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‘Word is that this truly is the last dance for KISS' … tha band performing a show on their farewell tour in Toronto, Canada in 2019.

Kiss’ final tour review – a glorious, absurd triumph from kings of rock’n’roll theatre

Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney In their final Australian tour, Kiss bring bombast and pyrotechnics to the masses with incredible costumes, fake blood and huge heels

F rom the moment they first graced a club stage in 1973, envisioning themselves as the star children of Alice Cooper, the Beatles and the New York Dolls, Kiss have introduced themselves as “The Hottest Band In The Woooooorrrrld!” even when no one had ever heard their name. Never has anyone better worn the adage: dress for the job you want, not the one you have.

“You wanted the best, you got the best!” booms a voice over the PA, and over the heads of 20,000 fans gathered at the stadium hosting the Sydney leg of the band’s End of the Road tour – an allegedly final string of shows that began in 2019 before being endlessly interrupted by Covid. Down comes a huge, black Kiss-emblazoned curtain as pyrotechnics erupt, fireballs shoot towards the ceiling and four grown men in shiny black and silver clown costumes stomp out in unison to the opening riff of Detroit Rock City. Paul Stanley wails triumphantly, “I feel alright/On a Saturday night!” and we do too, already beaming at the unfettered rock’n’roll theatre of the absurd that is Kiss. (Detroit Rock City is about a young fan dying in a car wreck in his haste to get to a Kiss concert – which seems a huge bummer of a way to start a show, but as with all things Kiss, you just don’t think too hard about it.)

Few bands have been as critically maligned as Kiss over their career, and no band has single-handedly done more to prove music critics redundant than they have, striding – perhaps a little more slowly than their younger selves – around the stage in front of a packed arena a full 50 years after they formed. They have always viewed critics as losers and critique as pointless. And, they are right: attempting to police what people enjoy is the last bastion of the bitter and defeated, of the self-deluded and the lame. The only thing Kiss cares about (apart from making more money, about which they care most) is their lifelong army of fans: the ever faithful Knights In Satan’s Service . And for them, they will deliver nothing but wall-to-wall hits for two straight hours at a volume beyond deafening.

The four members of the band kiss hold hands and jump in the air while on stage in Sydney as lights flash in the background

On top of their hilarious , ridiculous and ingenious attention-seeking gimmicks, Kiss also has more than a few songs that are legitimately canon-great, and they still sound fantastic singing them. Gene Simmons turned 73 on this tour, so word is that this truly is the last dance for Kiss – and never in such a short span of time have I amassed more respect for our elders than during this gig and its feats of physical endurance. Will holographic versions of Kiss tour in the future and into eternity, playing to no one in the decaying ruins of casinos surrounded by dust? Yes . But it will never be the same as this.

Their shows are, by and large, family-friendly entertainment (catering to the very lucrative kids market). The songs Kiss wrote that could be interpreted as encouraging naughty behaviour tonight come down to just a few: Cold Gin, a stone classic written by Ace Frehley, who was kicked out of the band for indulging in substances that the famously teetotal Simmons could not abide (but who sings this song with the conviction of a true lush); Lick It Up, which is not about ice-cream; and Love Gun, which is not about a water pistol. Best not tell that to the numerous kids visible around the arena, up on shoulders and singing the choruses at the top of their tiny, innocent lungs.

Simmons’ adolescent proclivities remain vitality alive as he breathes fire and lurches on 7-inch platform heels, while baking inside 20kg of stage costume. He unfurls his enormous tongue to spill about a litre of (absolutely real) blood down his front while rising on a platform above the stage to holler out the ludicrously righteous God of Thunder, engulfed in dry ice. He duels face-to-face with guitarist Tommy Thayer during Deuce, twice reaching across between the pair to grab Thayer by the manhood, in some kind of very public hazing ritual that he notably avoids with Stanley.

Gene Simmons ‘unfurls his enormous tongue to spill about a litre of (absolutely real) blood down his front’.

