Uncovering the Lost Album: The Untold Story of Wicked Lester and the Birth of Kiss
Over 50 years ago, the musical duo Kiss, consisting of Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, recorded an entire album at Electric Lady Studios. At the time, they were part of a band called Wicked Lester, along with other musicians. Wicked Lester aimed for rock stardom and worked on creating a unique sound influenced by various artists like The Beatles and The Move. Despite financial constraints, they managed to record the album at Electric Lady Studios over a year, experimenting with different music styles and collaborating with notable artists who were also recording at the studio.
The album produced by Wicked Lester showcased a mix of genres, from baroque pop to folk and even elements of prog rock. It featured songs written by outside songwriters and covers of tracks like "We Wanna Shout" by the Hollies. Despite signing a deal with Epic Records, the label decided not to release the album, leading Simmons and Stanley to disband Wicked Lester and form Kiss instead. The unreleased Wicked Lester album remains a hidden gem, with only a few tracks appearing on a Kiss box set in 2001.
While the Wicked Lester album may not have the same impact as Kiss's music, it offers a glimpse into the early musical endeavors of Simmons and Stanley. Despite the album's obscurity, it serves as a reminder of the duo's journey towards creating the iconic sound of Kiss. Although there are no current plans to officially release the album, it stands as a testament to the evolution of two musicians who would later become rock legends.