by Tamara Igleheart
— Photojournalist —
“They’ll drive you wild, they’ll drive you crazy!” The play on those classic KISS lyrics perfectly describes the atmosphere at the Honda Center in Anaheim on February 12 when KISS took the stage as part of the End of the Road Tour. Thousands of fans poured into the arena wearing KISS t-shirts, and some die-hard fans even dressed as their favorite band member, costumed from head to toe in stage makeup and platform boots. It was an awe-inspiring sight, and a sense of camaraderie filled the air as patrons found their way to their seats. What lay ahead was sure to be nothing short of magnificent, because if there is one thing KISS is known for, it’s their theatrical live performance!
When the giant KISS curtain shielding the audience’s view of the stage fell to the floor, the band descended from the ceiling on large platforms. Suspended in the air, they began the first song of the set, “Detroit Rock City.” When they arrived on stage, fireworks and pyrotechnics went off, ensuring the crowd’s energy was at its peak. The band played all of the fan favorites, and it was as if the audience was transported back to the 1980s, as thousands of people sang along to “Shout It Out Loud,” “Lick It Up,” and “Rock and Roll All Nite.” There was theatrics aplenty during their set, including Paul Stanley ziplining from one end of the arena to the other, Gene Simmons breathing fire and spitting blood, and Eric Singer rising through the floor of the stage with a grand piano to perform “Beth.” Watching a KISS performance, it becomes clear how they have been able to stay relevant for so long.
KISS has stood the test of time, and they still put on one hell of a show in 2019. If this truly is their last tour (we are crossing our fingers that it isn’t!), they are making sure they go out with a bang! For many people, KISS was the first concert they attended, the first record they ever owned, the first rock and roll band they ever listened to, the reason the started a band, and the End of the Road Tour is bringing back all of the fond memories of yesteryear. This was a legendary performance from a legendary band!
KISS Concert Photo Gallery
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