Kiss to Release Expanded Box Set of ‘Dressed to Kill’
Iconic rock band Kiss is set to commemorate the 48th anniversary of their third studio album, Dressed to Kill, with an expanded box set edition scheduled for release on October 24, 2023. This collector’s dream will feature a plethora of unreleased material, live recordings, and exclusive content that promises to excite both die-hard fans and newcomers alike.
What’s Included in the Box Set?
The six-CD collection will present a treasure trove of material, including:
- A disc featuring two previously unreleased songs: “Mistake” and an early version of “Burning Up With Fever.”
- Demos and outtakes from the original recording sessions.
- Two complete concerts from the Dressed to Kill tour, recorded live at Detroit’s Cobo Arena on May 16, 1975, and at the RKO Orpheum Theatre in Davenport, Iowa, on July 20, 1975.
Notably, these live recordings will not feature the overdubs that were characteristic of the previous Alive! album, which was recorded just six months after Dressed to Kill. This authenticity is expected to provide a more genuine listening experience.
A Look Back at ‘Dressed to Kill’
Released in March 1975, Dressed to Kill was pivotal in establishing Kiss as a force in the rock world. The album includes the band’s signature anthem, “Rock and Roll All Nite,” alongside fan favorites like “She” and “C’mon and Love Me.” Despite their theatrical stage presence and growing fan base, the band struggled commercially with their first two albums, leading to Casablanca president Neil Bogart producing Dressed to Kill himself.
Interestingly, the band had to borrow suits and ties for the album’s now-iconic cover photo, which was shot on a New York City street corner. Recorded in just ten days, the album runs slightly over 30 minutes and features extended pauses between tracks to meet the time requirements.
Songwriting Under Pressure
Faced with pressure to produce a defining anthem, Paul Stanley crafted the catchy chorus for “Rock and Roll All Nite,” with Gene Simmons contributing a section from a separate song he had written. This collaboration ultimately satisfied the label’s expectations and solidified the song’s status as a classic.
Track Listing for the Super Deluxe Box Set
Disc 1: Original Album Remastered
- “Room Service”
- “Two Timer”
- “Ladies in Waiting”
- “Getaway”
- “Rock Bottom”
- “C’mon and Love Me”
- “Anything for My Baby”
- “She”
- “Love Her All I Can”
- “Rock
