REVIEW: KISS AT ADELAIDE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

It’s been forty years since their inception and legendary hard rock band KISS still knows how to put up one hell of a show. Vibrating to the sounds of rock n roll, the Adelaide Entertainment Centre was swamped by KISS army clad in Kabuki make-up, platform heels and a whole lot of wagging tongues. Opener Dead Daises was a bit hit and miss with the crowd as they cluelessly cheered and impatiently waited for KISS and The Spider production to shake things up.

As the lights dimmed, the mammoth screens came to life with stills of the band, provoking gasps from the audience. The crowd cheered and whistled to the famous first words by Stanley, “Alright Adelaide, you wanted the best, you got the best. The hottest band in the world – KISS.” Jamming to Detroit Rock City, the band ascended atop a mechanical spider to the backdrop of lasers, pyrotechnics and flamethrowers so hot, you could feel the heat! Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Tommy Thayer took centre stage while drummer Eric Singer was nestled amidst exploding fireworks.

Old-fashioned fist pumping anthems like Deuce, Pyscho Circus, Creatures Of The Night and I Love It Loud had the night to a rocking start before Simmons spat fire to the beats of War Machine. The highlight of the show of course was Simmons’ bass solo with blood spitting antics after which Stanley had the crowd swaying to his acoustic version of Shandi. He also teased the crowd, zip-lining his way to a mini rotating stage where he performed Love Gun. A couple of new hits from their album Monster that debuted at the concert saw drummer Singer head banging and Thayer take lead on the vocals.

Drawing to the end of the electrifying 75-minute set, the crowd was treated to a three-song encore with Shout It Out Loud, I Was Made For Lovin’ You and Rock ‘N’ Roll All Night. By end of the musical spectacular the KISS army was doused in confetti and granted a new bunch of live music memories. With members now in their sixties, the band have still got it – long live rock n roll, long live KISS.

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