Shout It Out Loud (Wildcard Remaster)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as the Zoo Crew spins the "Shout It Out Loud (Wildcard Remaster)" by KISS from their iconic 1976 album, Destroyer! This anthem, a staple in KISS’s catalog, was born from a burst of creativity when Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and producer Bob Ezrin crafted it in about 30 minutes at Ezrin’s New York apartment, sitting around a piano. The song’s title draws inspiration from The Hollies’ "We Want to Shout It Out Loud," which Stanley and Simmons had covered with their pre-KISS band, Wicked Lester, for an unreleased album. According to Stanley, the track is about letting loose and partying without a specific agenda, urging listeners to "shout about nothing in particular, everything in general." Its infectious energy made it KISS’s first #1 hit in Canada on May 22, 1976, and it peaked at #31 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s been a live show mainstay, performed over 1,400 times by 2014, and has been covered by bands like The Killers, Stryper, and even featured in a Netflix trailer for Cobra Kai’s sixth season.

Another tidbit for the Zoo Freaks: "Shout It Out Loud" was one of the few KISS songs where both Stanley and Simmons shared lead vocals, trading lines in the verses before uniting on the explosive chorus. The track’s production, helmed by Ezrin, who previously worked with Alice Cooper, marked a polished shift from KISS’s rawer early sound. Ezrin’s influence brought Motown-inspired background vocals and a descending bass line that he cited as a breakthrough moment. Posts on X from the official KISS account highlight its release on March 1, 1976, as their second Top 40 hit in the US, backed by the B-side "Sweet Pain." The song’s cultural reach extends beyond concerts, appearing in the movie Detroit Rock City, a Glee episode titled "Theatricality," and even a What’s New, Scooby-Doo? episode, cementing its status as a rock anthem. A 2007 re-recording also found its way into Guitar Hero 5, keeping the song alive for new generations.

Now, let’s rewind to how KISS, the Hottest Band in the Land, got their start. Formed in New York City in 1973, KISS emerged from the ashes of Wicked Lester, a band led by Paul Stanley (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Gene Simmons (vocals, bass). Joined by Ace Frehley (lead guitar, vocals) and Peter Criss (drums, vocals), they crafted a larger-than-life image with face paint, elaborate costumes, and comic book-style personas: Stanley as the Starchild, Simmons as the Demon, Frehley as the Spaceman, and Criss as the Catman. Their shock rock performances, featuring fire-breathing, blood-spitting, and pyrotechnics, set them apart in the mid-1970s. After modest success with their first three studio albums, their 1975 live album, Alive!, became a breakthrough, achieving Gold status and saving their label, Casablanca Records, from bankruptcy. Destroyer, released the following year, solidified their stardom with hits like "Shout It Out Loud" and "Beth." Over decades, KISS has sold over 100 million records worldwide, earning 30 Gold albums and 14 Platinum albums, with Stanley and Simmons as the only constant members through various lineup changes.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper into KISS’s world, connect with the band on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can also join the vibrant KISS Army Facebook Group to share stories and connect with fellow devotees. For more KISS-centric content, check out fan sites like KISSFAQ and KISS Army, where the legacy of tracks like "Shout It Out Loud" lives on. Keep rocking, Zoo Crew, and let’s shout it out loud!