Detroit Rock City (Wildcard Remaster)

The Zoo Freaks are in for a treat as The Zoo Crew spins the "Detroit Rock City (Wildcard Remaster)" from KISS's iconic 1976 album Destroyer. This track, written by Paul Stanley and producer Bob Ezrin, was inspired by a tragic event where a fan was killed in a car accident on their way to a KISS concert, an incident Stanley recalled from a tour stop in Charlotte. The song’s narrative captures the excitement of heading to a show, only to end in a fatal crash, bookended by a grim news report voiced by Ezrin himself, not Gene Simmons as some fans once believed. The song’s flamenco-style guitar solo, a duet between Stanley and Ace Frehley, was crafted by Ezrin and has influenced heavy metal bands like Iron Maiden and Pantera. Despite its popularity today, the single initially flopped in the U.S. outside Detroit, overshadowed by its B-side, "Beth," which became an unexpected hit.

Another layer to "Detroit Rock City" is its production quirks. Ezrin corrected a lyrical error, changing "down 95" to "doin’ 95" to avoid referencing the East Coast’s I-95 instead of Detroit’s I-75. The song’s bassline, penned by Simmons with R&B influences, and the cinematic sound—enhanced by grand piano doubling the power chords—gave it a unique edge. A 1998 re-recording for the Detroit Rock City movie, featuring the original four members, never got a proper release, leaving fans with only bootleg versions until a fan-remastered take surfaced online. The song’s cultural impact extends to its use in films like Role Models and The Simpsons, and a ska cover by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones for the 1994 tribute album Kiss My Ass.

KISS began in New York City in 1973, born from the ashes of Wicked Lester, a band fronted by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. Disillusioned with Wicked Lester’s direction, they recruited drummer Peter Criss and guitarist Ace Frehley, drawn to Frehley’s bold stage presence during auditions. The quartet adopted their now-iconic makeup and costumes, inspired by comic book aesthetics and glam rock, to stand out in the gritty NYC music scene. Their self-titled debut in 1974 and relentless touring built a cult following, but it was the 1975 live album Alive! that catapulted them to stardom, capturing their explosive live energy. Destroyer marked a shift to a polished studio sound, cementing their status as rock legends.

Fans can connect with KISS through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates and merch drops. The official site also offers access to the KISS Army, their dedicated fan club. For deeper fan engagement, check out the KISSFAQ website, a treasure trove of band history and trivia. On Facebook, groups like the KISS Army provide spaces for Zoo Freaks to swap stories, trade memorabilia, and celebrate the band’s legacy.