Kiss News

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By Scott Row / Music Taster's Choice

Mark one off the bucket list.  Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I not only got to witness the "Hottest Band in the World", but I also got to cover and shoot their show.  Not like that's not uncommon if you're a follower of KISS, but for me, it's a pretty big deal.  I was raised on the foursome, thanks in large part to my three uncles, one of which was 'Gene Simmons' in a KISS tribute band.  So to say that KISS is a big part of my music background would be a huge understatement.  I knew the last time they came through Dallas was in 2014, so I started to Google for any tour announcements and found none.  But lo and behold, I did stumble across a single date for Durant, OK at the Choctaw Casino Grand Theater, currently their only headlining (non-festival) date for 2016.  An hour and some change north of the DFW area, I knew I had to go.

Let me make something clear, before we move forward.  I have seen KISS four previous times, three times in the greater DFW area, including their 1996 Reunion Tour at Reunion Arena (on my 14th birthday) and once in Oklahoma City.  So, I have some knowledge of their magnanimous onstage theatrics and flair.  But each show is different and has its own feel.  Durant was no different.  Playing at a much more intimate location (3,000 capacity) than my previous shows, I knew this one would be special in its own way.  While the stage was missing parts from last years tour setup, the production still included more pyrotechnics and flash than most modern stadium tours would dare to try.  In short, KISS was still KISS, more than 40 years after they started.

Once the hum fills the arena and the emcee screams "Hello Choctaw...you wanted the best, you got the best.  The Hottest Band in the world...KISS!!!", you know the time has come.  Escorted by a throng of smoke and flash pots, KISS jump into their timeless classic, "Detroit Rock City".  To give credit where credit is due, original band members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, both in their 60's, still have every ounce of bravado and stage presence as they did in their more youthful days.  And while some KISS purists will snub the current lineup as a 'cover band', make no mistake, drummer Eric Singer and lead guitarist Tommy Thayer, are every part of KISS.  Their musicianship and showmanship exceed every expectation as a member of KISS.

The first two songs were a blur, as I was shooting from the photo pit, but the well-oiled machine that is KISS put on one hell of a show.  My favorite songs from the night were "Creatures of the Night", "God of Thunder", "Cold Gin", "Calling Dr. Love", and "I Was Made for Lovin' You".  The solos from each member are also fun to watch.  From Gene's blood-spitting to Tommy's firework-propelling guitar, the classic aspects of KISS are alive and well.  And let us not forget "Rock and Roll All Nite", the show's closer.  As the massive waves of confetti dropped onto the thousands in attendance, the excitement of the crowd went through the roof and everyone sang every word of the song.  Always a beautiful sight.  If you haven't seen KISS, just do yourself a favor and buy a ticket.  Enjoy the show.  It's a rock and roll rite of passage.

CLICK HERE to view Photo Gallery

Have you ever seen a giant KISS logo on a huge building? Now you have! Choctaw Casino in Durant, Oklahoma last Friday.

Thanks to John Morris for sharing the photo!

Paul Stanley  stops Uncle Joe�s Garage to talk about cars, his new band Soul Station and one of his first bands, Uncle Joe.

CLICK HERE to view the full KISS concert photo gallery

By Brian Steward / Shock Till You Drop

Like a well-oiled machine, the KISS Army followed its marching orders and made its way to Durant, Oklahoma this past Friday, January 29th.  The mission: storm the gates of the Choctaw Casino�s Grand Theater.  The operation was an overwhelming success.  The show was a sold out spectacle like only KISS can deliver.  From the opening riff of �Detroit Rock City�, the capacity crowd was on its feet and the energy never let up for a moment.

The set list featured a good mix of the entire career of the band, from debut album gems like�Deuce� and �Black Diamond� to crowd  pleasers like �Calling Dr. Love�, �Lick It Up� and �Shout It Out Loud�.  Even more contemporary KISS tunes like �Psycho Circus� and �Hell Or Hallelujah� were on tap for the night.  But what made the evening special for many die hard KISS fans was the inclusion of what some would call a �deep cut� from the iconic Destroyer album, the seldom played �Flaming Youth�!

Although the ballroom was small, checking in at only 3000 capacity, all of the elements of a classic KISS show were on deck.  The levitating drum riser, smoke, fire and bombs, although on a smaller scale, proved to do the job in the small, packed house.

For the uninitiated, a rock band might be strange fare here at SHOCK, but this is no ordinary rock band. 

The Starchild, The Space Man, The Cat Man and The Demon, collectively known as KISS, quite possibly have the four most recognizable faces on Earth.  Founding members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley have explained many times that they tried to create the band they always wanted to see onstage.  A band that was larger than life and like no other.  All founding members pulled from their own personalities and interests to create the characters.  Simmons� character, The Demon, was conjured from his love of the monster movies of his youth.  His trademark onstage antics of  fire breathing, vomiting of blood and flying high above the audience, are like scenes from a classic horror film.  Each night they perform, the current line-up of KISS still dons the same iconic kabuki-style make-up they became famous with years ago, yet some of the men underneath the paint have changed.  Although still considered �new guys� by many, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer have been in the band at this point longer than two of the band�s founding members.  This incarnation of KISS is every bit as powerful and musically spot-on as any in the band�s 40 year history. 

This should not be thought of as half a band with some replacements. 

Instead, they should be thought of as KISS�still the hottest band in the world!

KISS IS EVERYWHERE!

Tommy Thayer spotted this KISS inspired artwork by Kim Joon at the LA Art Show.

KISS Kid drummer Logan Robot Gladden rocks "Nothin' To Lose" with KISS at Choctaw Durant Meet & Greet set last Friday.

Amazing job, Logan!

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