KISS performs at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, in Milwaukee, WI.
KISS brought their extended farewell tour to Milwaukee this past Wednesday. The Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famers packed the American Family Insurance Ampitheater for the season opener as they continue with their “End Of The Road” farewell tour that started in January of 2019. The Covid pandemic had plans to make the rockers stay active for a little longer and while it was cold on the Wisconsin lakefront, the KISS Army were standing at attention to bear witness to the hottest band in the land. Kiss certainly brought the heat to warm up the crowd with enough lights and pyrotechnics to make the 4th of July jealous. If you want a show, KISS rises to the occasion, quite literally.
Whether it was Paul Stanley flying over the crowd to engage with the fans in the back of the amphitheater on a B-stage, Gene Simmons ascending to the rafters during his bass solo, or the band’s descent from the rafters during “Detroit Rock City,” there are no shortages of surprises at a KISS show. In true KISS fashion, Gene Simmons’ signature fire breathing and blood spewing were the perfect compliment to the signature makeup and flamboyant costumes.
The larger than life band packed a grand majority of hits into their setlist. Whether it was a nod to the earlier days with “Black Diamond”, “Cold Gin” & “Deuce” or hit songs such as “Love Gun”, “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” & the party anthem “Rock and Roll All Nite”, they checked all the boxes and kept the KISS Army champing at the bit.
Bassist / vocalist Gene Simmons, lead singer / guitarist Paul Stanley, guitarist Tommy Thayer, and drummer Eric Singer made sure to match the sounds to their signature 7″ heels and outlandish costumes. Gene’s loud and proud bass, Paul’s signature screams, Tommy’s amazing axe work, and Eric’s bombastic drumming, showcased their musical talents and complimented their showmanship. Singer treated the audience to a beautiful rendition of their hit song “Beth” on a bedazzled piano that had more rhinestones than a Hobby Lobby.
Will this truly be the end of the most colorful act in Rock ‘n Roll history? KISS has a song in their catalog titled, “A World Without Heros” and while it didn’t make it’s way into the setlist, the sentiment holds true that the world needs it’s musical heroes. Perhaps Gene and Paul will ride off into the sunset and after a 45+ year legacy they certainly have nothing left to prove as they truly are going out with a bang but, hope will spring eternal for the members of the KISS Army that when they cry out for the best, KISS will head their call and answer with, you wanted the best, you got the best, the hottest band in the land-KISS!
Review by Tom Antonson and Photos by Rob Grabowski/Grabowskiphoto.com)