03/19/2011
A HOUSTON SALUTE TO KISS
Kiss News
03/19/2011
PHOTOS FROM HOUSTON
03/18/2011
KISS BRINGS HARD ROCK FLAIR
By Howard Cohen
Photo by Dean Snowden for KISSonline
You can take Kiss out of the arenas, but you can�t take the arena show out of Kiss.
The veteran, face-painted hard rock band scaled down its stage show a bit to fit its thunderous act into the 5,000-seat Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino near Hollywood Thursday night. Still, the volume of its music and the plentiful pyrotechnics packed enough wattage to delight an all-ages crowd.
In fact, one might have checked the calendar on their smart phone because Kiss drew so many pre-teens and their parents who dressed in Kiss face paint and, in many cases, full Kiss regalia, one might think it was 1979 again.
Given the already surreal manufactured reality of the colorful Seminole grounds, it almost felt like stepping onto the set of the Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park movie with hundreds of big and little Kiss extras.
�We don�t usually get to play places this small,� lead singer Paul Stanley screamed after Kiss opened its two-hour concert with a newer headbanger, Modern Day Delilah, from its return-to-form 2009 album, Sonic Boom.
�Makes us feel we�re back in the old days,� he continued, �so we�re going to play old classic stuff.�
Stanley, 59, then led his Kiss founding partner Gene Simmons and replacement members Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer into a set heavy on songs from the first eponymous Kiss album in early 1974 like Cold Gin, Black Diamond and Firehouse, a simple, but effective rocker that still ends with piercing fire alarms and spinning red lights.By Howard Cohen
Photo by Dean Snowden for KISSonline
You can take Kiss out of the arenas, but you can�t take the arena show out of Kiss.
The veteran, face-painted hard rock band scaled down its stage show a bit to fit its thunderous act into the 5,000-seat Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino near Hollywood Thursday night. Still, the volume of its music and the plentiful pyrotechnics packed enough wattage to delight an all-ages crowd.
In fact, one might have checked the calendar on their smart phone because Kiss drew so many pre-teens and their parents who dressed in Kiss face paint and, in many cases, full Kiss regalia, one might think it was 1979 again.
Given the already surreal manufactured reality of the colorful Seminole grounds, it almost felt like stepping onto the set of the Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park movie with hundreds of big and little Kiss extras.
�We don�t usually get to play places this small,� lead singer Paul Stanley screamed after Kiss opened its two-hour concert with a newer headbanger, Modern Day Delilah, from its return-to-form 2009 album, Sonic Boom.
�Makes us feel we�re back in the old days,� he continued, �so we�re going to play old classic stuff.�
Stanley, 59, then led his Kiss founding partner Gene Simmons and replacement members Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer into a set heavy on songs from the first eponymous Kiss album in early 1974 like Cold Gin, Black Diamond and Firehouse, a simple, but effective rocker that still ends with piercing fire alarms and spinning red lights.
Other oldies included Let Me Go, Rock and Roll, 100,000 Years, Detroit Rock City and the standard �70s bathroom break the guitar and drum solos following Thayer�s lead on Shock Me. However, Kiss always keeps these instrumental passages interesting given that the lead guitarist�s instrument belches fireworks and the drummer cues explosions in the rafters. The solos mercifully ended before they wore out their welcome.
The one sign that this wasn�t your parents� Kiss could be found in Stanley�s voice which no longer is quite the pliable, effortlessly operatic instrument it once was in the 1970s and 1980s. Decades of screaming songs in their original high keys have worn Stanley�s voice to the nub on newer material like the anthemic Say Yeah, �80s numbers like Crazy, Crazy Nights (a surprise, and welcome addition to the setlist) and the 1977 Kiss classic, Love Gun. On that audience favorite, Stanley�s patchy vocals were nicely and wisely augmented with some helpful vocal fills from drummer Singer.
Curiously, though, as the show went on toward its exciting hit-heavy encore set, Stanley�s voice seemed to gain strength and smooth out a little. He sounded pretty good on the disco-era smash, I Was Made for Loving You, which actually requires vocal range and he nailed it quite well. Stanley, the group�s indefatigable cheerleader, also brought it home good and hard on the terrific Lick It Up, Shout It Out Loud and the closing Rock and Roll All Nite.
Simmons, 61, whose songs aren�t pitched so high, sounded remarkably well preserved on his growling signature tunes, Calling Dr. Love, Deuce and I Love It Loud.
Time, and the Kabuki demon makeup, have been kind to Simmons. He hasn�t lost a step. His fire breathing and blood spewing shtick still can make you feel 14 again.
The only difference with this venue�s show is that Simmons couldn�t do his usual God of Thunder fly up into the rafters act and the concert�s staging was flat and simple until the finale when he and Thayer rose on lifts as a confetti machine sent a blizzard over fans and Independence Day-worthy fireworks exploded all around the band.
Kiss could make better use of its other two characters, however. This is still the Paul and Gene Show, perhaps fair since they are the individuals who kept Kiss alive over the years as guitarists and drummers came and went, but Kiss have gems in Thayer and Singer. The latter, now in Peter Criss� original cat makeup and a more muscular rock drummer than his �70s predecessor, nicely sang the group�s one ballad, the lovely Beth, in acoustic form and handled his leads on the driving Black Diamond with vigor.