Paul Stanley! He bestows a kiss on his magnificent 70-year-old biceps, displaying himself as a proud graduate of the Iggy Pop school of insanely ripped older rock dudes. He shimmies his still-slender hips with effortless brio and slings his guitar behind his head to play a solo. He steps one foot into a hoop on a kind of flying fox and is winched up above the crowd, singing as he goes, until being deposited on a stage at the other end of the arena floor. Is this all somehow … arousing? Look, we’re all three sheets to the wind here. Not one octave has been shaved off his vocal range, as he hits the high notes on I Was Made For Loving You : an irresistibly danceable disco-rock track Kiss wrote in a moment when it looked liked disco might unseat hard rock as the dominant pop genre of the late 70s. It’s now a song that has proven itself with the same longevity as the men who wrote it.

Though it is difficult to wrest the spotlight away from the antics of the two original septuagenarian frontmen, the other half of the band are allowed their moments to shine with extended guitar and drum solos, during which the frontmen duck backstage, presumably to lie for a few minutes in a hyperbaric chamber while being fanned by giant palm fronds. Eric Singer takes the stage to play a sparkling silver piano while singing Beth, the sweet sentiment of which only the most stone-hearted cynic could deny. (Kiss began the “ metal band with heartfelt ballad ” genre rule with this song.)

Kiss were fighting for our right to party (every day) when the Beastie Boys were still in primary school. To look around the crowd at this Corporate(™) Arena, is to see people wantonly basking in pure adoration. It is beers held aloft and very bad singing. It is fist pumping and cheering at explosions. It is standing under a shower of red and white confetti as the crowd is led through the chorus of the show’s closer, Rock and Roll All Nite. It’s no more Mondays sitting at your desk all day tabbing through spreadsheets, or prepping in the kitchen giving your wrist RSI. It is unabashed braggadocio and rockstar fantasies laced with unexpected vulnerability. Kiss is the part of us that sometimes needs to disengage from the exhausting realities of the world; the part that lets us reconnect with hedonistic pleasures that exist only to be enjoyed. For me, Kiss is about simply being very alive in glorious moments as they pass through us. It is all of that, at least for two magnificent hours.

This article was amended on 30 & 31 August 2022. An earlier version mistakenly referred to the late Eric Carr instead of Eric Singer and misspelled Ace Frehley’s surname.

Kiss’s End of the Road tour continues around Australia through September.

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A Farewell KISS: Inside Rock Icons’ Final Australian Show

The us glam rockers gave a performance worthy of an encore in their last ever australian concert at sydney’s accor stadium.

Kiel Egging

Sometimes, a farewell can drag on too long. KISS did their first farewell tour with Ace Frehley in the early 2000s, but more than two decades later, they’re still saying goodbye, with original members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons carrying the flame alongside newer members Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer.

Their current ‘End of the Road’ tour started all the way back in early 2019, got halted for COVID, and played in arenas around Australia to rave reviews last year. But such is the power of the local KISS army, a petition landed Australians with yet another opportunity to say goodbye – this time at a one-night-only exclusive Sydney show, upsized into a stadium.

Following on from renowned alternative rockers The Delta Riggs and Regurgitator, evergreen indie icons Weezer didn’t appear on paper to be the best fit to warm up the masses for their glam-rocking. pyro-packing counterparts.

That hardly phased frontman Rivers Cuomo and his band of merry men, though, who waltzed on stage relaxed and opened with “My Name Is Jonas”, the initial track from their seminal 1994 self-titled debut. It was followed by the instantly recognisable “Beverley Hills”, which was perfectly complimented by animated backdrops of Hollywood scenery alongside the song title and the band’s name.

The remainder of the set found Weezer more than holding their own, with beloved hits such as “Island in the Sun” and ‘Say It Ain’t So’ impressing with plenty of guitar shredding; a special cover of KISS’ “Strutter” sealed the deal. Cuomo also kept the crowd onside and his nerdy frontman character in check with compliments like, “Sydneysiders are bloody legends” and an “Aussie Aussie Aussie (Oi Oi Oi)” chant.

When KISS prepared to hit the stage, there were still obvious gaps in the front GA section, while the seats at the southern end of Accor Stadium appeared 95% empty, perhaps simply the signs of a ‘KISS farewell overdose’.

