PDF Playlist
Kiss
About Black Diamond
"Black Diamond" is a song by American hard rock band Kiss, written by rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley. "'Black Diamond' was written almost exactly as it is," he said, "except that the riff wasn't there; Gene [Simmons] brought that part in … It's all about arrangement and embellishment. That's what you're supposed to do in a band: come in and add something. But that doesn't mean you wrote the song."The song is the closing track on the band's eponymous first album, Kiss, released in 1974. It begins with an acoustic opening sung by Stanley before a furious riff enters, accompanied by Peter Criss on lead vocals. It fades out with Ace Frehley's solo, then one chord repeated during a gradual slowing of the tape. The live version is usually sped up in tempo, combined with stage pyrotechnics and a rising drum platform. The band would often play "Black Diamond" to close their concerts. Even after Criss left the band, the song was still performed, featuring his replacements Eric Carr and Eric Singer on lead vocals during their respective tenures with the band.more »
- Year:
- 1978
- 4:17
- 62Views
- Playlists:
- #2
');var c=function(){cf.showAsyncAd(opts)};if(window.cf)c();else{cf_async=!0;var r=document.createElement("script"),s=document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];r.async=!0;r.src="https://srv.clickfuse.com/showads/showad.js";r.readyState?r.onreadystatechange=function(){if("loaded"==r.readyState||"complete"==r.readyState)r.onreadystatechange=null,c()}:r.onload=c;s.parentNode.insertBefore(r,s)};})();
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Out on the street for a livingPicture's only begunGot you under their thumbHit itOut on the streets for a livingPicture's only begunYour day is sorrow and madnessGot you under their thumbWhoo, black diamondWhoo, black diamondDarkness will fall on the cityIt seems to follow you tooAnd though you don't ask for pityThere's nothin' that you can do, no, noWhoo, black diamondWhoo, black diamondOut on the streets for a livingPicture's only begunYour day is sorrow and madnessGot you under their thumbWhoo, black diamond, yeahWhoo, black diamond
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
');var c=function(){cf.showAsyncAd(opts)};if(window.cf)c();else{cf_async=!0;var r=document.createElement("script"),s=document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];r.async=!0;r.src="https://srv.clickfuse.com/showads/showad.js";r.readyState?r.onreadystatechange=function(){if("loaded"==r.readyState||"complete"==r.readyState)r.onreadystatechange=null,c()}:r.onload=c;s.parentNode.insertBefore(r,s)};})();
Kiss
A kiss is the act of pressing one's lips against the lips or other body parts of another person or of an object. Cultural connotations of kissing vary widely. Depending on the culture and context, a kiss can express sentiments of love, passion, affection, respect, greeting, friendship and good luck, among many others. In some situations a kiss is a ritual, formal or symbolic gesture indicating devotion, respect or greeting, as in the case of spouses kissing at the conclusion of a wedding ceremony or national leaders kissing each other in greeting, and in many other situations. more »
12 fans
Genre »
Rock
Style »
Hard Rock
Sheet Music PDF Playlist
Written by: Paul Stanley
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Background Creation"Black Diamond" is a song by American rock band Kiss, released on their 1974 self-titled debut album "Kiss." This song stood out as a significant track since the inception of the band. |
SongwritingDespite being sung by the drummer Peter Criss, the song was written by lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley. |
Unique CompositionThe song features an unusual structure with a slow, brooding introduction led by Stanley before launching into a hard rock full band sound, only to abruptly end with a slow, piano-based outro. This structure creates a dynamic and dramatic effect that enhances the overall impact of the song. |
Album Influence"Black Diamond" has remained a classic amongst Kiss fans and is considered essential in their debut album, helping skyrocket the band's popularity in the 1970s. |
Live PerformancesDuring live performances, the song often ends with Criss' drum riser lifting up and spinning around, illustrating Kiss' theatricality and becoming a staple part of their concerts. |
Cover Versions"Black Diamond" has been covered by various artists over the decades, including Pearl Jam, The Replacements, and Yoshiki Hayashi of X Japan, demonstrating its enduring appeal. |
Ace Frehley & KissAlthough he didn't write "Black Diamond," lead guitarist Ace Frehley was a vital part of Kiss during the making of the song and many others in their early years. |
Ace Frehley's ExitFrehley left Kiss in 1982, but "Black Diamond" remained a significant part of the band's setlist, with vocals often handled by their current drummer. |
Frehley's Solo CareerAce Frehley went on a successful solo career after leaving Kiss. He occasionally performed "Black Diamond" during his solo tours, showcasing his deep connection with the song. |
ReunionsAce Frehley and the original Kiss lineup briefly reunited in 1996 and 1997. During these reunion performances, "Black Diamond" was brought back into the setlist, reliving the iconic moments with the original voices and instrumentalists. |
more »