Kiss News

SAULT METAL SCENE:

So how exactly did last night's Kiss concert go? I'll tell you in this extended review of what may be the biggest hard rock show in Essar Center history!

The concert kicked off in a huge way as Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Tommy Thayer were brought to the stage on a giant platform rotating over Eric Singer's drumkit, as they played the opening strains of "Modern Day Delilah", while what seemed like 1,000 smoke machines billowed smoke all over the stage! Their stage setup is the most elaborate I'd seen ever locally, with tons of video "boxes", a giant video wall, two smaller screens on the sides, high risers for members to climb on, and a giant lit up Kiss logo which Eric Singer drummed on top of! And that's not even describing the special effects and stunts they did! First impressions on seeing Kiss live? Wow. What else can you say, it's KISS!

SAULT METAL SCENE:

So how exactly did last night's Kiss concert go? I'll tell you in this extended review of what may be the biggest hard rock show in Essar Center history!

The concert kicked off in a huge way as Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Tommy Thayer were brought to the stage on a giant platform rotating over Eric Singer's drumkit, as they played the opening strains of "Modern Day Delilah", while what seemed like 1,000 smoke machines billowed smoke all over the stage! Their stage setup is the most elaborate I'd seen ever locally, with tons of video "boxes", a giant video wall, two smaller screens on the sides, high risers for members to climb on, and a giant lit up Kiss logo which Eric Singer drummed on top of! And that's not even describing the special effects and stunts they did! First impressions on seeing Kiss live? Wow. What else can you say, it's KISS!

Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer got vocal moments in the sun, notably with Tommy singing "Shock Me" and Eric singing "Beth"! I gotta say, they both do Ace and Peter justice vocally AND musically, and they sure proved it elsewhere in their solo sections! Tommy can really shred that guitar, and Eric's drum solo was fast and furious, as it should be! If there was lingering resentment from fans towards two new guys in the Spaceman and Catman costumes, then I didn't notice!

During "Deuce", one excitable (and quite drunk) female fan tried to dance with Paul Stanley on the risers beside my section while security repeatedly tried to restrain her, and I'm sure that if given the opportunity, other fans might have tried the same! As it tons of white confetti was blasted out onto the crowd during their closing number, "Rock N' Roll All Night", we celebrated one last time with Kiss at a show we'll surely never forget!

While the metalhead in me still says Heaven and Hell and Megadeth were the best musical show in Essar Center history, Kiss was by far the best single live experience I've seen at the arena, and if you missed it, then you seriously missed out! I have no idea if Kiss will ever be back in the Sault area, but if they do come back, I'll be there!

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SOO NEWS:

Despite having to wait almost a year for them to show up, local rock fans got to see the legendary band KISS live in concert at the Essar Centre on Tuesday night... over 4,700 fans jammed the arena and cheered their way through the band's two hour set, which included hits such as Detroit Rock City and Shout It Out Loud.

The stage effects that the band is known for were in full force as well, with pyrotechnics blasting throughout the set, along with the well-known moments when bassist Gene Simmons breathed fire and spit blood.

It wasn't just all the classic hits that KISS performed, as they also played a few numbers from their latest record, 2009's Sonic Boom. In fact, the band opened with Modern Day Delilah, the lead single and track on the album.

Photo by Lucas Punkari for Soo News.

KISS to bring over-the-top theatrics to Mohegan Sun

By SHARMA HOWARD

KISS spews fire, spits blood and appears onstage like otherworldly apparitions. Their trademark look is still intact: kabuki-style makeup coupled with black leather outfits and knee-high platform boots.

Theirs is an image that has never been bested by other heavy metal bands. Throw in Gene Simmons' wavering tongue, and the iconic look has been seared into popular culture since the band's reign, which ignited in 1975 with the release of Alive!

Their rendition of the already-released "Rock and Roll All Nite," off Alive! yielded their first Top 40 single, and is now considered the anthem for rock'n'roll.

Their legendary penchant for pyrotechnics, which includes everything from igniting guitars to flying into the rafters, will be let loose Aug. 19 when KISS comes to Mohegan Sun Arena.KISS to bring over-the-top theatrics to Mohegan Sun

By SHARMA HOWARD

KISS spews fire, spits blood and appears onstage like otherworldly apparitions. Their trademark look is still intact: kabuki-style makeup coupled with black leather outfits and knee-high platform boots.

Theirs is an image that has never been bested by other heavy metal bands. Throw in Gene Simmons' wavering tongue, and the iconic look has been seared into popular culture since the band's reign, which ignited in 1975 with the release of Alive!

Their rendition of the already-released "Rock and Roll All Nite," off Alive! yielded their first Top 40 single, and is now considered the anthem for rock'n'roll.

Their legendary penchant for pyrotechnics, which includes everything from igniting guitars to flying into the rafters, will be let loose Aug. 19 when KISS comes to Mohegan Sun Arena.

Long after the novelty of KISS' looks have faded, their music and theatrics are luring legions of new fans while keeping their base loyal. Dubbed the KISS Army, they are an enthused bunch.

