Kiss – Lick It Up

“Lick It Up” is a song by the American rock band Kiss, released as the lead single and title track of their 1983 album Lick It Up. Written by Paul Stanley and Vinnie Vincent, it became one of the band’s defining songs of the 1980s. The single was released on September 18, 1983, and marked a major turning point in Kiss’s career.

The song is best remembered for ushering in Kiss’s “unmasked era.” The official video for “Lick It Up” premiered on MTV on the day of the single’s release and was the first to show the band without their trademark makeup. Directed by Martin Kahan, it depicted the group in a desolate post-apocalyptic setting alongside dancers, highlighting their attempt to modernize their image in a changing rock landscape.

Musically, “Lick It Up” is a hard rock anthem with glam-metal flair, driven by heavy guitar riffs and a memorable chorus. While the single peaked modestly at #66 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, it charted higher in other countries, including #31in the UK. The parent album went on to be certified gold in December 1983 and later platinum in 1990, reaffirming Kiss’s commercial relevance after a slump in the early 1980s.

A key change during this era was the addition of guitarist Vinnie Vincent, who replaced Ace Frehley on Lick It Up. Vincent’s songwriting partnership with Paul Stanley helped shape the album’s heavier sound. However, his tenure was brief: he left the band in 1984 and later sued Kiss, claiming he was denied royalties and had only been paid a $2,000 weekly salary. He ultimately lost the case, but his role in revitalizing Kiss during this transitional period is undeniable.

On stage, “Lick It Up” became a live staple and has been performed more than 1,500 times by the band, making it one of their most played songs. Even after Kiss returned to wearing makeup in 1996, the track retained its place in their setlists, often extended with instrumental jams and crowd interaction.

Today, “Lick It Up” stands as more than just a single — it symbolizes the reinvention of Kiss in the MTV age, bridging their theatrical 1970s legacy with the hard rock energy of the 1980s.

Timeline

• September 18, 1983 – Single released; video premieres on MTV

• September 1983 – Album Lick It Up released, featuring Vinnie Vincent on guitar

• 1983 – Song peaks at #66 on Billboard Hot 100 and #31 on UK Singles Chart

• December 22, 1983 – Album certified gold in the U.S.

• December 19, 1990 – Album certified platinum in the U.S.

• 1984 – Vinnie Vincent leaves Kiss and later sues over royalties (unsuccessfully)

• 1996 – Song remains in live setlists after Kiss resumes wearing makeup

• 2024 – Performed live more than 1,500 times, cementing it as one of their most popular stage songs