Stanley formed the rock band Wicked Lester in the early 1970s with Gene Klein, who later became Gene Simmons in KISS. Wicked Lester recorded an album together, but as of 2002, it has never been released. Eventually, two other musicians joined the band, Peter Criscoula and Paul Frehley - who would become Peter Criss and Ace Frehley when the band changed its name to KISS in the early 1970s. KISS released their first self-titled debut in February of 1974.