Thayer only had the Shock Me set piece but he reproduced Ace Frehley�s leads on guitar throughout the night and should have been given more time in the lead vocal spotlight, perhaps on more of Frehley�s tunes or, better yet, his fine contribution to Sonic Boom, When Lightning Strikes.
Above all, given the theatrical limitations in a non-arena show, Kiss� music had to carry the load and what this performance revealed is that the influential Kiss catalog has aged well, its energy and hooks can still excite young and old, and the snobbish bean counters at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame really are clueless and remiss for ignoring Kiss� considerable contribution to rock and roll.
Photo by Dean Snowden for KISSonline
You can take Kiss out of the arenas, but you can�t take the arena show out of Kiss.
The veteran, face-painted hard rock band scaled down its stage show a bit to fit its thunderous act into the 5,000-seat Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino near Hollywood Thursday night. Still, the volume of its music and the plentiful pyrotechnics packed enough wattage to delight an all-ages crowd.
In fact, one might have checked the calendar on their smart phone because Kiss drew so many pre-teens and their parents who dressed in Kiss face paint and, in many cases, full Kiss regalia, one might think it was 1979 again.
Given the already surreal manufactured reality of the colorful Seminole grounds, it almost felt like stepping onto the set of the Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park movie with hundreds of big and little Kiss extras.
�We don�t usually get to play places this small,� lead singer Paul Stanley screamed after Kiss opened its two-hour concert with a newer headbanger, Modern Day Delilah, from its return-to-form 2009 album, Sonic Boom.
�Makes us feel we�re back in the old days,� he continued, �so we�re going to play old classic stuff.�
Stanley, 59, then led his Kiss founding partner Gene Simmons and replacement members Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer into a set heavy on songs from the first eponymous Kiss album in early 1974 like Cold Gin, Black Diamond and Firehouse, a simple, but effective rocker that still ends with piercing fire alarms and spinning red lights.By Howard Cohen
Photo by Dean Snowden for KISSonline
You can take Kiss out of the arenas, but you can�t take the arena show out of Kiss.
The veteran, face-painted hard rock band scaled down its stage show a bit to fit its thunderous act into the 5,000-seat Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino near Hollywood Thursday night. Still, the volume of its music and the plentiful pyrotechnics packed enough wattage to delight an all-ages crowd.
In fact, one might have checked the calendar on their smart phone because Kiss drew so many pre-teens and their parents who dressed in Kiss face paint and, in many cases, full Kiss regalia, one might think it was 1979 again.
Given the already surreal manufactured reality of the colorful Seminole grounds, it almost felt like stepping onto the set of the Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park movie with hundreds of big and little Kiss extras.
�We don�t usually get to play places this small,� lead singer Paul Stanley screamed after Kiss opened its two-hour concert with a newer headbanger, Modern Day Delilah, from its return-to-form 2009 album, Sonic Boom.
�Makes us feel we�re back in the old days,� he continued, �so we�re going to play old classic stuff.�
Stanley, 59, then led his Kiss founding partner Gene Simmons and replacement members Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer into a set heavy on songs from the first eponymous Kiss album in early 1974 like Cold Gin, Black Diamond and Firehouse, a simple, but effective rocker that still ends with piercing fire alarms and spinning red lights.
Other oldies included Let Me Go, Rock and Roll, 100,000 Years, Detroit Rock City and the standard �70s bathroom break the guitar and drum solos following Thayer�s lead on Shock Me. However, Kiss always keeps these instrumental passages interesting given that the lead guitarist�s instrument belches fireworks and the drummer cues explosions in the rafters. The solos mercifully ended before they wore out their welcome.
The one sign that this wasn�t your parents� Kiss could be found in Stanley�s voice which no longer is quite the pliable, effortlessly operatic instrument it once was in the 1970s and 1980s. Decades of screaming songs in their original high keys have worn Stanley�s voice to the nub on newer material like the anthemic Say Yeah, �80s numbers like Crazy, Crazy Nights (a surprise, and welcome addition to the setlist) and the 1977 Kiss classic, Love Gun. On that audience favorite, Stanley�s patchy vocals were nicely and wisely augmented with some helpful vocal fills from drummer Singer.
Curiously, though, as the show went on toward its exciting hit-heavy encore set, Stanley�s voice seemed to gain strength and smooth out a little. He sounded pretty good on the disco-era smash, I Was Made for Loving You, which actually requires vocal range and he nailed it quite well. Stanley, the group�s indefatigable cheerleader, also brought it home good and hard on the terrific Lick It Up, Shout It Out Loud and the closing Rock and Roll All Nite.
Simmons, 61, whose songs aren�t pitched so high, sounded remarkably well preserved on his growling signature tunes, Calling Dr. Love, Deuce and I Love It Loud.
Time, and the Kabuki demon makeup, have been kind to Simmons. He hasn�t lost a step. His fire breathing and blood spewing shtick still can make you feel 14 again.
The only difference with this venue�s show is that Simmons couldn�t do his usual God of Thunder fly up into the rafters act and the concert�s staging was flat and simple until the finale when he and Thayer rose on lifts as a confetti machine sent a blizzard over fans and Independence Day-worthy fireworks exploded all around the band.
