Not For The Innocent (Demo Version)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the rare gem "Not For The Innocent (Demo Version)" by KISS from the 40th anniversary edition of their seminal 1982 album Creatures of the Night, and the Zoo Freaks are in for a treat. This demo, featured in the expansive Creatures of the Night 40 Super Deluxe Edition, showcases an early version of a track that later appeared on 1983’s Lick It Up. Unlike the final version, where Gene Simmons takes sole vocal duties, the demo has both Simmons and Paul Stanley trading lead vocals, offering a unique glimpse into the band’s creative process. The song’s heavier, darker tone aligns with the album’s return to hard rock roots, a deliberate shift after the pop and progressive detours of albums like Dynasty and Music from "The Elder". Fans on KISS’s official Facebook have raved about the raw energy of this demo, with some calling it a “lost classic” that captures the band’s gritty determination to reclaim their rock throne.

Another tidbit from the Blabbermouth coverage of the anniversary release reveals that “Not For The Innocent” was one of 34 demos, rarities, and outtakes included in the deluxe set, with 75 of the 103 total tracks being previously unreleased. During a SiriusXM interview on “Rocktails With Ahmet Zappa,” Gene Simmons described Creatures of the Night as a “transitioning record,” noting the absence of original members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss. The band brought in new talent, including Vinnie Vincent, who co-wrote several tracks and played lead guitar as a session musician before officially joining. Posts on KISS’s X account from 2022 hyped the demo’s release, with fans in groups like KISS Army Warehouse on Facebook sharing stories of how the heavier sound reinvigorated their love for the band. One fan on KISS’s Instagram recalled discovering the demo and feeling like it was “KISS at their hungriest.”

KISS began in 1973 in New York City, born from the ashes of Wicked Lester, a band led by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley that flirted with glam and pop but never took off. Frustrated with the direction, Simmons and Stanley ditched the project, recruited drummer Peter Criss and guitarist Ace Frehley, and crafted a raw, theatrical hard rock sound paired with iconic makeup and explosive live shows. As detailed on their official website’s history page, their self-titled debut in 1974 and the live album Alive! in 1975 catapulted them to fame, with hits like “Rock and Roll All Nite” defining their larger-than-life persona. Their relentless touring and merchandising—everything from lunchboxes to comics—made them a cultural juggernaut, as noted in fan discussions on sites like KISSFAQ. By the time Creatures of the Night dropped, KISS had sold over 100 million records, cementing their status as America’s top gold record-winning rock band, per RPM Online.

For more KISS goodness, check out their official website, where you’ll find tour updates, merch, and the KISS Army fan club. Connect with the band on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest news and throwback posts. Fans can dive deeper on KISSFAQ, a treasure trove of band history, or join communities like the KISS Army Warehouse and KISS Fan Club on Facebook to trade stories and memorabilia with fellow Zoo Freaks vibing to that classic KISS sound.