All that was forgotten as soon the curtain fell for the band’s bombastic opening song “Detroit Rock City”, complete with an avalanche of pyro and the four members descending on platforms.

Credit: Kiel Egging

From there, it was everything fans knew and loved about a KISS concert – if you’d had a bingo card, you wouldn’t have been left with much to tick off. Hundreds of cliché poses; blood spitting and fire breathing from Simmons; epic guitar duels and drum solos; Stanley’s zip-line ride to a satellite stage for “Love Gun”; and an astounding amount of fireworks.

This deep into their career, KISS remain as polished as ever. Their setlist was full of fist-pumpers such as “Shout It Out Loud”, “Say Yeah”, and “Lick It Up”.

As the encore arrived, the group took a last bow, seemingly ready to end the night. It ignited thoughts of the impossible – an early finish without KISS playing two of their most recognisable hits.

Thankfully, it turned out to not be the case. The special inclusion of local favourite “Shandi”, from their Unmasked album in 1980, was followed by probably the last two things to tick off that bingo card: “I Was Made for Loving You” was belted out with hundreds of giant balloons flying amongst the crowd, followed by “Rock and Roll All Nite” as kilos of confetti soared through the air.

Prior to being called up for the AFL Grand Final at the MCG last weekend, this was always going to be a one-night-only affair, an encore after last year’s tour.

Was it the most knockout and adequately special send-off in Australia for a band as legendary as KISS? Due to the obvious pockets of empty seats inside the stadium, perhaps not. Could it have packed a bigger punch in a smaller venue like Allianz Stadium? Arguably yes. Was it still a worthy encore that the local KISS army happily lapped up, and did we all still “Rock and Roll All Nite”? Absolutely.

Until next time, KISS. Maybe.

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KISS Review – Enough Substance to Maintain the Style at Melbourne Farewell

By David James Young

KISS performed at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday, 23rd August. David James Young reviews.

There’s something freeing and endearing about watching Dallas Crane in 2022. The Melbourne band have no agenda, no new album to plug, no cash-in reunion tour to sell tickets for. Front person Dave Larkin is under no delusions either. He refers to Dallas Crane as a “local Melbourne band”, which is the kind of term you’d give to an act playing the front bar of The Tote and not one that’s been in the Hottest 100 twice and recorded a song with Jimmy Barnes. But to him, they’re still the scrappy underdogs. Nearly 20 years after their heyday, it’s clear that they’re still doing this because it’s still fun for them.

Larkin and co. have done enough support slots in their time to know how to get strangers on side. Tracks like the sneering ‘No Through Road’, the stomping ‘Lovers & Sinners’ and the urgent, rousing closer ‘Dirty Hearts’ all still hold up. They might be weekend warriors these days, but Dallas Crane’s time on the battlefield deserves to be commended and celebrated.

The End of the Road for KISS

#Melbourne ! You were on Fire! What an AMAZING night! Thank You! #EndOftheRoadTour #Australia #TheLastKISS pic.twitter.com/gubPqarY3e — KISS (@kiss) August 21, 2022

There are plenty of made-up faces inspired by tonight’s headliner in the audience, not to mention plenty of shirts from tours gone by. One in particular sticks out: “KISS: 1973-2001”. That’s right – KISS first said they were calling it quits over 20 years ago. So what makes tonight, the third of three shows in Melbourne as part of the band’s ‘End Of The Road’ tour, feel any different, knowing KISS could go back on their word again?

Is it a hollow gesture? Is KISS, as a whole, based on hollow gestures ? What’s beneath the make-up and the costumes? Lest we forget the period in the 1980s when they removed them, were completely shunned, and then retreated back into their original look. Has the band who were once dubbed “knights in Satan’s service” (yes, really) now been reduced to family entertainment?

There’s a lot to think about. That is, of course, before the lights go down and the world-famous announcement blares over the PA: “You wanted the best? You got the best. The hottest band in the world: KISS.” Explosion. Fire. Explosion. Cue ‘Detroit Rock City’, and the band descending from the rafters on platforms. By that point, you’re too excited to care.

