Concert Review, Vancouver, BC, Canada Photo by Ed Sum
Back in 2000, when hard rock band KISS said they intended to retire with a farewell tour, the massive success of that “farewell” prompted Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley to change their minds. Hence this new tour which began in Vancouver, BC on January 31, 2019. However, the previous farewell was the real showstopper, as it was one of the few chances to see the original lineup perform. Ace Frehley and Peter Criss will always remain beloved among longtime fans, myself included.
This latest tour has Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer in the roles of The Spaceman and The Cat. They are in fine form since being brought in as replacements. Fifteen years is enough to see them solidify their version of the characters Ace and Peter originated. This updated team is surprisingly great, showing terrific prowess. Some might argue they are better. These musical mavericks performed memorable solos in “Cold Gin” and “100,000 Years.” While I firmly believe “Beth” is Criss’ song, that’s the only tune in the setlist which needs replacing.
Very little was changed from the Farewell setlist in this newest tour. “Forever” is worthy enough to be put in instead of Criss’ tune and it would have been the perfect send off to cement this band’s legacy. In a KISS concert, only one ballad seems to be permitted. With 20 albums, plenty of tunes could have been selected over the most played hits. Had the concert included four more songs, it would have been a true retrospective of their legacy (the video montages during the show reflect this fact) and sound as it evolved.
Ultimately, they are a party band. The pyrotechnics are always a crowd pleaser, and offer everything I recall from their heydays and then some. The stage design was elaborate and, like most modern concerts, is video monitor oriented. The backdrop can change instantly to a design from the album or be in the theme in which each song belongs. “God of Thunder” was the most nightmarish in its production design to solidify The Demon as that, a creature of terror!
Simmons truly loves this role and I could easily see him soaking every moment up when raised three stories off the ground. Mechanical cranes took him and the Space Ace around the venue so fans along the side had a moment to see them up close. Even the Star Child would zip line to mid-stadium so everyone got a view. While on this platform, he entertained with “Love Gun” and “I Was Made For Lovin’ You.” Those fans who were nearby wondering if he was lip syncing or not had a close enough view to figure it out for themselves. I do not care; I was here for the experience of being at a KISS concert. The only technical quibble was in seeing him face the stage more for the cameras to film him than allow fans at the rear of the stadium to see him up close.
While makeup can hide all those age lines, these boys (now in their late 60s) show they can still command and wow a crowd. I wanted to “Rock and Roll All Night,” (of course that was the closing tune), and should this tour truly be their final one, I suspect they won’t be resting either. There are countless ways to keep the KISS phenomenon going on different fronts. Just how and when will remain a closely guarded secret for now.
