KISS wrapped up their 'End of the Road Tour' with a final show on Saturday night (December 2) at Madison Square Garden in New York City, returning to the city where their journey began. If it was indeed their last performance, the rock legends certainly went out in style.
In the days leading up to KISS' two MSG shows, the Big Apple was besieged by an epic KISS conquest. Among the many events and activities held were a special light show at the Empire State Building, the proclamation of an official “KISS Day” by Mayor Eric Adams, a pop-up shop, free KISS tattoos from Inked NYC, a “KISS Night” at a New York Rangers game and more.
On Saturday night, KISS took the stage for the last time, preceded by an opening set from Amber Wild, a hard rock new band featuring Paul Stanley's son Evan. Despite the historical nature of the show, there were no special guests or returning cast members (as many fans had hoped). However, KISS saved a big surprise for the end (more on that later).
KISS stuck to the 23-song setlist they played throughout the tour, kicking things off with “Detroit Rock City” as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's final Kabuki drop revealed the band coming down from the rafters.
Among the many highlights was singer-bassist Gene Simmons breathing fire during “I Love It Loud.” A fireworks-enhanced guitar solo by Tommy Thayer. A dueling guitar moment between Thayer and singer-guitarist Paul Stanley during “Makin' Love.” and, of course, Simmons spitting blood while delivering a bass solo.
At the start of “Love Gun,” Stanley zipped over the crowd to the smaller B stage, where he stayed to perform “I Was Made for Lovin' You” and “Black Diamond” as his bandmates remained on the main stage.
KISS began their three-song encore with drummer Eric Singer elevated above the ground on a grand piano to perform and sing “Beth.” Next, “Do You Love Me,” featured huge KISS balloons raining down from above, with fans playfully tossing them.