Although the band faltered in the '80s, it is one that has risen again for a comeback.

If reviews of recent concerts are to be believed, KISS still puts on quite a show - "the ultimate showmen in the ultimate heavy rock pantomime," as a reviewer in Birmingham, England, said.

Fans can expect the favorites that have kept them fueled as the band has gone through several incarnations since 1975. One included a reunion of original members in 1996 - with makeup. Since 1983, the band had performed fresh-faced, but stepped back into the fantasy world of alter-egos to the delight of fans.

Likely set-list

Songs such as the ballad "Beth," which was given new life on "American Idol" when runner-up Adam Lambert sang it, will likely be on the set list. Their "anthem" can also be expected, as well as a host of other hits: "Detroit City Rock," "Cold Gin," "I Was Made For Lovin' You," "Lick It Up" and "Love Gun," among others.

New material, such as "Modern Day Delilah," is also fueling excitement amongst concert goers.

Some may marvel that KISS is still storming the stage and wooing new generations of fans into the KISS fantasy. But the man that can be credited with keeping KISS alive through all its permutations is Gene Simmons - whose business savvy is now well-known.
The key, Simmons said in an interview, is treating it all like a party.

"Most rock groups shouldn't exist more than ... you fill in the amount of time. The premise is, a rock'n'roll band should be handled like a party. If you're at a party and it feels good and you're having a good time, stay. If it starts to get boring, go. Don't bore yourself or the people who are having the party by staying there if you're not having a good time. And that's the way KISS is treated."

BY MIKE KERWICK

A few weeks ago, Eric Singer found a mirror in his dressing room. He took a moment to stare at the 52-year-old man in the red, white and black makeup, amused by his reflection.

Wow. This is great. I'm getting to do something I always wanted to do.

"I'm trying to learn to really appreciate those moments when you're in them," Singer said during a recent phone interview. "Rather than thinking, 'Oh wow, that's cool that I played with Brian May 12 years ago.' Or, 'That's cool that we're going to go play in Cleveland, my hometown, in another few weeks.' "

Enjoying the ride

Singer, three times a member of KISS, twice replaced by original drummer Peter Criss, knows there may be a moment when he relinquishes the reins a third time. So he tries to enjoy each appearance on "The Tonight Show." He soaks up those minutes when the band sits together in the dressing room, applying makeup.BY MIKE KERWICK

A few weeks ago, Eric Singer found a mirror in his dressing room. He took a moment to stare at the 52-year-old man in the red, white and black makeup, amused by his reflection.

Wow. This is great. I'm getting to do something I always wanted to do.

"I'm trying to learn to really appreciate those moments when you're in them," Singer said during a recent phone interview. "Rather than thinking, 'Oh wow, that's cool that I played with Brian May 12 years ago.' Or, 'That's cool that we're going to go play in Cleveland, my hometown, in another few weeks.' "

Enjoying the ride

Singer, three times a member of KISS, twice replaced by original drummer Peter Criss, knows there may be a moment when he relinquishes the reins a third time. So he tries to enjoy each appearance on "The Tonight Show." He soaks up those minutes when the band sits together in the dressing room, applying makeup.

And though the pyrotechnics and makeup offer challenges most bands never have to confront, he wouldn't trade this spot behind the drums.

"I always say the world keeps spinning whether you choose to participate or whether you choose to get off at some point," Singer said. "So you might as well participate."

Singer, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Tommy Thayer will bring their inimitable mix of music, pyro and onstage theatrics to two metropolitan area venues this month. The group still hasn't kicked open the door to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but the band has kicked open just about everything else.

Could it be that somewhere along the line KISS - the blood-spitting, fire-breathing, face-painting band from the '70s - became a piece of Americana? Like McDonald's or apple pie, if you believe Singer.

"I tell everybody, I don't care if you've never liked KISS - if you don't know their music or you don't like it - you've got to see KISS at least once in your life," Singer said. "And you will walk away going, 'That's a cool show and that's a great thing.' "

Younger audiences

The gig isn't without headaches. Singer admits that the costume is restrictive. He actually sweats less, which may not be a good thing, because the makeup closes up his pores. And don't get him started on the pyro ...

"I like the pyro as long as they have the bombs blowing up farther away from the stage," Singer said, "cause when they're on the stage, they are so damn loud and it kills my ears."

The explosions may be getting louder, but Singer said the crowds are getting younger and younger.

"There's literally little kids, 3, 4, 5 years old, up to adults and grandparents," Singer said. "So it's become a real truly family event... I liken it to Disneyland, Universal Studios. It really is like going to one of those special events."

Legendary rockers mine classics

Posted By Jeffrey Ougler

A recent episode of Gene Simmons Family Jewels had the Kiss bassist spouting off the old adage of how standing still in business is akin to writing one's own suicide note.

Granted. But when it comes to cobbling set lists, this legendary band eyes neither the future nor even the near present all that much. Tuesday night's rock extravaganza at Sault Ste. Marie's Essar Centre was a platform-heeled musical leap into the past, save for a few tunes from 2009's Sonic Boom.