What ensues is a masterclass in indulgence, excess and playing to the cheap seats. From the giant video screens to the massive inflatable balloon versions of the band that are perched like gargoyles either side of the stage, to the constant barrage of flames – including Gene Simmons doing some fire-breathing – you’re swept up in the theatre of it all.

You grin like an idiot when Tommy Thayer shoots rockets out of the neck of his guitar, holding his hand up to his ear to rile the crowd. You forget every stupid thing Simmons has ever said when his mouth is gushing blood (capsules) during ‘God Of Thunder’. The cheer that ensues when Eric Singer’s drum riser literally rises during a flashy solo would make you think the guy just walked on water – and you’re having so much fun that you buy it hook, line and sinker.

KISS – ‘God of Thunder’ Live in Melbourne

At the centre of it all, of course, is lead singer Paul Stanley. Stanley flies out on some rigging to a B-stage up the back of the arena and performs two of the best KISS songs back to back: ‘Love Gun’ and ‘I Was Made For Lovin’ You’. The former is a head-banger of the highest order, a delectable slice of double-entendre nonsense that is hand-crafted for windows-down sing-alongs. The latter deserves to be in the conversation alongside the Stones’ ‘Miss You’ and Queen’s ‘Another One Bites The Dust’ as the best rock band disco sell-out single ever. Not all that glitters is gold, but this gem certainly is.

All the stops are pulled out for the grand finale of ‘Rock and Roll All Nite’ . Confetti spurts across the room no less than three times, while the balloons that were released during ‘Shandi’ are still bouncing about the place. The fire returns, the pyro is back and the declaration of intent to “party every day” rings loud and clear across the entire arena. It’s completely ridiculous, but it’s also entirely majestic – and that’s the balance you have to strike with a band like KISS. There needs to be just enough substance to maintain the style. It’s symbiotic, really.

Consider a KISS show like an action movie you’ve seen a dozen times. Sure, you could sit there and nitpick the inconsistencies in the plot – but who’s there for the plot? You’re there to watch shit blow up and high-five your mates when it happens.

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[Review] KISS @ Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne 20/8/2022

The wait has been long, and the KISS Army have been patiently biding their time, finally the day was upon us and the time was NOW! KISS are literally the hottest band in the world right now, and while that mantra has followed them for almost 50 years there has never been a truer statement. The KISS juggernaut has been a staple in almost every Australian home, in my case they even had their own dedicated room! Hugely loved and welcomed with open arms every single time they touch down, their fans are loyal and fiercely devoted which makes the experience of a KISS concert memory to treasure forever.

As I made my way towards Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne for the first show of the End Of The Road Australian tour, surrounded by my fellow KISSaholics, the ripples of excitement were brewing. There were painted faces, KISS T-shirts for miles, and families bringing their kids along to witness what would be the show of a lifetime. I took my spot on the floor, ready to get up close and personal with the band that has shaped my musical life. I felt overwhelmed with excitement and emotion, The End Of The Road is just that and I am not sure that I was ready to say goodbye just yet. But alas, I was glad I was there to soak up every bit of the tour, surrounded by like-minded fans all there to bask in KISS glory.

Melbourne hard rock outfit Dead City Ruins nabbed the coveted opening slot on night one, playing to a sold-out arena and thousands of adrenaline-filled punters. I can only imagine the high they were riding on, and it sure did come alive during their set. Blasting through their songs they engaged with the crowd and put on an amazing show. If there was ever a band that was a walking advertisement for good hair care it was them, luscious locks aplenty as they shredded their set. Booming vocals from Steve Welsh had the crowd up and about, many wearing their merch and singing the songs. Being a local Melbourne band, it was fantastic to see such great support for them. They have a new album out next month and we were treated to a sample of what is to come. It is one you do not want to miss, go check them out, and you will be glad you did.