Kiss could make better use of its other two characters, however. This is still the Paul and Gene Show, perhaps fair since they are the individuals who kept Kiss alive over the years as guitarists and drummers came and went, but Kiss have gems in Thayer and Singer. The latter, now in Peter Criss� original cat makeup and a more muscular rock drummer than his �70s predecessor, nicely sang the group�s one ballad, the lovely Beth, in acoustic form and handled his leads on the driving Black Diamond with vigor.
Thayer only had the Shock Me set piece but he reproduced Ace Frehley�s leads on guitar throughout the night and should have been given more time in the lead vocal spotlight, perhaps on more of Frehley�s tunes or, better yet, his fine contribution to Sonic Boom, When Lightning Strikes.
Above all, given the theatrical limitations in a non-arena show, Kiss� music had to carry the load and what this performance revealed is that the influential Kiss catalog has aged well, its energy and hooks can still excite young and old, and the snobbish bean counters at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame really are clueless and remiss for ignoring Kiss� considerable contribution to rock and roll.
03/18/2011
"I LOVE IT LOUD" VIDEO FROM FLORIDA
03/18/2011
GENE DONATES BASS TO HARD ROCK HOLLYWOOD
03/18/2011
AN AVALANCHE OF HITS AND FIREWORKS
Andr�s O'Neill, Jr.
Photo by Rafael Pichardo
Translated for KISSonline by Jill Cataldo
KISS's Puerto Rico show opened with "Modern Day Delilah, from their latest album Sonic Boom. From there, the band took fans on a ride to the past, all the way back to the first album, 1974's KISS, with "Cold Gin." Two more hits from the early years followed (Let Me Go Rock 'n' Roll Firehouse) and then KISS dove into its new material again with "Say Yeah."
Although the concert offered a great variety of music from KISS's repertoire, the classic antics of bassist Gene Simmons largely cements the stage presence of KISS. As early as the fourth song, "Firehouse," Gene spit out a huge blaze of flames. Later, just before "I Love it Loud,"Gene vomited blood. And of course his legendary tongue-wiggling was ever-present throughout the concert.
Kiss is one of those rare rock bands (if not the only one) in which all members sing. Indeed, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons do sing most of the band's songs, but both the drummer Eric Singer, as well as lead guitarist Tommy Thayer, took the microphone too. Thayer sang "Shock Me," and Eric Singer lent his vocal stylings to "Black Diamond" and the only ballad of the night, "Beth."
Similarly, the four members of KISS also speak directly with the public. Contrary to the "rule" that only the lead singer interacts with the audience and other musicians are simply "there," the four members of KISS always interact with their fans. During the show, Paul Stanley spoke in Spanish that, although mixed with English, was perfectly clear.Andr�s O'Neill, Jr.
Photo by Rafael Pichardo
Translated for KISSonline by Jill Cataldo
KISS's Puerto Rico show opened with "Modern Day Delilah, from their latest album Sonic Boom. From there, the band took fans on a ride to the past, all the way back to the first album, 1974's KISS, with "Cold Gin." Two more hits from the early years followed (Let Me Go Rock 'n' Roll Firehouse) and then KISS dove into its new material again with "Say Yeah."
Although the concert offered a great variety of music from KISS's repertoire, the classic antics of bassist Gene Simmons largely cements the stage presence of KISS. As early as the fourth song, "Firehouse," Gene spit out a huge blaze of flames. Later, just before "I Love it Loud,"Gene vomited blood. And of course his legendary tongue-wiggling was ever-present throughout the concert.
Kiss is one of those rare rock bands (if not the only one) in which all members sing. Indeed, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons do sing most of the band's songs, but both the drummer Eric Singer, as well as lead guitarist Tommy Thayer, took the microphone too. Thayer sang "Shock Me," and Eric Singer lent his vocal stylings to "Black Diamond" and the only ballad of the night, "Beth."
Similarly, the four members of KISS also speak directly with the public. Contrary to the "rule" that only the lead singer interacts with the audience and other musicians are simply "there," the four members of KISS always interact with their fans. During the show, Paul Stanley spoke in Spanish that, although mixed with English, was perfectly clear.
""All right, San Juan! ¿C�mo est�? No hablo en español muy bien. Comprendo tus sentimientos y mi coraz�n belongs to you" was the first thing Stanley said , with a roar of approval from the crowd.
As he spoke with the audience, Stanley also mentioned the long time that had passed since the last time KISS played in Puerto Rico (1999, in the Roberto Clemente Coliseum for the Psycho Circus tour) and even praised the Choliseo facilities. "I see you have this very nice new arena," he cried in the middle of the concert.
Stanley even joked with his Castilian. He caused laughter when very end, saying "Puerto Rico" emphasized the pronunciation of the letter "rrrr" as he sang a cappella "Guantanamera" and the "Cucurrucuc�" portions of "Paloma."
This continued interaction makes the public feel that they are both close to and appreciated by the band. In other words, KISS proved again to be a very unusual group of superstars. They not only manage to captivate with their music, their long career and their complex and elaborate spectacle, but also by the attention that they give to their audience.
