In a recent interview on Steve-O’s Wild Ride!, KISS frontman Paul Stanley talked about the origins of Gene Simmons’ iconic fire-breathing stunt, which became a signature part of their live performances. According to Stanley, the idea came from the band’s manager, Bill Aucoin, who introduced them to a magician called “Amaze-o.” In fact a KISS member was also disappointed by their Final Tour snub.

The magician demonstrated fire-breathing in Aucoin’s office, scorching the ceiling in the process. When asked who would be willing to try it, Stanley quickly said no, but Gene Simmons volunteered, marking the beginning of the legendary stage trick.

“We went up to Bill’s office, our manager’s office. And we’re not much more than kids, and we walk into Bill’s office, and there’s a guy there that we don’t know. And Bill goes, ‘This is Amaze-o the Magician,’ or something. And we’re like, ‘OK.’”

Stanley also revealed that Simmons used various flammable substances, like lamp oil and kerosene, to create the massive fireball. Though he joked about the dangers of absorbing these chemicals into the body, Simmons luckily avoided any severe health issues. Over the years, Simmons had a few mishaps, such as his hair catching on fire, but he was never seriously injured. Despite the risks, the fire-breathing act became one of KISS’s lasting trademarks, even during their non-makeup era.

“And the guy blows this big fireball out of his mouth and scorches the ceiling, and Bill says, ‘Who wants to do it?’ And I go, ‘Not me!’ God bless Gene, he goes, ‘I’ll do it.’ And that was the start of the fire breathing.”

“He was using lamp oil, kerosene, all kinds of things that are good for you,” Stanley joked. “I mean, you don’t have to swallow it, because just by the fact that you have absorbing tissue, it’s going into your body. You don’t have to take a swig of it, it’s going. So luckily, Gene never grew a third head… or even a second head.”