Now it was time to bring out the big guns and they come no bigger than KISS , the arena was electric, carrying its own pulse in anticipation. The start time came and went which added to the nervous tension, but as the lights dropped the roar was deafening. Lowering from the ceiling on pods, KISS appear belting out the classic Detroit Rock City , accompanied by pyro, flames, and a light show that left me speechless. I have seen KISS more times than I can count but I still cannot explain the overwhelming feeling of joy that they bring to each and every show. It was a non-stop thrill ride as they smashed through Shout It Out Loud, Deuce, War Machine, and Heavens on Fire . The stage hid all sorts of party tricks that kept coming nonstop. The heat from the flames was intense as Gene worked his magic during I Love It Loud , there was a lot of crowd participation, and came complete with the obligatory fire breathing display that we all know and love. Cold Gin was Tommy Thayer’s time to shine as he ripped out his guitar solo and fired rockets across the stage. He has stepped into the Spaceman’s boots in a fluid movement and has looked at home from day dot.

Lick It Up was definitely a favourite and one that had Gene literally licking everything in sight with his trademark tongue out more than it was in. Gene Simmons , the backbone of KISS is such a consummate professional onstage, blasting his bass to within an inch of its life but always making sure the show runs like clockwork and every piece of the action is delivered one hundred percent every single time! I hope that I can channel his energy when I am his age, he made me tired just watching last night, never taking a break, it was go go go from start to finish. KISS always have, and always will, until that last show give it everything they have and leave nothing in the tank, that’s just how they roll.

The setlist was extensive covering most of the huge catalogue of albums, Dr Love, Do You Love Me, the hits just kept coming. Then as were saw a merge of Psycho Circus and 100,000 years, Eric Singer came to the forefront. His enormous drum kit catching the laser lights was a truly beautiful thing to see, his playing exemplary as always. Getting the crowd involved as he belted out a solo that echoed throughout the arena and had all eyes on him. Wowing the fans as he spun cymbals and sticks his drum riser raised to the roof and had everyone losing their minds, smoke pouring from underneath, it really was quite the spectacle.

Would it even be a KISS show if Gene did not spew forth blood during God Of thunder? Absolutely not, so we were all delighted when the green hue of lights and smoke swamped the stage and Gene treated us to his best ever party trick. Treating a lucky fan to his blood-spattered towel as he tossed it to the punters almost causing a riot. His riser taking high to the ceiling to watch over us as he sang, almost like a preacher with his congregation.

Frontman and KISS itself, Paul Stanley is still shaking his bootie with the best of them, playing his guitar over his head while giving us all a sexy shimmy. His stamina is undying as he jumped on a zip line to whizz across the venue to a second stage to play Love Gun and I Was Made For Loving You . The stage lighting up with disco balls and setting a bit of a frenzy amongst the fans, it is always a great one to sing along to and gets everyone jumping. Time to hear from Eric on vocals as Black Diamond rings out, it is one from the inception of KISS but still holds so much weight now in 2022. In classic KISS fashion, the drums rise again showcasing the cat motif and spinning pinwheels of sparks and explosions.

After a brief moment off the stage and cheers for more a stunning grand piano appears and Eric breaks into the beautiful ballad Beth , we are all singing along lighting up Rod Laver with our phone torches, knowing the night is getting close to being over and not being anywhere near ready for it. Being like a second home for KISS , we are always treated to an exception to the regular setlist, last night it was Shandi , and what a sight it was as supersized KISS balloons rained down on us as they crooned the much-loved hit from Unmasked .

The drums started and that famous intro to Rock and Roll All Nite rang out, with smoke and confetti cannons on steroids we were awash with excitement and adrenaline as the boys brought it home. We were answering the call as Paul worked us close to delirium, Rod Laver was heaving, and we were singing the oh-so-familiar lyrics I Wanna Rock and Roll All Nite and Party Every Day! The risers were headed to the sky with Gene and Tommy on board as Paul smashed his guitar and handed it over to one very lucky fan. With more pyro and fireworks than New Year’s Eve, the show was over and we were left raw with emotion but on a high from the most amazing show of all time.

There are still a few tickets for the last Melbourne show on Tuesday night, and I recommend you grab them fast, believe me, this show will change your life. Then you too can wear your badge with pride and say you have earned your place in KISSTORY!

There will never be another band that can compare to KISS , their love and dedication to their loyal KISS Army have been ever present and all we can do is say thank you. Thank you for the music of our childhood, thank you for the music that shaped our lives, and thank you for being THE HOTTEST BAND IN THE WORLD EVERY SINGLE TIME!!!!