Photo by Rafael Pichardo
Translated for KISSonline by Jill Cataldo
KISS's Puerto Rico show opened with "Modern Day Delilah, from their latest album Sonic Boom. From there, the band took fans on a ride to the past, all the way back to the first album, 1974's KISS, with "Cold Gin." Two more hits from the early years followed (Let Me Go Rock 'n' Roll Firehouse) and then KISS dove into its new material again with "Say Yeah."
Although the concert offered a great variety of music from KISS's repertoire, the classic antics of bassist Gene Simmons largely cements the stage presence of KISS. As early as the fourth song, "Firehouse," Gene spit out a huge blaze of flames. Later, just before "I Love it Loud,"Gene vomited blood. And of course his legendary tongue-wiggling was ever-present throughout the concert.
Kiss is one of those rare rock bands (if not the only one) in which all members sing. Indeed, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons do sing most of the band's songs, but both the drummer Eric Singer, as well as lead guitarist Tommy Thayer, took the microphone too. Thayer sang "Shock Me," and Eric Singer lent his vocal stylings to "Black Diamond" and the only ballad of the night, "Beth."
Similarly, the four members of KISS also speak directly with the public. Contrary to the "rule" that only the lead singer interacts with the audience and other musicians are simply "there," the four members of KISS always interact with their fans. During the show, Paul Stanley spoke in Spanish that, although mixed with English, was perfectly clear.Andr�s O'Neill, Jr.
Photo by Rafael Pichardo
Translated for KISSonline by Jill Cataldo
KISS's Puerto Rico show opened with "Modern Day Delilah, from their latest album Sonic Boom. From there, the band took fans on a ride to the past, all the way back to the first album, 1974's KISS, with "Cold Gin." Two more hits from the early years followed (Let Me Go Rock 'n' Roll Firehouse) and then KISS dove into its new material again with "Say Yeah."
Although the concert offered a great variety of music from KISS's repertoire, the classic antics of bassist Gene Simmons largely cements the stage presence of KISS. As early as the fourth song, "Firehouse," Gene spit out a huge blaze of flames. Later, just before "I Love it Loud,"Gene vomited blood. And of course his legendary tongue-wiggling was ever-present throughout the concert.
Kiss is one of those rare rock bands (if not the only one) in which all members sing. Indeed, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons do sing most of the band's songs, but both the drummer Eric Singer, as well as lead guitarist Tommy Thayer, took the microphone too. Thayer sang "Shock Me," and Eric Singer lent his vocal stylings to "Black Diamond" and the only ballad of the night, "Beth."
Similarly, the four members of KISS also speak directly with the public. Contrary to the "rule" that only the lead singer interacts with the audience and other musicians are simply "there," the four members of KISS always interact with their fans. During the show, Paul Stanley spoke in Spanish that, although mixed with English, was perfectly clear.
""All right, San Juan! ¿C�mo est�? No hablo en español muy bien. Comprendo tus sentimientos y mi coraz�n belongs to you" was the first thing Stanley said , with a roar of approval from the crowd.
As he spoke with the audience, Stanley also mentioned the long time that had passed since the last time KISS played in Puerto Rico (1999, in the Roberto Clemente Coliseum for the Psycho Circus tour) and even praised the Choliseo facilities. "I see you have this very nice new arena," he cried in the middle of the concert.
Stanley even joked with his Castilian. He caused laughter when very end, saying "Puerto Rico" emphasized the pronunciation of the letter "rrrr" as he sang a cappella "Guantanamera" and the "Cucurrucuc�" portions of "Paloma."
This continued interaction makes the public feel that they are both close to and appreciated by the band. In other words, KISS proved again to be a very unusual group of superstars. They not only manage to captivate with their music, their long career and their complex and elaborate spectacle, but also by the attention that they give to their audience.
03/18/2011
KISS IN THE NEWS: PUERTO RICO
03/17/2011
MORE VIDEO CLIPS FROM HOUSTON
03/17/2011
HOUSTON REVIEWS KEEP COMING!
Reviews of KISS' RodeoHouston show Tuesday night continue to roll in. Here are excerpts from some Houston-area publications:
CULTUREMAP HOUSTON:
Over the past 70 years Houston's annual rodeo has welcomed rock acts from Elvis Presley to Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Earlier this week Kid Rock nearly blew the Reliant Stadium retractable roof open with a performance that may have looked a little country, but was definitely rock n' roll.
Never, however, has any band stepped onto the mobile rodeo stage covered in white make-up, sweat, brimstone and sensuality like American glam metal icons KISS did Tuesday night.
"How you doing, Houston?," shrieked KISS lead singer Paul Stanley as he introduced a one hour, 12-song set of glam metal the likes of which RodeoHouston had never seen...
I had my doubts that a band known for a stage arsenal of pyrotechnics and wires that allowed Stanley and Simmons to fly around the stage like kabuki bats could be scaled down for rodeo and still work. Their ability to unleash hell on stage with smoke, fire, flaming projectiles and Simmons' disgustingly long blood-spitting tongue is part of what makes a KISS show a KISS show.
It did.
