A very long run for the New York formed group, KISS. The american-rock group in the same group with the likes of New York Dolls, The Ramones, The Velvet Underground among others. Having lasted for more than 45 years, KISS has had its up and downs in their early days. In the beginning days of rock n’ roll in New York, the scene was fierce as the band groups were not entirely male or female. Their rise to fame was through a mixture of live acts and makeup. Their moments of influence were the likes of watching pivotal live shows of Alice Cooper and deviating from being different from the New York Dolls. They needed to be different during the time of 1970s glam rock. And the rest was history.
Four decades later and many live shows later, the band may have called it his farewall tour (End of The Road) this year. The group’s very first live show in the city was over fourty-three years ago in 1976. The many references of a KISS live show were prevalent on Tuesday night at the Honda Center. Starting from the shout-out “You Wanted the best, You Got the Best..the hottest band in the world – KISS” – oh how the old times brings new memories.
From my first sightseeing of KISS live in-concert almost 10 years ago, most of the memories were brought back to life on Tuesday night. Fireworks blaring in the opening song “Detroit Rock City” as the members were lifted down from metal-shaped pods. Paul Stanley sounding crisp and lively as usual. Lavishly outgoing Gene Simmons with his blood solo before “God of Thunder”. And the tranquil Tony Thayer going lively on his guitar solo during “Cold Gin”. And no one would expect Thayer to have great aim with his guitar equipped with “bullet-aiming fireworks” as a novelty. And one cannot forget the flying Stanley as he sang his heart during “Love Gun” and “I Was Made for Lovin’ You”
Apart from history, KISS can give you what you expect from a live show. Nothing out of the ordinary. A lot of the diehard “KISS Army” fans were rocking in-style including makeup attire. It was a nice reminder to some that while most viewers were many have seen KISS live, there were others in the crowd that were seeing the band live for the first time heartening knowing that this group may call it quits.
Live show or not – the band did not disappoint. Through their history of ups and downs. And the band member changes. And the period of time during the 80s when the band played without makeup – there was always one constant. They stayed true to their traditional roots from the 1970s glam rock scene. And including their identity and their trademark facepaint – it was a nice gesture to the crowd as Eric Singer played “Beth” off their ’76 album “Destroyer” in its full entirely on the piano. A stark song from the usual KISS sound but paid homage to an everlasting career for the group. And at the end – the band will always love you.
Setlist: Detroit Rock City // Shout It Out Loud // Deuce // Say Yeah // Heaven’s on Fire // War Machine // Lick It Up // 100,000 Years // God of Thunder // Cold Gin // Psycho Circus // I Love It Loud // Hide Your Heart // Let Me Go, Rock ‘N’ Roll // Love Gun // I Was Made for Lovin’ You // Black Diamond // Beth // Do You Love Me // Rock and Roll All Nite
Photo Credit: Chris Loomis
