KISS

Verizon Amphitheater

Ok ok ok, I'll admit it. I like KISS. When I we were kids, me and my brother would drive our babysitter crazy by endlessly spinning the original KISS Alive LP while she tried to listen to her Cream and Bread records. Detroit Rock City was also the second album I ever bought in this life. Heh. Anyway, over the years I had a love / hate relationship with the band. Loved them up until they went disco and their subsequent breakup, but still dug some of their stuff with other guitarists and drummers instead of Ace and Peter. I know their music isn't great, it's not terribly original, it's not even really that good. But play it loud and it can really rock. I still play that original Alive (it's a CD now though) and still love that first song Deuce and it's whole "you wanted the best ...." intro. On the right day, that first explosion still sends tingles up my spine. Hee hee.

So, since my evil parents would never take me to a KISS show when I was young, I paid through the teeth to get some 10th row center tickets when I was a hell of a lot older. I talked a friend who liked the band the way I did into going with me and we ended up sneaking two other friends down into the front with us. All I can say is what a fucking incredible night. So many people, the open sky, so much beer, so many hot chicks, lol. I had a seat, but didn't use it. I had a voice, but lost it four three days afterwards by screaming. I could hear, but could hear next to nothing for two days. By far this was the concert I judge all other concerts by. Nobody's ever come close. Sure I've gotten my rocks off at other shows, but not like this one. It was a total dream come true for me ... no disappointment whatsoever.

As for the band ... I got to see the original lineup which was kewl. And even though they were like 25+ years older than they were when I first started listening to them, they still put on the show of shows. Say what you will about their music and talent and what not, they are first rate performers and know exactly how to drive a crowd. Unbelievable. They had the obligatory flash pots, flame throwers, spark showers, a flying Paul Stanley and confetti canons. The total rock and roll experience. The band played every fucking hit and song I loved, all of the old ones, some of the new and they even brought Peter Criss out up front to sing Beth. Unreal, just like 1976.

Anyway, they're broken up again now and I don't know if they're still the same without Ace and Peter. They're probably better ... maybe ... but for me it was a dream come true to see these guys and I wasn't let down. Gene and Paul and incredible and my guess is that whatever line up they're fronting they'll make damn sure you get to rock and roll all night. 

The best show in rock and roll folks. Never mind the Stones or any other mega-group. These guys are what rock is supposed to be. Spend whatever you have to see 'em. You won't be disappointed.

KISS' website can be reached here.