Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION
REVIEW: Kiss flashy and over the top
DAVID LIPNOWSKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Enlarge Image
Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Tommy Thayer entertain at MTS Centre
WINNIPEG — Fireworks, concussion bombs, fog and pyro are a normal part of most big rock concerts these days.
For Kiss, it’s their introduction.
The New York rock band who helped invent the arena concert spectacle in the 1970s know exactly what their fans want. Say what you will about them — still on the road nine years after their farewell tour — there’s no denying they know how to put on a big, dumb, flashy rock show.
"There’s something about Canada that just brings out the best in Kiss. You’re going to hear all the stuff you came for tonight," frontman Paul Stanley told the sold out crowd of 12,750 at the MTS Centre early last night.
He wasn’t lying.
The band is touring in support of their first album in 11 years, Sonic Boom, but despite the fact it’s a return to their classic sound, the band only played two new songs, Modern Day Delilah and Say Yeah, preferring to stick to hits from their 1970s heyday.
Much like the Alive! album they’re celebrating with the title of the tour (Kiss Alive 35) the band opened with Deuce and Strutter off their 1974 self-titled debut. During the opening number founders Stanley and demonic bassist Gene Simmons gathered at centre stage with lead guitarist Tommy Thayer, dressed in Ace Frehley’s spaceman makeup and nailing every solo effortlessly, for some synchronized moves.
Behind them Eric Singer, taking the place of original drummer Peter Criss, was seated on a riser above the famous lighted Kiss logo, which was surrounded by a line of speakers and three rows of video monitors flashing everything from abstract patterns to fire (of course). Three other video screens showed close-ups of the band, who don’t look a day older than they did all those years ago thanks to their makeup.
Stanley played the role of hype man throughout the night with his well-known between song banter, getting the Kiss Army riled up, especially when challenging them to be louder than other Canadian cities.
"It’s up to you to show us that you are number one," he said before the blues-based Let Me Go Rock ‘N’ Roll.
From the first notes to the last, it was as flashy and over-the-top as ever. Multi-coloured flames shot out often, the drum riser rotated during Singer’s solo, Thayer shot fireworks from his guitar, Simmons breathed fire at the conclusion of Hotter than Hell, spit blood during his solo spotlight, and both he and Stanley took wire assisted flights: Simmons to the top of the lighting rig and Stanley to a stage at the back of the arena.
With the exception of the two new Sonic Boom tracks and Lick it Up and I Love it Out, both from the early 1980s, the set was filled with melodic hard rock favourites from the 1970s with Cold Gin, Parasite, Black Diamond, Rock and Roll All Nite and Detroit Rock City making the set list.
Over the past two decades Kiss has become more known for their marketing than music, but if you’re a Kiss fan the merch booth was filled with everything you could want including panties ($15), a Thayer autographed guitar strap ($30), a Singer autographed drum head ($40) and a USB leather wristband, or CD, with last night’s show for $35 along with the regular shirts and posters.
It’s easy to be cynical, but last night it was about the music, and Kiss fans who wanted to hear the best got it.
Los Angeles quintet Buckcherry opened the night with a 45-minute set of sleazy hard rock perfectly suited for an arena, highlighted by the ode to cocaine Lit Up, the pop-edged Everything and the funk-infused Crazy Bitch.
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PREVIOUS
9 Comments
Posted by:
November 11, 2009 at 9:15 AM
I have to agree that it would have been nice to have had only KISS play, and not have an opening act. BuckCherry is ok, but certainly not a favorite of mine.
KISS was fantastic....especially when you consider the ages of those guys! Not too many men at that age can move like they do, and still look extremely sexy doing it!
Way to go KISS.....you rock!!
Posted by: BB Bold Addict
November 10, 2009 at 10:37 AM
MYhonestOPINION, I couldn't agree more. They definitely weren't my favorite.
Posted by: Tired of all the BS
November 10, 2009 at 9:48 AM
I agree with 1985. Although I enjoyed the concert and thought KISS put on a fantastic show, it crossed my mind a few times if they would walk off stage, or simply never come back due to the audiences lack of energy. When the band started singing Black Diamond, Paul wanted the crowd to sing along. The audience barely put any effort into doing this leading Paul to comment: "you guys suck, do you even know the song"? What an embarrassment!
Posted by: 1985
November 10, 2009 at 7:12 AM
Once again Winnipeg has proven to be a lame crowd. I fly all over Canada for concerts and Winnipeg never seems to cheer or get as into the music as other cities, which ultimately is reflected on the energy of the band...
Posted by: Breezer
November 10, 2009 at 6:38 AM
Can't pay me enough...
Posted by: jkensick
November 10, 2009 at 4:45 AM
excellento!
Posted by: MYhonestOPINION
November 10, 2009 at 12:21 AM
I finally figured out why bands have Buckcherry open for them. After Buckcherry plays, any band sounds good.
Posted by: Big Daddy
November 10, 2009 at 12:12 AM
KISS...Rocked hard and it was great to see them here in the city once again...which just might be their last time.
Alot of songs weren't on the playlist, but being a band of 35 years it is understandable when you have 2 hours to play.
I would have rather seen an intermission during the concert than have Buckcherry play, it would have been better with NO opening band I just wanted to hear more KISS.
All in all I would give it a 9/10. Can't complain too much my tickets were free.
Thanks 92 CITI FM.
Posted by: debbadoo
November 9, 2009 at 11:29 PM
Hope Buckcherry come back...I'd love to see them!