracks from the Rock and Roll Over and Love Gun tours along with several new studio recordings.
Adding to the significance of the day, August 25 is also the birthday of bassist and co-lead vocalist Gene Simmons, born in 1949. Known as “The Demon,” Simmons helped define KISS’s brand of larger-than-life rock theatrics. His menacing stage persona, fire-breathing stunts, and business acumen have made him one of rock’s most recognizable—and controversial—figures.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer Make Their Live Debut
On this day in 1970, progressive rock supergroup Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP) made their live debut at Plymouth Guildhall in Plymouth, England. Comprised of keyboardist Keith Emerson (formerly of The Nice), vocalist/bassist/guitarist Greg Lake (ex-King Crimson), and drummer/percussionist Carl Palmer (of Atomic Rooster), ELP brought virtuosity, experimentation, and scale to rock music in a way few bands had attempted before.
Just four days after their debut, ELP took the stage at the Isle of Wight Festival, playing to a crowd of over 500,000 people. Their set—which included the dramatic use of cannons—helped cement their reputation for theatrical, technically demanding performances. The band’s blend of classical influences, jazz improvisation, and rock energy would go on to define much of the progressive rock movement of the 1970s.
Their self-titled debut album, released later in 1970, introduced the world to tracks like “Take a Pebble” and “Lucky Man,” and set the stage for an illustrious career filled with elaborate concept albums and massive world tours.
Plant and Page Reunite for “Unledded”
On August 25, 1994, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page reunited in a London studio to record what would become their acclaimed MTV Unplugged special, Unledded. This marked the first time in over a decade that the Led Zeppelin frontman and guitarist had worked together extensively.
The sessions blended acoustic reinterpretations of Led Zeppelin classics with new compositions inspired by their travels, particularly in Morocco and Wales. Plant and Page also brought in a variety of guest musicians, including a Moroccan orchestra, to expand the sonic palette. Songs like “Kashmir” were reimagined with rich, world music textures, while tracks such as “No Quarter” and “Gallows Pole” were given fresh arrangements that honored their roots while pushing into new territory.
The special aired in October 1994 and was later released as the album No Quarter: Jimmy Page and Robert Plant Unledded. It not only rekindled public interest in their musical partnership but also introduced Zeppelin’s music to a new generation of fans.