But for Simmons and his Kiss cohorts, for whom music means business, it's only prudent to subscribe to the age-old market rules governing supply and demand. Just imagine if the band hadn't closed the show - or at least included - a fiery rendition of Rock and Roll All Nite, complete with accompanying explosions, Simmonsesque tongue wagging and levitating stages. The masses would have certainly shouted out loud, calling for something much more severe than Dr. Love. Kiss appeared to supply the demand of the 4,700 who packed the house - the massive stage shaved seating capacity somewhat.Legendary rockers mine classics

Posted By Jeffrey Ougler

A recent episode of Gene Simmons Family Jewels had the Kiss bassist spouting off the old adage of how standing still in business is akin to writing one's own suicide note.

Granted. But when it comes to cobbling set lists, this legendary band eyes neither the future nor even the near present all that much. Tuesday night's rock extravaganza at Sault Ste. Marie's Essar Centre was a platform-heeled musical leap into the past, save for a few tunes from 2009's Sonic Boom.

But for Simmons and his Kiss cohorts, for whom music means business, it's only prudent to subscribe to the age-old market rules governing supply and demand. Just imagine if the band hadn't closed the show - or at least included - a fiery rendition of Rock and Roll All Nite, complete with accompanying explosions, Simmonsesque tongue wagging and levitating stages. The masses would have certainly shouted out loud, calling for something much more severe than Dr. Love. Kiss appeared to supply the demand of the 4,700 who packed the house - the massive stage shaved seating capacity somewhat.

Essentially, the show lived up to its promotion as being part of The Hottest Show on Earth Tour.

A colleague mentioned earlier this week that middle-aged men in the audience would likely be brought to tears upon hearing the first riffs of Detroit Rock City. I scoffed. Now I think she was likely bang on.

On the early song-selection front, Kiss should be given full kudos from deviating from its standard Detroit Rock City opening, choosing, instead, to kick off with Modern Day Delilah from Sonic Boom. From there, the band detoured to its 1974 debut album for Cold Gin, originally sung by former lead guitarist Ace Frehley. Gene Simmons's gravely voice carried the tune well.

Other classic numbers - and not necessarily Top 40 hits - included Deuce, Let me Go Rock 'N' Roll, Firehouse, 100,000 Years, Love Gun, Black Diamond, Calling Dr. Love and Shock Me (lead guitarist Tommy Thayer handled vocals on this Frehley standard).

Along with Modern Day Delilah, other Sonic Boom selections were I'm an Animal and Say Yeah, each of which the band played - and plugged - with such polish and passion it was if the quartet's very lives depended on each and every soul in the audience going out and picking up a copy of the album first thing in the morning.

Perhaps it was pure demographics, but some of the tunes included in the two-hour gig that gleaned the most applause and fan participation were 1980s numbers, such as I Love it Loud and Lick it Up.

The audience itself was a curious mix of seniors, middle-agers and a younger set that included a healthy selection of scantily-clad teeny boppers, who would have been prime candidates for one of Simmons's more recent proposed business ventures: a bikini car wash.

There were some cleverly painted faces, but fewer folks sporting all-out Kiss costumes than what appeared at the Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., show a few years back. But, in 2007, the band played only a handful of concerts and likely attracted a much more fervent brand of enthusiasts from all four corners of the globe.

Stanley and Simmons were the ultimate showmen Tuesday night, proving their professionalism beyond a doubt - even when playing for an audience a fraction of what they're accustomed to.

"It's all about who you are, not how many you've got," said Stanley, rhyming off a few of the Canadian cities Kiss has played. Sudbury's mention was met with boos.

Stanley was also humble about delays in the Sault landing the hard rockers.

It was announced in June the makeup-clad quartet would make good on its promise to play Essar Centre in a makeup date for its postponed Dec. 15 show. The Sault placed third in an online contest last year that let fan votes route the band's fall North American tour, but bad weather cancelled the final show of the tour.

"Did you think we weren't going to come? We're here." Stanley said. His moment in the sun was gliding over the floor seats with the aid of a cable and singing You Were Made for Loving Me from a small, rotating stage in the north end of the arena.

Simmons, the man of many words in his hit reality show, remains The Demon on stage, rarely saying more than "Oh yeah" but arguably singing as well as he did during the band's salad days.

A true highlight of the show was drummer Eric Singer and Thayer showing their stuff at the conclusion of Shock Me, with Thayer's blistering guitar solo, done primarily with the axe lodged behind his head, and Singer proving his mastery of the drum kit on a short, but thundering solo. Any barbs about the two relative newcomers taking on Peter Criss's Catman persona and Frehley's Spaceman character quickly become moot.

It's hard to pinpoint the basis of Kiss's current popularity.

Is it pure nostalgia? A resurrection of the band's brand due to Simmons's reality TV stint? Or, perhaps, it's purely the music. Kiss might tell you God Gave Rock 'N' Roll to You. On Tuesday night in Sault Ste. Marie, it was Kiss that delivered.