Tonight the play to another SOLD OUT show, but you still have a chance to catch them Tuesday MELBOURNE!!!!!

Get your part of remaining tickets here : TUESDAY 22nd AUGUST 2022

KISS: The Final Curtain 2023 Australia Tour

The power and force of the Australian KISS army has never been stronger, with the legendary glam rockers returning to Australia for one final dance this October.

Kiss: the final curtain 2023 tour dates, hot in your box.

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Kiss concert review: end of the road world tour at rac arena.

Their fans had to wait an extra 10 months to watch KISS perform in Perth, but there’s no doubt anyone who was at RAC arena on Friday night thought it was well worth the wait.

So much so lead singer Paul Stanley even said so himself.

“Tonight was worth it and we are here to kick some arse!” he yelled at the crowd.

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Kiss performing at RAC Arena in Perth. Ian Munro

The last time the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers’ were able to play for their Perth “KISS Army” was almost nine years ago, with many expecting to see them back on WA soil in November last year.

But after COVID-19 restrictions and border closures prevented them from performing the WA leg of their tour, KISS opted to postpone their whole Australian visit to make sure everyone had the chance to see their End of the Road farewell tour.

I could live anywhere in the world I’d live right here in Perth.

At the beginning of the show the band declared their love for our coastal city, and delighted fans with the optimistic idea that Perth could one day (we wish) be their home.

“I’m not lying if I could live anywhere in the world I’d live right here in Perth,” Stanley said.

Gene Simmons dangles across the crowd to perform cult classic I Was Made For Loving You.

The show was everything a KISS concert has ever been, and everything die-hard fans could ever have wanted for their last chance to see the band perform.

Whether it was Stanley dangling across the crowd to perform cult classic I Was Made For Loving You to Gene Simmons spitting blood from his mouth during his solo while elevated meters into the air, the two-hour show felt more like an experience than your average concert.

Crowds received the full concert experience.

The End of the Road tour well and truly brought the house down, or at least it brought a number of pyrotechnics and dozens of giant floating balloons on top of the crowd as they all sang along to Shandi.

While the average age of the KISS band mates is close to 70, those bunched up together trying to get a taste of the rock and roll legends varied from grandparents to eager school kids.

KISS left their audience with a concert memory that will last a lifetime and a thrill to rock and roll the rest of the night long.

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Kiss concert review: end of the road world tour at rac arena.

Their fans had to wait an extra 10 months to watch KISS perform in Perth, but there’s no doubt anyone who was at RAC arena on Friday night thought it was well worth the wait.

So much so lead singer Paul Stanley even said so himself.

“Tonight was worth it and we are here to kick some arse!” he yelled at the crowd.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

The last time the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers’ were able to play for their Perth “KISS Army” was almost nine years ago, with many expecting to see them back on WA soil in November last year.

I could live anywhere in the world I’d live right here in Perth.

At the beginning of the show the band declared their love for our coastal city, and delighted fans with the optimistic idea that Perth could one day (we wish) be their home.

“I’m not lying if I could live anywhere in the world I’d live right here in Perth,” Stanley said.

Paul Stanley dangles across the crowd to perform cult classic I Was Made For Loving You.

The show was everything a KISS concert has ever been, and everything die-hard fans could ever have wanted for their last chance to see the band perform.

While the average age of the KISS band mates is close to 70, those bunched up together trying to get a taste of the rock and roll legends varied from grandparents to eager school kids.

KISS left their audience with a concert memory that will last a lifetime and a thrill to rock and roll the rest of the night long.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

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Live Review: KISS @ Accor Stadium, Sydney

"Even though KISS are now bonafide senior citizens, they retained a power and vitality that was truly jaw dropping."

KISS' crowd in Sydney (Credit: Hayden Nixon)

It may have been the death slot on a packed bill, and indeed many fans were still making their way into the venue when The Delta Riggs roared into life, but the Queensland natives must have been pinching themselves hard as they faced a literal sea of humanity. If they felt any pressure they didn’t show it as they strove to win over thousands of new fans with their infectious blend of jangling indie rock, traditional rock n roll machismo and hooks that would make a straight out pop act blush. Already a seasoned act with a growing fanbase this gig only added to the steady stream of converts already coming their way.

