News Archive June 2009

From: Le Soleil
by Marc Andre Joanisse(translated by Jill Cataldo)
Posted: July 18, 2009

The Catman, Spaceman, Demon and Starchild arrived last night at Bluesfest and they quickly turned it into an event. An event on stage. An event in the crowd. A very active, participatory crowd. A massive crowd!!

The show lasted over two hours. KISS was, as always, KISS. KISS basically, will always be KISS. It is a winning and profitable group and will be until the day when Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons decide that it is finished. And the question is this: why would anyone abandon this group yet, because it appeared to be at its best in the heart of this 35th anniversary tour? I cannot skimp on words; KISS gave more than the customer asked.

The public wants to hear the KISS of yesterday and they want it as at as loud of potential decibels as possible. In short, the crowd wants a night to rock to the sound of a band that is hard to resist. KISS is rock hard and served up at the highest level. The show is still effective and delivered by musicians who have an innate sense of showmanship.

"You want to hear our old songs? Then you will not be disappointed," said Paul Stanley.

The singer-guitarist, his longtime colleague Gene Simmons and guitarist Tommy Thayer were brought on stage via a hydraulic platform. Major KISS! Then, the first of several "gun shots" was heard booming. Again, KISS quite impressively convinced the crowd that they would spend a great evening here. The crowd was heard singing the lyrics of their songs, and they clapped hands at Stanley's request. Even the rain did not decrease the energy that emanated from the stage and the crowd.

At one point, Stanley asked them if he could raise the volume a notch or two ... or three. And the audience was delighted. This is the only way to experience the group's hits such Cold Gin, Black Diamond, Deuce, Rock & Roll All Nite and 100,000 Years, all songs written during the 1970s. The show was strong with no complaints.

KISS did not invent rock, but they reinvented the way to present it on stage. They are rare musicians interested in putting on a great stage show with Kabuki make-up, spandex clothes and stilt-like boots. Add to this guitar-shaped bazooka, pyrotechnic effects, Simmons seven-inch tongue, confetti, pyrotechnics and a little fire, and that's it.

Critics have often been bitter against the group. Many have said and written that they disguise their musical talents with its massive stage show. This was not the case, a few hours ago!

KISS' show is a fun spectacle and one I pray we'll see again.