Kiss Celebrates 50 Years of ‘Alive!’ with Exclusive Box Set
Kiss is set to honor the 50th anniversary of their iconic 1975 double live album, Alive!, by releasing an extensive box set featuring a staggering 88 previously unreleased live tracks. This monumental collection is available for pre-order now, with an expected shipping date of November 21. Fans can secure their copies exclusively through the band’s official website, with two format options: 4CD + Blu-ray and 8LP + Blu-ray. In addition to the music, a variety of new merchandise themed around Alive! will also be offered.
What’s Inside the Box Set?
The box set is packed with rich content, including two full concerts from the band’s tour in 1975. The first concert was held on July 20 at the RKO Orpheum Theatre in Davenport, Iowa, while the second took place on July 23 in Wildwood, New Jersey. Additionally, the collection features five tracks recorded during an afternoon rehearsal in Davenport and six tracks from a show in Cleveland on June 21. All audio has been expertly remixed by Eddie Kramer from the original multi-tracks, ensuring an enhanced listening experience for fans.
Recent Releases
This announcement comes only weeks after Kiss released a different box set dedicated to their 1975 studio album, Dressed to Kill. That set includes two full concerts from the corresponding tour, featuring performances from Detroit’s Cobo Arena and Davenport’s RKO Orpheum Theatre, further showcasing the band’s rich live performance history.
The Impact of Alive!
Alive! was released on September 10, 1975, and played a pivotal role in transforming Kiss’s status in the music industry. Prior to its release, the band struggled to connect with audiences, as their first three studio albums failed to achieve significant sales. However, the live album became a phenomenal success, propelling Kiss to headliner status and leading to a string of platinum studio albums and sold-out tours.
Producer Eddie Kramer has openly discussed the album’s production process, revealing that it was significantly enhanced in the studio. “We had to create that album from the live shows with overdubbed guitar,” Kramer explained, emphasizing the challenges faced during live performances and the need for correction in the studio.
Track List Highlights
CD One: Remastered Alive!
- Deuce
- Strutter
- Got To Choose
- Hotter Than Hell
- Firehouse
- Nothin’ To Lose
- C’mon And Love Me
- Parasite
- She
- Watchin’ You
- 100,000 Years
- Black Diamond
- Rock Bottom
- Cold Gin
- Rock And Roll All Nite
- Let Me Go, Rock ‘N Roll
CD Two: Live in Davenport, Iowa (July 20, 1975)
- Deuce
- Strutter
- Got To Choose
- Hotter Than Hell
- Firehouse
- She
- Ace Frehley Guitar Solo
- Nothin’ To Lose
- C’mon And Love Me
- 100,000 Years
- Peter Criss Drum Solo / 100,000 Years
- Black Diamond
- Cold Gin
- Let Me Go, Rock ‘N Roll
CD Three: Live in Wildwood, New Jersey (July 23, 1975)
- Deuce
- Strutter
- Got To Choose
- Hotter Than Hell
- Firehouse
- She
- Ace Frehley Guitar Solo
- Nothin’ To Lose
- C’mon And Love Me
- 100,000 Years
- Peter Criss Drum Solo / 100,000 Years
- Parasite
- Black Diamond
- Cold Gin
- Let Me Go, Rock ‘N Roll
CD Four: Bonus Live Tracks
- KISS Jam
- Room Service
- Strange Ways
- Rock Bottom
- Watchin’ You
- She
- Ace Frehley Guitar Solo
- Nothin’ To Lose
- C’mon And Love Me
- 100,000 Years
- Peter Criss Drum Solo / 100,000 Years
Conclusion
The 50th anniversary box set of Alive! not only serves as a celebration of Kiss’s legacy but also provides fans with a treasure trove of previously unheard material that captures the raw energy of the band’s live performances. With its impressive lineup of tracks and enhanced audio quality, this collection is a must-have for any Kiss enthusiast and a testament to the band’s enduring impact on rock music.
FAQs
When will the Kiss Alive! box set be available for shipping?
The box set is expected to ship on November 21, 2023.
Where can I pre-order the box set?
You can pre-order the box set exclusively from the official Kiss website.
What formats are available for the box set?
The collection is available in both 4CD + Blu-ray and 8LP + Blu-ray formats.
What kind of merchandise will be available alongside the box set?
A variety of new Alive!-themed merchandise will be offered, but specific items have yet to be detailed.
Will the audio be remixed for this box set?
Yes, all audio tracks have been newly remixed by Eddie Kramer from the original multi-tracks.
