"(I Wanna) Rock & Roll All Nite” Handwritten Lyrics by Gene Simmons of KISS

These handwritten lyrics for “Rock and Roll All Nite” were created by KISS bassist Gene Simmons. “Rock and Roll All Nite” was first included on the group’s third album Dressed to Kill in 1975. The song’s release was only a moderate success, but the song was included on the following album Alive! and issued as single that reached No. 12 on the US pop charts. Anchored by the infectious, repetitive chorus, “I wanna rock and roll all nite and party every day,” the song has become a favorite rock anthem for many KISS fans. The page also includes handwritten lines “Burning up with Fever,” another KISS song and “Once Over Easy.” 

Famous for the members’ extraordinary face paint and stage costumes, each band member selected a stage character, reflected in their adornment choices. Simmon’s persona, Demon, included wing-like eye makeup and was influenced by the comic book character Black Bolt.  

Formed in New York City in 1973, KISS was founded by Paul Stanley (vocals and guitar), Gene Simmons (vocals and bass), Ace Frehley (vocals and lead guitar), and Peter Criss (vocals and drums).  Alongside the memorable stage costumes, KISS was known for their live performances, often including grand pyrotechnics, blood-spitting and fire breathing. Ten years after their formation, the band started performing without make-up and their signature costumes, starting the band’s “unmasked era” that lasted over a decade. The band would have different members over the years, with Stanley and Simmons as the only consistent members. KISS has sold more than 75 million records worldwide.