In addition to tighter, energized versions of KISS standards like "Detroit Rock City," the reinvigorated musicians brought back lesser-known (but no less loved) favorites... Even more impressive, they have recorded new material, like two-year old album Sonic Boom, that has enhanced their discography. Another new KISS album is expected later this year.Reviews of KISS' RodeoHouston show Tuesday night continue to roll in. Here are excerpts from some Houston-area publications:
CULTUREMAP HOUSTON:
Over the past 70 years Houston's annual rodeo has welcomed rock acts from Elvis Presley to Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Earlier this week Kid Rock nearly blew the Reliant Stadium retractable roof open with a performance that may have looked a little country, but was definitely rock n' roll.
Never, however, has any band stepped onto the mobile rodeo stage covered in white make-up, sweat, brimstone and sensuality like American glam metal icons KISS did Tuesday night.
"How you doing, Houston?," shrieked KISS lead singer Paul Stanley as he introduced a one hour, 12-song set of glam metal the likes of which RodeoHouston had never seen...
I had my doubts that a band known for a stage arsenal of pyrotechnics and wires that allowed Stanley and Simmons to fly around the stage like kabuki bats could be scaled down for rodeo and still work. Their ability to unleash hell on stage with smoke, fire, flaming projectiles and Simmons' disgustingly long blood-spitting tongue is part of what makes a KISS show a KISS show.
It did.
In addition to tighter, energized versions of KISS standards like "Detroit Rock City," the reinvigorated musicians brought back lesser-known (but no less loved) favorites... Even more impressive, they have recorded new material, like two-year old album Sonic Boom, that has enhanced their discography. Another new KISS album is expected later this year.
Together for 37 years, KISS was a rock radio hit machine throughout the '70s and '80s but took much of the '90s off. Since reuniting a little more than a decade ago they have been quite businesslike. In fact something quite unexpected has happened in recent years: They started caring about the music again.
After making the tough decisions to part ways with original (but troubled) guitarist Ace Frehley and contentious drummer Peter Criss in favor of Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, respectively, things really started clicking into place for the reunited KISS.
The latter-day KISS has left old vices behind and concentrates solely on entertaining. This new direction made them a perfect, yet unlikely fit for RodeoHouston.
__________________________________
HOUSTON CHRONICLE
KISS, by now, is as warm and familiar to fans as a (sparkly) bathrobe... and the KISS army was out in force. Old-school fans and grade-schoolers in full makeup populated the crowd of more than 72,000, a big number for a weekday show, even during spring break. Stage limitations cut out much of the band's extravagant stage show, which is a large part of the KISS experience. But they did what they could with pyro and fireworks, which punctuated every song.
Photo by Karen Warren for the Houston Chronicle.
CULTUREMAP HOUSTON:
Over the past 70 years Houston's annual rodeo has welcomed rock acts from Elvis Presley to Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Earlier this week Kid Rock nearly blew the Reliant Stadium retractable roof open with a performance that may have looked a little country, but was definitely rock n' roll.
Never, however, has any band stepped onto the mobile rodeo stage covered in white make-up, sweat, brimstone and sensuality like American glam metal icons KISS did Tuesday night.
"How you doing, Houston?," shrieked KISS lead singer Paul Stanley as he introduced a one hour, 12-song set of glam metal the likes of which RodeoHouston had never seen...
I had my doubts that a band known for a stage arsenal of pyrotechnics and wires that allowed Stanley and Simmons to fly around the stage like kabuki bats could be scaled down for rodeo and still work. Their ability to unleash hell on stage with smoke, fire, flaming projectiles and Simmons' disgustingly long blood-spitting tongue is part of what makes a KISS show a KISS show.
It did.
In addition to tighter, energized versions of KISS standards like "Detroit Rock City," the reinvigorated musicians brought back lesser-known (but no less loved) favorites... Even more impressive, they have recorded new material, like two-year old album Sonic Boom, that has enhanced their discography. Another new KISS album is expected later this year.Reviews of KISS' RodeoHouston show Tuesday night continue to roll in. Here are excerpts from some Houston-area publications:
CULTUREMAP HOUSTON:
Over the past 70 years Houston's annual rodeo has welcomed rock acts from Elvis Presley to Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Earlier this week Kid Rock nearly blew the Reliant Stadium retractable roof open with a performance that may have looked a little country, but was definitely rock n' roll.
Never, however, has any band stepped onto the mobile rodeo stage covered in white make-up, sweat, brimstone and sensuality like American glam metal icons KISS did Tuesday night.
"How you doing, Houston?," shrieked KISS lead singer Paul Stanley as he introduced a one hour, 12-song set of glam metal the likes of which RodeoHouston had never seen...
I had my doubts that a band known for a stage arsenal of pyrotechnics and wires that allowed Stanley and Simmons to fly around the stage like kabuki bats could be scaled down for rodeo and still work. Their ability to unleash hell on stage with smoke, fire, flaming projectiles and Simmons' disgustingly long blood-spitting tongue is part of what makes a KISS show a KISS show.
It did.
In addition to tighter, energized versions of KISS standards like "Detroit Rock City," the reinvigorated musicians brought back lesser-known (but no less loved) favorites... Even more impressive, they have recorded new material, like two-year old album Sonic Boom, that has enhanced their discography. Another new KISS album is expected later this year.
