Merry Kiss-mas and a Heavy New Year -- Picture Book

Each week, in Picture Book, we present an iconic photo from rock 'n' roll's past or present, accompanied with insightful commentary. Whether it's a famous picture or an unearthed rarity, these striking images will serve to illustrate the visual side of music.

Kiss, October 1976

Gesturing in a somewhat phallic nature with candles, members of Kiss pose for a mock Christmas card arranged by Creem magazine. Though the Kiss album 'Alive!' broke the US Top 10 in 1975, many fans still hadn't seen the fiery, costumed hard rockers until October 1976, when Kiss performed -- as did 'Brady Bunch' mom Florence Henderson -- on 'The Paul Lynde Halloween Special.'

Not long after that program -- the band's first major TV appearance -- the single 'Beth'/'Detroit Rock City' became Kiss' first US Top 10 single. Neal Preston, the photographer who took this shot, has toured with rock acts including Led Zeppelin, the Who and Bruce Springsteen, capturing iconic images of rock 'n' roll at its wildest.