KISS delivers with inspirational Freedom to Rock tour
By / www.nwitimes.com
There aren't many rock bands that have the moxie to prompt their show touting, "You wanted the best, you got the best...The hottest band in the world-KISS."
That�s just what these Rock N' Roll powerhouses give their fans with every performance. Explosions, fire, blood and the decibels that have astounded generations for more than four decades is just another day at the office for KISS.
On Saturday, Aug. 13, the ringleaders of the "Psycho Circus" brought their "Freedom To Rock" tour to Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan celebrating their music and honoring the men and women serving the great United States of America along the way.
"We first played here in 1974," reminded vocalist and guitarist Paul Stanley. "Our show doesn't have any dancers, lip syncing or musicians offstage. You deserve better and we are a Rock N' Roll band that believes in giving you that."
And that's exactly what KISS did as they played deeper cuts and favorites like "Shout it Out Loud," "Detroit Rock City," "I Love It Loud," "Do You Love Me," "Cold Gin," "Beth," "Lick It Up" and "Black Diamond," just to name a few.
KISS' catalogue of hit after enormous hit has made them perennial fan favorites that critics never really embraced. Stanley even reminded fans "the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame doesn't like us very much," but KISS has never sought the industry's approval because "it's all about our fans."
For years, critics and music professionals have tried to disregard their accomplishments and have pointed to their visual artistry and gimmicks and have even chastised Simmons for his public views, rants and perhaps insensitive overtones.
But like the band, what you see is what you get. After all, it's Rock N' Roll.
The four kids from the streets of New York that exploded on stage back in the early 70's changed an entire culture. And today�s band, which features original founders Gene "The Demon" Simmons, Paul "Star Child" Stanley, as well as newcomers Tommy "Spaceman" Thayer and Eric "Cat Man" Singer may have even surpassed what once was, because KISS is still undoubtedly as electric as they ever were.
Quite frankly, the show is still as captivating. If not more so.
KISS continues to stay timeless and no matter how hard bands try, they will never deliver a live show experience like the innovators that have sold over 100 million albums worldwide and have shattered record breaking global tours, making them arguably one of the world's most influential bands of all time.
And no other band may ever be capable of pioneering a hit that serves as an anthem at every sporting event like KISS' encore that encapsulates the band�s proverbial fixture and rallying cry �Rock and Roll All Nite.�
