WORDS AND IMAGES RHYS GROVER
A packed out AO Arena played home to KISS one final time
To their fans, this was the last hoorah. A gig which had been waiting in the wings since 2021, put on hold due to COVID restrictions, and now Manchester get to say their final goodbyes to one of the most iconic bands in the world. A band instantly recognisable to anyone and everyone throughout the decades, whose music has inspired millions, their behemoth stature within the world of pop culture over countless decades is something that would be near impossible to ever reconstruct. They are a band that have never really taken a step back from the industry since their beginnings in the early 1970’s, and now 50 years later, they deserve to finally have a break, look back on their careers and be glad they did it.
This performance included, there are just two nights left of KISS in the UK, as they say their final goodbyes to the world, a tour which will have touched every corner of the world by the time it comes to a close. The handful of carefully selected UK gigs has gone down an absolute storm, and they are going out all guns blazing. The tour will bow out of the UK at the OVO Hydro Arena in Glasgow on 8th July.
‘Detroit Rock City’ kicked the night off. The immense curtain drops to an almighty flash of pyro and strobes as Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Tommy Thayer descended from above on almost spaceship like platforms, lapping up the applause and cheers from the packed out arena. Inflatable figures of each member donned each side of the stage, and alongside the members on the stage were a collection of visual triggers. The band powered through the opening tracks, pulling the crowd in as much as they could and playing to the cameras throughout our time in the pit. Eric Singer was tucked away at the back of the stage, but his incredible kit was a central point for each member to fall back to as they moved around the stage.
Their whole set was the perfect combination of career spanning hits. From their biggest numbers starting and finishing the set, to their fan favourites and the odd curveball scattered throughout the rest of the set, they left nothing to be desired and gave their adoring fans everything and more than they could have possibly hoped for, especially after such a long wait.
From a visual point of view, whether KISS are your bag or not, you cannot deny that they put on one of the biggest and best shows around, after all they are ‘the hottest band in the world’ to quote their opening gambit. From digital screens, to pyrotechnics, strobes, props and other various decorations and visual delights, they pack as much into the shows and the stages as they can fit in their wagons.
Whether this will be their final goodbye, only time will tell. However this time, it really does feel like it’s reached its conclusion. Whether it is or not, this band will continue to be one for every generation to either fall in love with, or just be able to instantly recognise the band as soon as they see that comic book style makeup.
SET LIST
1/ DETROIT ROCK CITY
2/ SHOUT IT OUT LOUD
3/ DEUCE
4/ WAR MACHINES
5/ HEAVEN’S ON FIRE
6/ I LOVE IT LOUD
7/ SAY YEAH
8/ GOLD GIN
9/ LICK IT UP
10/ MAKIN LOVE
11/ CALLING DR LOVE
12/ PSYCHO CIRCUS
13/ 1000,000 YEARS
14/ GOD OF THUNDER
15/ LOVE GUN
16/ BLACK DIAMOND
ENCORE
17/ BETH
18/ I WAS MADE FOR LOVIN YOU
19/ ROCK AND ROLL ALL NITE
FOLLOW KISS
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
