COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – You won’t find broken drumsticks, axe-shaped guitars and dragon-faced boots at a normal library – but one at the University of South Carolina makes an exception.
The USC School of Music’s library houses several big pieces of KISS memorabilia, filled with lots of signed artifacts and more from the iconic rock band.
And while many are on display, librarian Ana Dubnjakovic showed WIS that most of the collection, including 26 guitars, is still locked in a room with nowhere else to put them. Other items include concert photos, signed photographs, original artwork by frontman Paul Stanley along with gold and platnium records.
“There’s a lot to be learned from this band in just the way they managed to monetize and merchandise a lot of the things that they did,” said Dubnjakovic. “From guitars to handwritten lyrics to poker chips and even playing cards.”
The collection was donated by KISS supefan and Charleston businessman John Upshaw Downs, Jr. and his wife Margaret in 2020. The library is still seeking more donations to add.
Click here for more information on the KISS collection.
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KISS collection at USC music library highlights iconic band’s rock ‘n’ roll legacy – WIS News 10
