Original KISS Line-Up Reunited 20 Years Ago Today [VIDEO]

Today in Rock history, the Hottest Band in the World reunited for a surprise appearance at the Grammys.

Following a successful reunion for MTV Unplugged, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley considered reuniting with former band members Peter Criss and Ace Frehley to perform together in make-up for the first time in 17 years.  To get a feel for how the audience would react to KISS returning to their original line-up and in make-up, the four members arrived at the Grammy Awards unannounced in full make-up and costume.  According to Gene Simmons, the group didn't have invitations or passes, yet no one questioned the band's presence backstage.

Tupac Shakur came out to present the award for Best Pop Performance, but first announced that as the Grammy Awards had become stale, it was time to shock the people.  Without a formal introduction, KISS walked out on stage to a great ovation from the crowd.  Convinced at the marketability of a reunion tour, the band formally announced their reunion tour the following April on the USS Intrepid.  Their first reunion show sold out, roughly 40,000 tickets, in about 45 minutes.