KISS Shake Down Seattle for Final Show

50 years? Are you kidding me? How many musicians can actually say that they’ve been around for 50 years and have been as successful and influential as KISS? Not that many and we can only imagine how much work that takes and love for your craft to stay in this for that long. KISS have been taking over the world since their rise in the 70s and returned to Seattle for one final hurrah with their End of the Road World Tour. Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer, and Eric Singer returned to Climate Pledge Arena bringing only the best of shows as would be expected from the masterminds of live entertainment.

The night started with some good music by Amber Wild, who happens to be led by Paul Stanley’s son. The band played a few tracks for the crowd intriguing their curiosity and captivating with their fresh loud sound. Highlight tracks were, “Breakout,” and “Silver,” that had everyone’s attention. It looks like the apple didn’t fall far from the tree on this one.

A little before nine the massive KISS curtain fell, and pyrotechnics ignited along with the first note played by the four-piece band. Band members were revealed elevated on lifts as they came down to the stage playing “Detroit Rock City.” The stage was as elaborate as you would expect from the outline detail decorated in giant spikes to the large screen in the background. There were also giant replicas of the members on each side of the arena stands next to the smaller monitors of the stage.

The individual hexagon monitors on top helped add to the visuals as they yo-yoed up and down many times through the night for their production need. There was so much going on that kept adding to the excitement of the live performance and kept us all on our toes from the start.

Watching each of their characters come to life during the show was amazing. You can see it on your television many times but being able to witness their creation live is something else. Their genius in creating stage personas, adding face paint, elaborate costumes, and stage antics have made them some of the most recognized figures in the world. Who doesn’t love it when ‘The Demon,’ Simmons spits fire across the room and then blood during his bass solo? Those are the first things that come to mind when you think of him, along with him constantly sticking his tongue out.

Paul Stanley as the Starchild runs around and sings as if a day hasn’t passed since his 30s, he makes anyone younger jealous that they can’t keep up with him. He’s performing along with constantly engaging with the crowd either on the camera in front of him or by stopping to share words and to make things personal for such a large crowd. He’s the best hype man there is.

The Catman, drummer Eric Singer is sitting behind the three other members elevated above and for his drum solo moment the lift goes even higher as pyro creates the rock aura. Tommy Thayer‘s Spaceman is moving around stealing hearts with his solo and showing us his skills with shooting rockets. There is so much talent here in putting all of this together.

Towards the end of the night comes the highlight of the show for me as Stanley makes the crowd call his name in order for him to head over to B-Stage. After the loudest PAUL! he flies across the floor onto the smaller stage in the back of the arena only holding on to a rope with his hands and his one-leg balanced in. Who even thinks of this at the age of 71? He starts off with “Love Gun,” as he stands alone engaging with the crowd as the rest of the band continues on the main stage.

Then Stanley goes on to play one of their biggest hits, “I Was Made for Loving You,” as the audience sings along to the track. You can tell he just wants more and more, and the people keep giving it to him willingly. Who can even imagine how that feels after five decades? Receiving so much love and affection from your fans is the biggest and most addictive drug. He then starts the last main set song, “Black Diamond,” at the smaller stage and ziplines back to finish the song with the rest of the band.

Singer starts the encore solo playing the piano and singing “Beth,” as we take a moment to take everything in before the grand finale. KISS return together for “Do You Love Me,” as chaos ensues with pyro and ballons thrown in the crowd.

Everything is brought together to finish with the mega hit, “Rock and Roll All Nite,” as Simmons and Thayer are lifted above the crowd on cranes for a 360 tour. The song keeps playing the glitter machines fill the arena and we still can’t believe these guys can put on such an amazing live show. You are constantly reminded just why they have been so huge for so long. It’s not easy to put this all together but they are doing it one last round. It’s the end of the road for KISS but what a road it’s been for them. We feel fortunate to have been a part of this show, it will definitely be an unforgettable moment in time.