You never forget your first KISS. Or your last …
On August 6, 2019, members of the KISS Army marched into BB&T Center for KISS End of the Road Tour. They came to see their idols one last time. They came to celebrate 45 years of making music. They came to witness another epic stage show. They came to be part of history. Most importantly, they came to say goodbye.
Excitement swelled throughout the venue as fans waited with eager anticipation to hear what has become the most famous concert proclamation: “You wanted the best, you got the best. The hottest band in the world — KISS.”
And with those words, the theatrical extravaganza began. A giant KISS banner covering the stage dropped revealing four larger-than-life personas. The Demon, The Starchild and The Spaceman descended from the ceiling in front of backdrop of flames and fireworks. Behind them, The Catman crouched between a shimmering drum kit. Washes of colorful lights lit up the band as they launched into perennial favorite “Detroit Rock City.”
Gene Simmons likely has no idea what it means to mellow with age. The bass player/singer still performs with unapologetic bravado. His prodigious stature on stage leaves little doubt that he is the alpha male of rock and roll showmanship. There’s also a playful side to him, as he proudly casts devious stares and flashes demonic smiles at the thralls of fans showering him with attention.
At 67 years of age, Paul Stanley’s swagger remains unwavering. And his ability to move around like an acrobat in seven-inch leather heels is nothing less than impressive. Lively and agile have always been two of his hallmark traits. During KISS End of the Road Tour at BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida, he was at his best. The charismatic frontman danced and strutted as he performed songs that from a career that has taken him around the globe and put the band on top of the world.
Make no mistake, The guy wearing the Spaceman makeup IS the lead guitar player of KISS. Tommy Thayer does NOT have any space boots to fill. When the axe slinger played the instantly recognizable riffs, the crowd erupted with a chorus of cheers.
KISS concerts are always a feast for the eyes. So Eric Singer made sure he was just as much a visual drummer as he was a timekeeper. Incorporating stick tricks into his playing style added a bit of razzle-dazzle to the beat. In addition to scratching out rhythms on drum heads, The Catman also tickled the ivories of a grandiose piano.
When it comes to stage shows, KISS has never skimped on production. The End of the Road Tour was no exception. The finale at BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida featured an explosive barrage of pyrotechnic with enough firepower to heat a small village. Hydraulic lifts gave fans yet another way to look up to the band. The flash and awe complemented the confident machismo of four guys winding down a lifetime of rock and roll with full force.
As expected, the KISS End of the Road World Tour highlight reel was nothing short of spectacular. Gene Simmons spit blood and breathed fire. Paul Stanley soared across the BB&T Center and smashed his guitar into pieces. Tommy Thayer shot sparks from the headstock of his guitar. Eric Singer pounded out a solo as his drum riser elevated above the stage. Stalwart fans and new recruits all applauded the over-the-top spectacle, which was, of course, classic KISS.
Good times never last forever!
In a flurry of confetti the fanfare was over. Beth had just called — only this time the boys in KISS stopped playing and went home. Their run as the band that could rock and roll all nite had finally come to the end of the road.
KISS End of the Road Tour Setlist
Detroit Rock City
Shout it Out Loud
Deuce
Say Yeah
I Love it Loud
Heaven’s on Fire
War Machine
Lick it Up
Calling Doctor Love
100,000 Years
Cold Gin
God of Thunder
Psycho Circus
Let Me Go, Rock ‘N’ Roll
Love Gun
I Was Made for Lovin’ You
Black Diamond
Encores
Beth
Crazy Crazy Nights
Rock and Roll All Nite
