KISS- Wembley Arena: 12th May 2010
KISS's legacy is a long & fan head-butting controversial one, but also one to celebrated as it is coming up to 36yrs...hence the ALIVE 35 tour title that began last year and has now become the SONIC BOOM tour in support of the band's new studio effort since 1998's PSYCHO CIRCUS; a record full of contradictions. KISSTORY is filled with wave like highs and lows. From constant line up changes to deaths rip; Eric Carr (July 12, 1950 – November 24, 1991) & Mark St John (February 7, 1956 – April 5, 2007), and tonight is an affair of mainly ups with a few dips in the explosive 2 hour plus set that the band deliver.
My decision to attend the concert was a last minute one as my favourite era of the band is with Stanley, Frehley, Criss & Simmons. Tonight though with Eric Singer & Thommy Thayer taking over the Catman & Space Ace responsibilities, Simmons & Stanley conjured a set of fan favourites and a few new tracks from Sonic Boom. The 2/3 full Wembley arena (a 2nd date added to the SOLD OUT date on the 13th) was loud and proud. It's easy to forget how many classics KISS have, and the crowd tonight put their voices to the test as song after song was sang in heavy chorus and excitement. Paul Stanley is a classy a front man as there has ever been, his voice may be slightly strained at times but for a man nearing 60, his playing, singing & performance are a testament to his dedication to the fans and his passion for the music. Gene on the other hand although equally as dedicated was somewhat a little more 'visual'. His constant groin rubbing and saliva dripping might have been tantalising to women of his age but at times it was somewhat off-putting & gimmicky. Nearing 60, Simmons is no junior, but having said that, he was perhaps just fulfilling his character as the DEMON to it's plethora-tic dimension, as at other points during the night his fire breathing, blood gurgling antics were top notch entertainment and delighted the fans. Singer and Thayer are solid throughout the night and fill the large shoes of the much missed originals; Frehley & Criss; Although as Stanley introduced Thayer to sing ' Shock Me', a signature Ace song, their was an audible lull in the crowds enthusiasm...this may be due to the set list decisions surely coming down to Simmons & Stanley, and therefore their decisions are final. Perhaps a track such as 'When Lightning Strikes' from the new record, sang/written by Thayer would have suited best and would kill of any awkward atmosphere. Thayer's & Singer's playing and on stage performance was excellent and they do the job with full dedication and class.
The show was full of sonic booms, rockets, bazooka's, fire-houses, an excellent light show, flying KISS members and a pivotally great sound. The band really do deliver, and a fan's ticket is worth every penny. Cold Gin, Shout It Out Loud, Detroit Rock City & Love Gun sounded sensational as they played part of a great set to please most.
As a long time KISS fan of all the era's, I had to see them; although one does ask whether the band should have hang the curtain up in 2002 once the farewell tour was completed, as their popularity still exists but for the hard core fans KISS exist as a 50% cover band? Their set list like many 'classic' bands exists due to their original 'golden' era, a bill heavily laden on the 70's work done by the band, and the ALIVE 35 / Sonic Boom tour tag is a representation of their knowledge that their best work stems from this era.
But tonight is a concert that exists in it's own right, KISS prove that despite changes and the passing of time, they still have what it takes to deliver live, and few come to close their stage show & theatrics. The band paid tribute to former members through a touching digital display during 'God Gave Rock n' Roll to You II' as images of the extremely talented Eric Carr, Bruce Kulick were shown along side The Beatles and The Who, a fitting tribute to their past.
Bottom line, KISS is still a must watch live act, go and lose your KISS virginity...
Set List
- Modern Day Delilah
- Cold Gin
- Let Me Go, Rock And Roll
- Firehouse
- Say Yeah
- Deuce
- Crazy Crazy Nights
- Calling Dr. Love
- Shock Me
- I’m An Animal
- 100,000 Years
- I Love It Loud
- Love Gun
- Black Diamond
- Detroit Rock City
- Lick It Up
- Shout It Out Loud
- I Was Made For Lovin’ You
- God Gave Rock’n Roll To You
- Rock And Roll All Nite