Together for 37 years, KISS was a rock radio hit machine throughout the '70s and '80s but took much of the '90s off. Since reuniting a little more than a decade ago they have been quite businesslike. In fact something quite unexpected has happened in recent years: They started caring about the music again.
After making the tough decisions to part ways with original (but troubled) guitarist Ace Frehley and contentious drummer Peter Criss in favor of Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, respectively, things really started clicking into place for the reunited KISS.
The latter-day KISS has left old vices behind and concentrates solely on entertaining. This new direction made them a perfect, yet unlikely fit for RodeoHouston.
__________________________________
HOUSTON CHRONICLE
KISS, by now, is as warm and familiar to fans as a (sparkly) bathrobe... and the KISS army was out in force. Old-school fans and grade-schoolers in full makeup populated the crowd of more than 72,000, a big number for a weekday show, even during spring break. Stage limitations cut out much of the band's extravagant stage show, which is a large part of the KISS experience. But they did what they could with pyro and fireworks, which punctuated every song.
Photo by Karen Warren for the Houston Chronicle.
03/16/2011
LAST NIGHT: KISS AT RODEOHOUSTON
By Allison Wagoner
KISS - Reliant Stadium - March 15, 2011
We'll drive you wild with our photos from last night's show.
In Tom Snyder's 1979 interview with the original members of KISS, only two of which remain, he asked bassist Gene Simmons, "What would happen if you went out on stage for a concert and you didn't set off the fireworks, didn't break the guitar, and didn't have the smoke, fire, and blood?"
Simmons responded astutely, "It would still be a rip-roaring rock and roll show because...we don't stand still when we play our instruments. We run around and pretty much raise hell."
Over 30 years later, Aftermath wanted to test that theory, since we were aware of some of the stage restrictions at Reliant Stadium. There was no blood and not as much fire as we expected, but there were plenty of pyrotechnics for the group to put on a decadently distinctive KISS show, playing 12 songs in their entirety in just an hour.
We were hot with expectancy before the lights even went off. We delightedly watched those little mutton-busters get scared out of their minds as a rodeo clown with full KISS makeup hoisted them up after the inevitable sheep trampling.
Imagine being five years old, strapped to a running sheep in front of 70,000 people, and then busting your ass just to be saved by an old man dressed like Gene Simmons. That's traumatizing stuff, man.
When the lights went out and the initial fireworks were over, we watched a video of the members "getting ready" and "approaching the stage." The band rode out to the stage on golf carts and the customary introduction boomed through the stadium: "You wanted the best, you got the best: the hottest band in the world, KISS!!"
Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Eric Singer, and Tommy Thayer then opened with "Modern Day Delilah" from their 2009 release, Sonic Boom and then went back to 1976's Destroyer with "Shout It Out Loud." Commence the Simmons guitar-licking and tongue exhibit, Stanley pick-spitting, and drawn-out Thayer solos.
Stanley warmed the Houstonians up quickly, mentioning our long history together. "We go back a long way," he said. "You people are some of the finest people we've ever played for... we would not miss being here."KISS
Reliant Stadium
March 15, 2011
We'll drive you wild with our photos from last night's show.
In Tom Snyder's 1979 interview with the original members of KISS, only two of which remain, he asked bassist Gene Simmons, "What would happen if you went out on stage for a concert and you didn't set off the fireworks, didn't break the guitar, and didn't have the smoke, fire, and blood?"
Simmons responded astutely, "It would still be a rip-roaring rock and roll show because...we don't stand still when we play our instruments. We run around and pretty much raise hell."
Over 30 years later, Aftermath wanted to test that theory, since we were aware of some of the stage restrictions at Reliant Stadium. There was no blood and not as much fire as we expected, but there were plenty of pyrotechnics for the group to put on a decadently distinctive KISS show, playing 12 songs in their entirety in just an hour.
We were hot with expectancy before the lights even went off. We delightedly watched those little mutton-busters get scared out of their minds as a rodeo clown with full KISS makeup hoisted them up after the inevitable sheep trampling.
Imagine being five years old, strapped to a running sheep in front of 70,000 people, and then busting your ass just to be saved by an old man dressed like Gene Simmons. That's traumatizing stuff, man.
When the lights went out and the initial fireworks were over, we watched a video of the members "getting ready" and "approaching the stage." The band rode out to the stage on golf carts and the customary introduction boomed through the stadium: "You wanted the best, you got the best: the hottest band in the world, KISS!!"
Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Eric Singer, and Tommy Thayer then opened with "Modern Day Delilah" from their 2009 release, Sonic Boom and then went back to 1976's Destroyer with "Shout It Out Loud." Commence the Simmons guitar-licking and tongue exhibit, Stanley pick-spitting, and drawn-out Thayer solos.
Stanley warmed the Houstonians up quickly, mentioning our long history together. "We go back a long way," he said. "You people are some of the finest people we've ever played for... we would not miss being here."
The group then revisited their own KISStory by playing "Deuce" from their 1974 self-titled debut. Stanley skipped around a bit and played his guitar under his legs while Thayer concurrently performed his own solo, which was splendid.
