"Hard Luck Woman" is a song by the American hard rock band Kiss and the lead single from their 1976 album, Rock and Roll Over. The song was originally written by Kiss guitarist Paul Stanley as a possible track for Rod Stewart, but when Stewart showed no interest in singing it, Kiss decided to keep it for themselves.

Sung by drummer Peter Criss (who sings in a Stewart-esque manner), the band was trying to cash in on the successful single "Beth" released earlier in the year by releasing another ballad sung by Criss. The plan worked, as the single proved to be a Top 20 hit in the U.S.

A "live" version of "Hard Luck Woman" appears on Kiss's 1977 Alive II album; although, it was later revealed that the song was recorded in an empty warehouse with an audience overdub for a live feel.

Cover versions

• In 1994, country star Garth Brooks did a straight rendition of "Hard Luck Woman" for the Kiss My Ass: Classic Kiss Regrooved tribute album, for which Kiss provided the musical accompaniment. Kiss and Brooks also performed the song live on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in promotion of the album.
• Danish heavy metal band Pretty Maids covered this song on their 1997 album, Spooked.
• Japanese pop singer Maki Nomiya covered this song on her 1999 album, Miss Maki Nomiya Sings.

Personnel

• Peter Criss - lead vocals/drums
• Paul Stanley - twelve string acoustic guitar/backing vocals
• Ace Frehley - acoustic guitar
• Gene Simmons - acoustic bass

References