Members of the rock group KISS; Gene Simmons, clockwise from right, Ace Frehley, Peter Criss and Paul Stanley are photographed before a concert in Hartford, Conn., in February 1977. Associated Press file photo

Richard Drew

NEW YORK — “Kiss was born in New York City. On 23rd Street ... It will be a privilege and honor to finish touring at Madison Square Garden, 10 blocks and 50 years from where we first started,” said the band in a statement.

In 1973, four young New Yorkers dragged their guitars, amps and drums to a loft in New York, dreaming of becoming the biggest band in the world.

On Dec. 2, Kiss, the band started by those four — albeit with two different members currently in the fold — will hang up their platform boots and play their final show about 10 blocks north of that loft. Kiss will play Madison Square Garden, having become if not the biggest band in the world, certainly one of the biggest — one that's redefined expectations for the live concert experience.

The band is currently made up of original members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons as well as Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer. Their best-known songs include “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” and “Detroit Rock City.”