Two goliaths of rock and heavy metal music celebrate their birthdays today. Paul Stanley of KISS is 59 and his contemporary in rock, Ian Hill of Judas Priest, reaches a milestone of 60 years of age.

Paul Stanley has been rocking for almost forty years as lead singer and guitarist with KISS. His KISS ‘persona’, Starchild, is one of the most iconic images in rock; the painted white face with a black star over his right eye.

I don’t think I exaggerate when I say Stanley is one of the most naturally talented, charismatic, and captivating performers in the music business. A KISS live show is truly a thing to behold; I saw them in concert just a few months ago and the Starchild belies his 59 years. Scroll down to see video of a typically exciting KISS performance.

As well as playing on every KISS album, Stanley has released two solo albums and has recently put his vocal talents to an album by Russian band Pushking (Read Hard Rock And Metal Icons Join Forces With Russian Band ‘Pushking’ To Release Epic Album).

Also celebrating a birthday today is Ian Hill, bass player of Judas Priest. Judas Priest is one of the founders of heavy metal and for nearly forty years has showed us what heavy metal can be. Hill formed Priest with guitarist K.K. Downing in 1968 and was the one who brought lead singer Rob Halford into the band.

Thanks to Hill’s unwavering presence and playing ability, Judas Priest has created some of the greatest heavy metal albums ever including the battering British Steel and the charging live album Unleashed In The East. See below for video of a spectacular Judas Priest show.

KISS and Judas Priest have long been two of my favourite bands, so I could not let today go past without wishing Ian and Paul each a very happy birthday.

KISS – I Stole Your Love

Judas Priest – Metal Gods

Happy birthday Paul and Ian from all of us at Geeks of Doom!

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