|
|
KISS Me Goodbye -
Blending Comic Book Theatrics with Powerful Pop,
Rock's Wildest Roadshow Calls it Quits
review photo by kay mcentee
more kiss photos by kay
By Ed McArdle
"You wanted the best, you got the best..." With these immortal opening
words, Kiss took the stage in Detroit for the final time May 25, 2000, on
their "Farewell Tour". Living up to this lofty introductory claim has
always been the Kiss mission throughout their lengthy career. Soon the
motto was proven correct beyond a shadow of a doubt, and when all the smoke
cleared it
was plain to see that, even after all these years, Kiss was still the
hottest band in the world.
A glorious era spanning 1973 - 2000 was culminating with this tour.
Evidenced by record sales earning 28 Gold and Platinum awards, the band
has come a long way in their storied history since the inaugural
mid-Michigan appearance at the Delta College Gymnasium on November 10, 1974.
This final Michigan concert (the second of a two-night stand in Detroit)
actually took place at the Palace of Auburn Hills but was close enough to
the longtime hotbed of Kiss fanaticism to attract a bevy of interest. A
movie was even made last year based solely around a Kiss concert in
"Detroit
Rock City" so this was certainly the event to top all others.
This observation was visibly apparent from the moment one entered the
arena. Merchandise stands were plentiful, with very long lines of ardent
worshippers and almost everyone adorned in some sort of Kiss attire, be it
T-shirt, costume, full-face make-up or necktie. All ages, shapes and sizes
of devoted listeners were out in full force paying tribute for the final
time to their heroes. Every facet of the stereotypical music fan was
represented in the faithful Kiss Army ranks- long hair, short hair or no
hair- on this night it did not matter. The age range of those present
spanned a lifetime with entire families arriving together complete with
face paint reflecting the band members.
With the legendary history behind it, Detroit has long been the band's
second home, and the crowd treated them like conquering heroes returning to
enflame the ranks. The respect was mutual as the band recognized the city
that led to their fame by name-dropping Detroit and paying the requisite
homage at every opportunity.
Despite the high cost of tickets it has always been a proven fact- Kiss
gives the concertgoer their money's worth- every single cent. No skimping
on quality in any way, shape or form. Another thing that is clearly
evident at the close of this glorious era- Kiss changed the face of music
and leaves a lasting legacy worthy of all praise and respect. No one can
possibly top this.
The evening was much more than a music concert. In fact it seemed clear
that everyone was there to have a "rock and roll party tonight". And with
Kiss being the ultimate host what a party they had! Simply put this was
indeed the greatest show on earth. Over the top in every regard. No
special effect was spared and everything under the sun was used liberally.
There was not a dull moment in the carefully scripted set.
From the moment the band descended from the ceiling accompanied by the
unforgettable strains of their theme song "Detroit Rock City", bedlam was
the order of the day. Being lowered to the stage on a single platform Gene
Simmons, Paul Stanley and Ace Frehley cranked out the familiar chords while
Peter Criss pounded the well-known drumbeat along behind them.
The band journeyed back in time sporting nostalgic "Destroyer"-era costumes
and the "Alive II" stage setup complete with levitating drumkit and a trio
of rising platforms. 1970s reborn again. Nostalgia supreme! Of course
new age technology was clearly evident in the large video screen backdrop
and the computer-generated dual flashing neon Kiss signs illuminating both
sides of
the very large stage. This provided a splendid view of the action for all
of the roughly 17,000 in attendance.
Long a trademark of Kiss, the concert featured more fireworks and
pyrotechnics than 100 other concerts (non-Kiss shows, of course) combined.
Blood, sweat and tears flowed nonstop throughout the show. Kiss are
consummate entertainers and masters of their craft and went over and above
to prove this.
And then there were the songs- every one a hit anthem from the band's glory
days played by the much-loved reunited original lineup featuring "Demon"
Simmons, "Starchild" Stanley, "Space" Ace and "Catman" Criss.
Twenty gems were aired over the course of the night- "Shout It Out Loud"
was the order of the day as classic after classic, spanning the band's
entire career, filled the air. The moment the instantly recognizable
opening guitar chords of each song began it promptly sent the atmosphere to
a fervent fever pitch of recognition. Entrancingly powerful riffs strong
enough to send chills down the spine and effects to virtually numb every
part of the body at the same time.
