John 5, the renowned guitarist, recently shared insights into his deep connection with the legendary band Kiss and the extensive memorabilia collection he has amassed over the years. The musician, known for his virtuosic guitar skills, decided to open a museum dedicated to Kiss, which he calls the “Knights in Satan’s Service Museum.” The museum, launched this May, is a tribute to the band’s remarkable legacy, and John 5’s passion for Kiss is evident in the rare and priceless items housed within it.
John 5’s journey into collecting Kiss memorabilia began in June 1977, the year the band’s album “Love Gun” was released. He recalls how his fascination with music and monsters as a child led him to a life-changing moment. While shopping with his mother at Sears, he stumbled upon a Kiss record display that left a lasting impression. The album cover, combining his two greatest loves, captivated him, and his mother bought him the record. This moment, he admits, was an epiphany, sparking an obsession with the band that would last a lifetime. In the years that followed, he collected anything and everything related to Kiss, from magazines to merchandise that flooded the market during the late ’70s and early ’80s.
When asked about the most cherished items in his Kiss collection, John 5 mentioned having several rare pieces, including costumes from the band’s first tour. These items, along with concert posters, make up the core of his treasured collection. However, one particular item stands out as a piece of rock history. He proudly owns the original “Kiss Army” banner, a symbol of the band’s early fan base. In 1975, a group of dedicated fans stood outside a radio station holding the banner, demanding the station play Kiss music. The band, upon hearing about the protest, invited these fans to a concert, and the rest, as they say, is history. John 5’s acquisition of this banner marks a unique moment in the band’s rise to fame.
As for what visitors can expect when they tour the Knights in Satan’s Service Museum, John 5 envisions a more interactive and personal experience than typical museum tours. He will personally guide visitors through the exhibits, offering insights and answering questions about the items on display. The tour, lasting up to two hours, promises an in-depth exploration of Kiss memorabilia, with the added bonus of playing Kiss pinball machines at the end. For many fans, finding one of these machines in the ’70s was a childhood dream, and John 5 has two such machines at the museum. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to challenge him to a game, making for a memorable and unique experience.
Looking to the future, John 5 expressed his ongoing passion for collecting. He maintains an Instagram account, “Knights in Satan’s Service,” where fans can contact him if they have any Kiss-related items to offer. His focus remains on collecting merchandise from the band’s peak years, from 1973 to 1983. The sheer magnitude of Kiss’s global popularity during this period, he notes, resulted in an endless supply of merchandise, which continues to fuel his collecting hobby.
For John 5, Kiss is not just a band; it’s a cultural phenomenon that left an indelible mark on rock music and popular culture. His collection stands as a testament to their legacy, and through his museum, he hopes to share that passion with fans new and old.
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