One of the most legendary and iconic metal bands of all time is easily the painted, fire-breathing, blood sprayers in KISS. The band who proved that visual dynamics was just as important as the music became huge stars and remain one of the most beloved bands over 40 years later. Here are five things you might not know about the amazing career if KISS.

Vinnie Vincent wrote for Happy Days before KISS hired him

The guitarist that KISS hired after Ace Frehley left the band was Vinnie Vincent, a very talented guitarist and songwriter who was also someone who burned a ton of bridges in his career. However, before KISS hired him, he was working an interesting job as the songwriter for the television sitcom Happy Days. Luckily, he joined KISS before he had the chance to write for Joanie Loves Chachi.

Bryan Adams co-wrote three KISS songs

Bryan Adams is best known for soft rock hits from movies like Robin Hood as well as for some pop hits like Summer of ’69 and Cuts Like a Knife. However, he is a songwriter over almost anything else and he could write songs for bands and singers that no one could ever imagine him performing. One of these bands was KISS. Adams co-wrote three KISS songs, including “War Machine,” “Rock ‘N’ Roll Hell” and “Down on Your Knees.”

Michael Bolton wrote one of KISS’s hit songs

If Bryan Adams writing a KISS song is hard to believe, this one is almost unfathomable. Michael Bolton is one of the most un-metal musicians of all time, a singer who sang some of the cheesiest pop ballads of all time. However, before he became famous for his crooning, he was in the metal scene of the 70s in the band Blackjack. His guitarist was Bruce Kulick, who went on to play for KISS. In 1989, he wrote the song “Forever,” which appeared on the KISS album Hot in the Shade.

Katey Sagal sang backup vocals on Gene Simmons’ solo effort

Back in 1978, the member of KISS thought it would be interesting if each member made a solo album under the KISS banner, highlighting their own specific talents. None of the albums were very good, but the Gene Simmons album was interesting for another reason. Katey Sagal, who went on to star as Peg Bundy on Married with Children and Gemma Teller Morrow on Sons of Anarchy sang background vocals on the album.

Marvel Comics released a KISS comic book series

In the 70s, Marvel Comics was looking for some ways to bring in some extra income and they hit upon what turned out to be a big success in 1977. They reached an agreement with KISS to create a comic with the band members in the lead roles. While Marvel just wanted to present them as musicians, KISS’s management demanded that they be made superheroes, and the rest is history.