Heaven’s on Fire

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as the Zoo Crew spins "Heaven’s on Fire" by KISS from their 1984 album Animalize! This scorching track, written by Paul Stanley and Desmond Child, has some wild stories behind it. The song’s iconic “Woo-oo-oo” opening wasn’t planned—Stanley was just warming up his vocals in the studio when it got accidentally recorded. They loved the vibe so much, they kept it in! Desmond Child, reflecting on the song’s 39th anniversary in a 2023 X post, called it a “fun hit” that still rocks today. The music video, directed by David Lewis, was a big deal on MTV and marked the only video appearance of guitarist Mark St. John, who left the band soon after due to creative differences, though he later hinted his brief exit was more about band tensions than his publicized arthritis diagnosis.

Another cool tidbit: "Heaven’s on Fire" is one of the few KISS non-makeup era songs still played live after they brought back their iconic face paint. A live version from December 8, 1984, at Detroit’s Cobo Hall was featured on the Animalize Live Uncensored video and even made it onto the Hear 'n Aid charity album. Paul Stanley, in his book Face the Music, shared how he poured everything into Animalize, as Gene Simmons was distracted by acting gigs, like his role in the 1984 film Runaway. Stanley’s drive gave the song its raw, aggressive edge, with tracks like this one pushing KISS into heavier, almost metal territory, as noted by Ultimate Classic Rock.

KISS, formed in New York City in 1973, started as a gritty rock band with a flair for theatrics. Gene Simmons (bass), Paul Stanley (rhythm guitar), Ace Frehley (lead guitar), and Peter Criss (drums) built their reputation on explosive live shows, complete with fire-breathing, blood-spitting, and larger-than-life personas. Inspired by the glam and shock rock of the New York Dolls and Alice Cooper, they crafted a unique look with black-and-white makeup and outrageous costumes. Their early gigs in small clubs, like the Coventry in Queens, caught the eye of manager Bill Aucoin, who got them a deal with Casablanca Records. Their 1975 live album Alive! was a breakout, capturing their raw energy and launching them into stardom. Despite lineup changes, like Mark St. John’s brief stint in 1984, KISS’s over-the-top style and anthems like "Heaven’s on Fire" kept them a rock powerhouse.

Stay connected with KISS through their official website, where you can find tour dates and merch like the "Heaven’s on Fire" Animalize 40th anniversary T-shirt. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates—Paul Stanley himself posted about the song’s 30th anniversary on X back in 2014! Fans, or the KISS Army, are super active online. Check out the KISS Army official fan club for exclusive perks or join discussions on the KISS Army Facebook group. For deep dives into KISS lore, KISSFAQ is a fan-run site packed with trivia and history. Zoo Freaks, keep rocking with the Zoo Crew and KISS!