(Side note: We know there are many KISS purists out there, and to most, Thayer could never replace original lead guitarist Ace Frehley. He bit his style and even his makeup; but in truth, he's a great musician and complements Simmons and Stanley well.)
Stanley prepared the stadium for some mandatory KISS heat, foreshadowing,"You're not tired, are you, Houston? I got a feeling if everyone loosens up a bit we're going to get this place so hot we're going to have to call out the firehouse!"
The band then played KISS' "Firehouse" while Simmons lit a sword on fire, blew even more flames, and then stabbed the fiery weapon into the ground. During the instrumental break, Stanley came out onto the ramp and knelt down, seductively putting his guitar pick on his tongue and then spitting it out before finishing the song.
KISS continued to play their older classics like "Calling Dr. Love," "Love Gun," "Detroit Rock City" and "I Love It Loud," not venturing past 1982 album Creatures of the Night. Stanley prefaced each song with a cappella teasers of the hits that he knew would be easily identified by even the newest of fans, whom he beckoned to join in.
They slowed the momentum down for the ballad "Beth," from Destroyer, which was originally performed by founding drummer Peter Criss. We heard a few grumbles in the crowd from fans who may have resented the (relatively) newcomer for adopting the song.
The group picked the speed of the show back up with "Lick It Up." As can be assumed by the title, Simmons' tongue movements came with a lot of drool. Aftermath has watched his reality show for a while, so seeing this signature move in person was almost disturbing.
We now know him as a father and an entrepreneur; we've seen him cry, laugh, learn, love, and make a killing off KISS merchandise. Expect that drool to be on eBay right now.
Like their Woodlands performance last year, KISS took a break to honor two soldiers onstage. Stanley urged the crowd to stand up and recite the Pledge of Allegiance for the two men in uniform and the rest of the soldiers who were not in attendance. He added, "they won't hear it, but they'll hear about it."
A dollar from every ticket sold at the Rodeo went to the Wounded Warriors Care Project. After the pledge was over, Stanley spoke briefly about the American soldiers overseas and foreign relations to cleverly segue into their final song. You know the one: "Pray that we all get together...to rock and roll all nite and party every day!"
After the international rock and roll hymn was over, Stanley swung his guitar around for about two minutes, building anticipation for the break. He finally kissed it before breaking it as the last of the fireworks went off.
All in all, these dudes might have accumulated some strained voices, hip problems, and damaged hair since the '70s, but they are still rocking and acquiring new fans every year. We'll see them again.
After all, every time a member of KISS gets a wrinkle, they get 5,000 new fans.
Personal Bias: There was a significant amount of young children dressed as KISS members. We wish that we could see their reactions when they get to middle school and look back at pictures. Also questionable: Why weren't their parents donned in similar ensembles?
Overheard In the Crowd: "I'm wearing my KISS shirt to jazzercise tomorrow." Also, when Stanley introduced "Detroit Rock City," he said, "Detroit is a city filled with good people." To which a concertgoer replied, "WHO ARE ALL LEAVING!"
Random Notebook Dump: On the way out the door, we saw two girls who appeared to be 13 or 14 with Demon and Starchild makeup on, singing "Rock and Roll All Nite." KISS is everlasting.
KISS - Reliant Stadium - March 15, 2011
We'll drive you wild with our photos from last night's show.
In Tom Snyder's 1979 interview with the original members of KISS, only two of which remain, he asked bassist Gene Simmons, "What would happen if you went out on stage for a concert and you didn't set off the fireworks, didn't break the guitar, and didn't have the smoke, fire, and blood?"
Simmons responded astutely, "It would still be a rip-roaring rock and roll show because...we don't stand still when we play our instruments. We run around and pretty much raise hell."
Over 30 years later, Aftermath wanted to test that theory, since we were aware of some of the stage restrictions at Reliant Stadium. There was no blood and not as much fire as we expected, but there were plenty of pyrotechnics for the group to put on a decadently distinctive KISS show, playing 12 songs in their entirety in just an hour.
We were hot with expectancy before the lights even went off. We delightedly watched those little mutton-busters get scared out of their minds as a rodeo clown with full KISS makeup hoisted them up after the inevitable sheep trampling.
Imagine being five years old, strapped to a running sheep in front of 70,000 people, and then busting your ass just to be saved by an old man dressed like Gene Simmons. That's traumatizing stuff, man.
When the lights went out and the initial fireworks were over, we watched a video of the members "getting ready" and "approaching the stage." The band rode out to the stage on golf carts and the customary introduction boomed through the stadium: "You wanted the best, you got the best: the hottest band in the world, KISS!!"
Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Eric Singer, and Tommy Thayer then opened with "Modern Day Delilah" from their 2009 release, Sonic Boom and then went back to 1976's Destroyer with "Shout It Out Loud." Commence the Simmons guitar-licking and tongue exhibit, Stanley pick-spitting, and drawn-out Thayer solos.
Stanley warmed the Houstonians up quickly, mentioning our long history together. "We go back a long way," he said. "You people are some of the finest people we've ever played for... we would not miss being here."KISS
Reliant Stadium
March 15, 2011
We'll drive you wild with our photos from last night's show.
