The extravagant pyrotechnics heated up Rod Laver Arena within moments of KISS making their dramatic entrance onto the stage. The arena smelled of blown-out birthday candles, but the party was just kicking off. KISS truly went pedal to the metal in delivering an unforgettable performance for their Melbourne fanbase.
From the first eight-inch, silver stomp onto the stage, the energy was not only radiating off the band and into the audience but was reciprocated wholeheartedly. The band’s long-awaited return to Melbourne on their End Of The Road tour is significant for a myriad of reasons. It is the last, first show the band will play in this city and also marks their 20th time touring here – an astounding feat.
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The members of KISS are not just musicians, but showmen who use the format of a rock concert as a vessel for striking theatrics. Throughout the night, Gene Simmons was the fire-breathing, blood-spitting, Demon that his fans know and love. Paul Stanley played his guitar through his legs, behind his head and like a violin. All while doing the Charleston and flicking guitar picks into the audience at any chance he got. Eric Singer was also the jocular Cat as he entertained the audience at points with more than just drum solos, but vignettes reminiscent of the mischievous Cheshire.
Don’t be fooled, however! Behind the flames, kabuki makeup and bedazzled armour, the sheer virtuosity and musicianship of the band consistently shone through. Their skill level mixed with composure could only belong to those who had put in the time to earn it and KISS had earned it. Tommy Thayer, in particular, was cool, calm and collected as he shredded through guitar solo after guitar solo.
In their 2021 biographical documentary KISStory, Stanley acknowledges that he was and is better with Simmons by his side. Last night’s performance certainly proved that. The whole band moved with a synergy that comes from true friendship. Whether Simmons was teasing Thayer with his wagging tongue an inch from his face or Stanley and Thayer were having a jam on stage, it was evident that their bond was what underpinned such a fantastic performance.
The duration of the show lasted over two hours and consisted of hits and anthems that have stood the test of time. Although there were somewhat frequent breaks rotated around the band members, each interval was satisfyingly filled with a solo and allowed for one of the band to be highlighted. It also created a dynamic shift when the whole group reunited moments later, and the explosive energy was reinforced three-fold.
The extravaganza kept getting bigger and better as the night went on. Naturally, I Was Made For Lovin’ You and Rock And Roll All Nite were standout performances with stage lifts, confetti, oversized balloons and a flying Paul Stanley being added to the mix. It truly felt like the band were giving it their all and the energy in the arena increased exponentially until the night finished with a bang.
At the heart of it, the show was a celebration of KISS’s journey over five monumental decades as one of rock’s most influential bands. Stanley led the transgenerational audience through the years, pausing here and there to remind them of the album or year that the next song was from. Additionally, live footage of the band was displayed on the screens behind them. This simultaneously highlighted how much time had passed, as well as how much of their youthful charisma and confidence KISS had not only maintained but built upon.
The show was a love letter to their fans. While their first Melbourne concert unsurprisingly sold out, there are still a few tickets up for grabs for Tuesday night.
If you love it loud you’re going to want to jump on that real quick.