They were definitely worth a "Deuce" as "Dr. Love" was called out and asked
"Do You Love Me?" while igniting the "Firehouse" and praising "Cold Gin".
These were just a few of the musical highpoints as the hits kept coming,
including non-makeup era favorites "Lick It Up" and "Heaven's On Fire".
But, of course, this was about much more than the great music.
Utilizing the superhuman effects at their disposal, each of the four
characters got a chance to evoke unique powers and shine solo in the
spotlight.
Gene's "God of Thunder" came complete with blood-spitting and spreading his
wings to fly up to the rafters and sing his themesong looking down from
above. Not to be forgotten earlier in the set he performed his customary
act of breathing fire. All in a day's work for the 'Demonic one.'
Later Paul grabbed a rope and was levitated above the crowd to a mini-stage
in the center of the arena to belt out his signature, "Love Gun". In
actuality, he never sang the chorus on this day as his ardent fans took
over the well-known words first played in 1977 to provide the impetus to
this all-out rocker.
The Ace solo following his lead vocal on "2000 Man" included the much-loved
"smoking" guitar that flew right out of his arms to the ceiling above.
When lowered to him again it was "reloaded" and shot out targets sidestage
which
erupted in bursts of flame. Then Ace's trademarked "pinwheel" effect was
put to good use later in the evening, as sparks flew in all spinning off
the end of his well-loaded instrument while he continued playing.
At the first encore Peter sang his customary solo vocal performance on
"Beth", sitting on a stool center stage accompanied by taped music. He
gave
many special thanks to the Detroit fans all the way through before
returning to his drum kit.
Just when it appeared things could not get any better, the finale of Kiss'
signature tune "Rock And Roll All Nite" provided words to live by and
raised the bar another level entirely. A confetti storm arrived full force
at the song's outset with shredded paper shooting from all over. Picture,
if you will, something like snow falling from above in blizzard form for a
good seven minutes straight as the band rocked out to the extended closing
version. It almost obscured the band onstage as Paul closed the show by
smashing his guitar, as many fireworks shot up to the rafters.
When they were done inch thick piles of confetti covered the entire main
floor area - almost unreal and a scene not easily forgotten. Indeed, the
best and most climactic finish imaginable as both music and special effects
combined to lift the party atmosphere and cap the festivities.
Reflecting upon what had just ended "A World Without Heroes" is hard to
imagine. Kiss has influenced so many people (be it musician or fan)
throughout their storied history, but it is true that all good things must
come to an end. In that sense it was a sad day, but one meant to
celebrate all of the good things present in rock and roll.
A chapter to this fantastic career undoubtedly climaxed on a very high
note in Detroit "Rock City". In the "comic book" sense they so lovingly
embrace, the Kiss image will forever portray heroes of epic proportions.
One thing is for certain-there will never be another.
Also on the bill was "Motor City Madman" Ted Nugent (complete with
traditional coonskin tail adorning to his backside). He sang lead vocals
as his three-piece band played a "Motown classic" set made up predominately
of songs over 20 years old including "Cat Scratch Fever" and
"Stranglehold". The only exceptions in his 10 song 70 minute barnburner
were the crowd favorite "Kiss
my Ass" and "Fred Bear".
The reaction "Fred Bear" evoked from the Michigan faithful was downright
incredible to say the least. The "hunter's anthem" became the ultimate
sing-a-long with a tribute film to Fred showing on the video screens as a
large bonfire burned strongly centerstage.
For his encore Ted donned an Indian headdress, mounted a Buffalo and rode
onstage. You read that right- a real live Buffalo. Talk about capturing
the spirit of the wild! This went along well with his favorite tune "Great
White Buffalo". To close his portion of the festivities Ted fired a
flaming arrow from his trusty bow and torched the Kalamazoo-made guitar he
had played all night. As it exploded in a ball of flames Nugent left the
stage amidst a feedback frenzy and appreciative cheers. "Motor City
Madhouse" indeed!
|
|
