Synopsis

In 1978, four teenage friends and members of a KISS tribute band set out for a sold-out KISS concert in Detroit. After one boy's strict mother destroys their tickets, the group embarks on an increasingly chaotic journey to get inside, encountering scams, rival fans, police, and personal obstacles along the way. Their mission becomes a wild test of friendship and devotion to rock 'n' roll.

Factoids & Trivia

• Although the story is set in Detroit, much of the film was shot in Ontario, Canada, including Toronto, Scarborough, Whitby, Hamilton, and Waterloo. The Fox Theatre in Detroit was also used for filming.

• KISS re-created a 1970s concert for the movie, performing before more than 3,000 fans. The concert material gives the film an unusually substantial live-performance centerpiece.

• Much of the KISS memorabilia seen in the production came from Gene Simmons' personal collection.

• The characters' names include references to KISS songs and mythology, including Beth and Christine, the latter recalling the song "Christine Sixteen."

• The soundtrack combines 1970s rock selections with newer cover versions and includes the original KISS song "Nothing Can Keep Me From You."

• The film was released theatrically on August 13, 1999, but performed poorly at the box office, earning approximately $5.8 million worldwide against a production budget reported at roughly $16-17 million.

• Detroit Rock City was among the earliest feature films released on DVD before its VHS edition.