KISS
13 May 2010
Wembley Arena, London
Johan and I were extremely lucky to bag tickets (by completely legitimate ticket sale lottery) for Kiss’ intimate gig at the Islington Academy earlier this year. To see Kiss at such close quarters was a privilege but it has to be said there is nothing compared to a full large scale Kiss experience.
The enormous screen at the back of the stage made the larger than life Kiss characters, even larger! Smaller TV screens across the stage added to the spectacle and what a spectale, Kiss just don’t do disappointment.
The world on Google Earth was shown on the screens which quickly homed in on the Wembley Arena with images of giant sized Kiss members stomping through a city. This then cut to a backstage shot of the band heading for the stage and the anticipation was immense. The classic “You wanted the best, you got the best, the hottest band in the world Kiss” saw the curtain fall and what an entrance. Stanley, Simmons and Thayer appeared over the top of Eric Singer’s drum riser on a hydraulic platform with smoke and flames around them as they descended to the stage playing Modern Day Delilah.
The new song was well received but when Cold Gin followed, the crowd really came to life. The set list is below so I’ll spare going through every song but will pick out a few. Firehouse concluded with sirens and flashing red lights with Simmons breathing fire. Say Yeah was backed with faces of many of the Kiss Army on the TV screens. Thayer took the lead vocal for Shock Me and at it’s conclusions he and Singer had solo spots. Thayer’s involved him firing rockets from his guitar and not to be outdone, Singer emerged from behind his kit with a bazooka. It was actually Singer’s birthday and Stanley led the crowd through a rendition of Happy Birthday.
100,000 Years is a personal favourite and the breakdown section was immense with Paul discarding his guitar and swinging the microphone into the air and wrapping the cord around his neck. Not to be put in the shade, Simmons then got his solo spot at the start of I Love It Loud. This, as usual, involved him abusing his bass and spitting blood before flying up to the lighting rig to sing the song.
Paul promised us the longest encore ever and it was a continuous high. Again as usual, Paul wanted to get closer to the audience and flew out across the arena to a smaller revolving stage by the sound desk for I Was Made For Loving You. I find God Gave Rock’n’Roll To You pure cheese on record but live it was majestic. The set was wrapped up with Rock & Roll All Nite with me having to discard my pint which was now full of confetti from the cannon right next to us.
Kiss may get older but their capacity to entertain does not diminish. We wanted the best and we got it.
Kiss set list:
Modern Day Delilah / Cold Gin / Let Me Go, Rock And Roll / Firehouse / Say Yeah / Deuce / Crazy Crazy Nights / Calling Dr. Love / Shock Me / I’m An Animal / 100,000 Years / I Love It Loud / Love Gun / Black Diamond / Detroit Rock City / Lick It Up / Shout It Out Loud / I Was Made For Lovin’ You / God Gave Rock’n Roll To You / Rock And Roll All Nite
LINKS:
Kiss
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