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Paul Stanley Reveals His True Face: KISS Legend Stuns Fans Without Makeup!

BBG News

On a surprising Thursday, Paul Stanley, the well-known KISS band leader recognized by his dramatic makeup, appeared without it in Los Angeles, leaving fans who are used to his iconic appearance quite astonished.

73-year-old rock icon, one half of the pioneering band’s co-founders from the ’70s alongside Gene Simmons, was seen casually dressed in a jacket and jeans, accompanied by his 16-year-old daughter, Sarah Brianna Stanley.

The pair of father and daughter stepped out from Beverly Glen Deli, and Stanley radiated an air of timeless coolness, a characteristic that’s become synonymous with his enduring career in music.

Stanley, who tied the knot with Erin Sutton in 2005, co-parents Sarah alongside his spouse, as well as their two younger offspring, Emily (age 13) and Colin (age 18).

He is also father to Evan Stanley, 30, from his previous marriage to actress Pamela Bowen.

Despite missing the bold black-and-white facial makeup, Stanley retained every bit of his rock icon status, his renowned long hair and playful sparkle in his eye instantly recognizable.

Or, more informally:

Without the dramatic face paint, Stanley was still unmistakably a rock legend, with his famous long hair and twinkle in his eye easily noticed.

In the 1970s, when KISS emerged, they weren’t simply another rock band; instead, they were an extraordinary spectacle.

In a distinctive manner, their theatrically flamboyant costumes and exaggerated personalities made them stand out among the contemporary glam and hard rock bands of that time.

In the same period when we were coming together in New York, there was a thriving glamour scene, characterized by males adopting female roles and applying cosmetics, as Simmons shared in an interview with Porkchops & Applesauce in 1996, as reported by Far Out.

It’s clear that we resembled more a team of towering giants on the field, as everyone stood well above six feet. However, our portrayal fell short of being authentic.

Rather than adhering to popular trends, KISS forged their unique path by using face paint to craft captivating, alien-like personas.

Or, more casually:
Instead of keeping up with the glam look, KISS decided to be different and used face paint to create intriguing, out-of-this-world alter egos.

In a unique transformation, Simmons morphed into The Demon, Stanley changed into Starchild, Ace Frehley assumed the character of Spaceman, and Peter Criss became Catman.

The formula proved incredibly effective: Spanning four decades with an impressive 44 studio albums, KISS broke countless records, reaching sales of more than 100 million copies globally and indelibly inscribing their mark on the annals of rock music.

2014 marked a significant, recognized achievement in their lasting impact when they were inducted into the prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

But their signature style wasn’t always polished.

Initially, when our band first came together, the first photos we took made us appear as if we were drag queens, a fact which Simmons conceded. However, we had a clear intention of being flamboyant and out-of-the-ordinary from the start.

As a devoted enthusiast, I can tell you that stepping onto the stage felt akin to entering a sacred space, similar to a house of worship. Thus, appearing unkempt on that hallowed ground was far from showing reverence for me.

In that location, the use of makeup and formal attire was appropriate. It could have undoubtedly been less complex to simply appear onstage in casual clothes like jeans and t-shirts and say, “Here we are – we’re the Ramones!” However, choosing a more elaborate presentation was truthful and authentic for us.

The band’s signature looks weren’t meticulously planned—they were born from instinct.

According to Simmons, he found himself sketching spontaneously in an urban loft in New York City. He would glance into the mirror and let his thoughts flow onto paper without any external influence. The artwork that resulted was a direct reflection of this unfiltered process.

In 1983, KISS shocked the world when they revealed their identities during an MTV interview, breaking away from their trademark masks that had defined them.

Stanley commented that he didn’t find it particularly unusual since he had spent more time around these individuals without makeup on than with it on.

Later on, Simmons confessed through Yahoo that everyone disliked it. However, as it turned out, people didn’t wish for the paint to chip, but unfortunately, they had no choice – it was necessary.

On February 28, 1996, it was their grand comeback, adorned in makeup and costumes once more, as the original four members unexpectedly took the stage at the Grammys, a sight not seen in 17 years since they last dressed up for a performance.

Although there have been many years of discussions over who initially proposed the concept of makeup, Simmons recently shared insights into the group’s development during an interview on Steve-O’s Wild Ride! podcast in June 2024.

In simpler terms, ‘Simmons stated that no member of KISS has ever claimed credit for the idea of wearing heavy makeup and high heels, implying that this was not a personal decision but rather an established aspect of the band.’

Even now, the KISS aesthetic remains one of the most instantly recognizable in rock history. 

Even without his usual makeup, Paul Stanley’s latest appearance served as a powerful reminder of why KISS continues to tower above the rest in the music world.

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2025-03-14 18:50

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