In Tom Snyder's 1979 interview with the original members of KISS, only two of which remain, he asked bassist Gene Simmons, "What would happen if you went out on stage for a concert and you didn't set off the fireworks, didn't break the guitar, and didn't have the smoke, fire, and blood?"
Simmons responded astutely, "It would still be a rip-roaring rock and roll show because...we don't stand still when we play our instruments. We run around and pretty much raise hell."
Over 30 years later, Aftermath wanted to test that theory, since we were aware of some of the stage restrictions at Reliant Stadium. There was no blood and not as much fire as we expected, but there were plenty of pyrotechnics for the group to put on a decadently distinctive KISS show, playing 12 songs in their entirety in just an hour.
We were hot with expectancy before the lights even went off. We delightedly watched those little mutton-busters get scared out of their minds as a rodeo clown with full KISS makeup hoisted them up after the inevitable sheep trampling.
Imagine being five years old, strapped to a running sheep in front of 70,000 people, and then busting your ass just to be saved by an old man dressed like Gene Simmons. That's traumatizing stuff, man.
When the lights went out and the initial fireworks were over, we watched a video of the members "getting ready" and "approaching the stage." The band rode out to the stage on golf carts and the customary introduction boomed through the stadium: "You wanted the best, you got the best: the hottest band in the world, KISS!!"
Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Eric Singer, and Tommy Thayer then opened with "Modern Day Delilah" from their 2009 release, Sonic Boom and then went back to 1976's Destroyer with "Shout It Out Loud." Commence the Simmons guitar-licking and tongue exhibit, Stanley pick-spitting, and drawn-out Thayer solos.
Stanley warmed the Houstonians up quickly, mentioning our long history together. "We go back a long way," he said. "You people are some of the finest people we've ever played for... we would not miss being here."
The group then revisited their own KISStory by playing "Deuce" from their 1974 self-titled debut. Stanley skipped around a bit and played his guitar under his legs while Thayer concurrently performed his own solo, which was splendid.
(Side note: We know there are many KISS purists out there, and to most, Thayer could never replace original lead guitarist Ace Frehley. He bit his style and even his makeup; but in truth, he's a great musician and complements Simmons and Stanley well.)
Stanley prepared the stadium for some mandatory KISS heat, foreshadowing,"You're not tired, are you, Houston? I got a feeling if everyone loosens up a bit we're going to get this place so hot we're going to have to call out the firehouse!"
The band then played KISS' "Firehouse" while Simmons lit a sword on fire, blew even more flames, and then stabbed the fiery weapon into the ground. During the instrumental break, Stanley came out onto the ramp and knelt down, seductively putting his guitar pick on his tongue and then spitting it out before finishing the song.
KISS continued to play their older classics like "Calling Dr. Love," "Love Gun," "Detroit Rock City" and "I Love It Loud," not venturing past 1982 album Creatures of the Night. Stanley prefaced each song with a cappella teasers of the hits that he knew would be easily identified by even the newest of fans, whom he beckoned to join in.
They slowed the momentum down for the ballad "Beth," from Destroyer, which was originally performed by founding drummer Peter Criss. We heard a few grumbles in the crowd from fans who may have resented the (relatively) newcomer for adopting the song.
The group picked the speed of the show back up with "Lick It Up." As can be assumed by the title, Simmons' tongue movements came with a lot of drool. Aftermath has watched his reality show for a while, so seeing this signature move in person was almost disturbing.
We now know him as a father and an entrepreneur; we've seen him cry, laugh, learn, love, and make a killing off KISS merchandise. Expect that drool to be on eBay right now.
Like their Woodlands performance last year, KISS took a break to honor two soldiers onstage. Stanley urged the crowd to stand up and recite the Pledge of Allegiance for the two men in uniform and the rest of the soldiers who were not in attendance. He added, "they won't hear it, but they'll hear about it."
A dollar from every ticket sold at the Rodeo went to the Wounded Warriors Care Project. After the pledge was over, Stanley spoke briefly about the American soldiers overseas and foreign relations to cleverly segue into their final song. You know the one: "Pray that we all get together...to rock and roll all nite and party every day!"
After the international rock and roll hymn was over, Stanley swung his guitar around for about two minutes, building anticipation for the break. He finally kissed it before breaking it as the last of the fireworks went off.
All in all, these dudes might have accumulated some strained voices, hip problems, and damaged hair since the '70s, but they are still rocking and acquiring new fans every year. We'll see them again.
After all, every time a member of KISS gets a wrinkle, they get 5,000 new fans.
Personal Bias: There was a significant amount of young children dressed as KISS members. We wish that we could see their reactions when they get to middle school and look back at pictures. Also questionable: Why weren't their parents donned in similar ensembles?
Overheard In the Crowd: "I'm wearing my KISS shirt to jazzercise tomorrow." Also, when Stanley introduced "Detroit Rock City," he said, "Detroit is a city filled with good people." To which a concertgoer replied, "WHO ARE ALL LEAVING!"
Random Notebook Dump: On the way out the door, we saw two girls who appeared to be 13 or 14 with Demon and Starchild makeup on, singing "Rock and Roll All Nite." KISS is everlasting.
