KISS – END OF THE ROAD TOUR – MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
By Joe Perusse
Kiss – End of the Road World Tour, Madison Square Garden
On Saturday I went to New York to see the supposed last live Kiss projection. Whatever happens in the future, I know it was my last live Kiss show, fool me once… I've seen them so many times on this tour alone that I didn't think it would ever end.
There were no extras because it was the last show, same basic script as the rest of the shows except I think they used all the fireworks and fireworks they had hidden. There were also bracelets with lights on the seats that were synchronized with the show. It was really cool to watch it all night. Leading the night with 'Detroit Rock City' the fireworks, fireworks, smoke or all three never stop.
After “Shout It Out Loud”, Paul Stanley, (Vocals/Rhythm Guitar) took off his jacket, told the crowd it was a night of joy and then pointed to different sections to see who got the loudest. This was followed by a return to the first album “Deuce” and Gene Simmons (Bass) took over the vocals for “War Machine”. “Heaven's on Fire” led into “I Love It Loud” with Simmons breathing fire at the end.
Stanley said he hoped the audience wasn't tired as the band was just getting started and the crowd helped sing along to “Say Yeah.” Before “Cold Gin,” Stanley told a story about the first time he played at MSG in 1977 and saw his parents and Gene's mom out in the crowd. It was one of the few times I saw a little extra emotion in his voice. Tommy Thayer (Lead Guitar) had his solo and ended with fireworks shooting off his guitar.
“Lick It Up” featured a Stanley and Thayer dual guitar jam in the middle. Stanley turned on the house lights for the crowd and then introduced the band's favorite doctor. The crowd chanted, Gene, Gene as “Calling Dr. Love” played. Saying here is one we haven't played in a while “Makin' Love” followed even though they had played it just the night before and most nights of the tour. I have to change the download script sometimes.
“Psycho Circus” was next and then Eric Singer (Drums) did his solo. His drum kit rose into the air and large black cats with glowing green eyes appeared beside him. Simmons and Thayer performed on a riser in the air during “100,000 Years”. Simmons' bass solo was next, including his spitting routine. Simmons then took the high air center stage and added vocals to “God of Thunder.”
Stanley told a story about when he was a taxi driver in New York, he brought a ticket to MSG to an Elvis concert and told them that someday people would come to see his band play there. Saying he only ever wanted to play at MSG, he thanked everyone for the amazing memories and then hit the B stage for “Love Gun” and “I Was Made for Lovin' You.”
Kicking off 'Black Diamond' on stage B, Stanley returned to the main stage for the end of the song and the end of the main set. The singer took a piano solo for “Beth” and the band threw drums into the crowd afterward. This was followed by them taking their bows and taking pictures with the crowd in the background. Giving it away Kiss military props to make it all possible, balloons were released during “Do You Love Me.” “Rock and Roll All Nite” set off the confetti guns, streamers,
Thayer and Simmons high above the crowd on a crane played and it looked like the band had gone all the way explosive. When the smoke cleared, the band was gone, “God Gave Rock and Roll to You II” playing over the PA system and Kiss idols came up on the screens. A QR code appeared at the end that teases his future Kiss. An hour later, when you could see the tease, it was revealed Kiss will continue in Avatar form. Now, even after Simmons is lying in his Kiss Kasket for eternity the avatar will continue. I'm sure nothing makes him happier.
No former band members were present or mentioned during the performance, disappointing many Kiss fans. I would like to see it too but I didn't expect it. In my opinion it was the usual Kiss projection. They are top entertainers and put on a great live show. Glad I was there for the last live show, Maybe?
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