I must admit to not keeping up with the Regurgitator (aka the Gurg) in recent..well… decades. In fact the last time I saw them play was at a university bar in the mid 1990s. So I wasn’t really sure what to think when they strode onto the stage in nuns’ habits and proceeded to launch into I Sucked A Lot Of Cock to Get Where I Am and I Will Lick Your Arsehole, which to be honest, seem to confuse some elements of the crowd (those with kids in toe clearly had some explaining to do). But by the time the boys arrived at more sing-along favourites like Polyester Girl and I Like Your New Stuff Better Than Your Old Stuff things had turned around and people across the stadium were singing the lyrics. Ending with a final refrain of Kong Foo Sing , Fat Cop and ' ! (The Song Formerly Known As) ' and bass player Ben Ely didn’t really need to thank the crowd for not throwing things at the band: they were never in any real danger of experiencing that.

If the first two acts were somewhat left field choices to support KISS , the main international support was a downright head scratcher. KISS are known for a lot of things but quirky experimentation isn’t one them (outside of the ill-fated The Elder LP of course). Turns out KISS fans aren’t as regimented as I thought with Weezer ’s brand of slightly fuzzy indie pop meets nerd culture sensibility meets accessible melodies went down an absolute treat with the now much fuller arena. It’s impossible not to have fun at a Weezer show when the tunes are so immediate and memorable. Launching off with My Name Is Jonas before delivering the infectious Beverley Hills the boys went on to offer up a truncated greatest hits set which had the crowd eating out of their hands. Say It Ain’t So retained an ethereal feel in the last gasps of sunlight while Island In The Sun benefited from it’s hard/soft dynamic. Hash Pipe powered through the huge arena and the ever popular Pork and Beans even tempted Weezer neophytes to raises their hands. Weezer frontman and part time Wayne’s World stunt double Rivers Cuomo has never been shy about his love for KISS and the band’s decision to cover Strutter could have been seen as pandering of the worse type – but really it was the piece de resistance of a fantastic set. Closing with Buddy Holly the band left the stage to huge cheers – no mean feat when you are facing one of the most parochial crowds in rock n roll.

Let’s face it, venues the size of Accor arena are very tricky propositions – especially when like tonight it was far from a full house. Trying to make rock n roll magic in a space that feels like a barren outdoor aircraft hanger takes a certain kind of act. Well, KISS is on a very short list of artists ( The Stones and AC/DC also come to mind) that boast the incredible mystique necessary to make an audience feel they are no more than a few feet from the action. This is a band that is far bigger than any of its actual members, in fact by this stage in their career the band are more like their own universe that will somehow outlive our own quickly dying planet. Think this is hyperbole? Well, a quick look around the arena demonstrated KISS’ universal and enduring appeal. This was a multi generational affair - from those who could have purchased KISS Alive the day it came out in 1975 right through to those for whom COVID put a total downer on their primary school years. What’s more, unlike most other shows where you’ll see band merch from across the musical spectrum this audience rocked KISS gear and pretty much nothing else.

Of course KISS themselves were a well-oiled machine and sounded absolutely huge. Not surprisingly the bulk of the set came from the band’s vaunted ‘70s heyday in a very obvious case of ‘giving the people what they wanted’. Painted and non-painted faces alike came alive (sorry couldn’t help myself) for the turbo charged Detroit Rock City , the swaggering Cold Gin and bombastic anthems such as Shout It Out Loud, God Of Thunder and the ever catchy Love Gun . But the band made sure that on this, their final tour, that other parts of their career were celebrated as well. I Love It Loud and War Machine were very welcome representations of the Creatures Of The Night LP, Heaven’s On Fire held down the underrated Animalize album; Psycho Circus represented the surprisingly competent ‘reunion’ late period LP of the same name and finally Say Yeah was a living and breathing example that KISS have actually released new music in the last 15 years or so. Of course the encore was straight banger after straight banger with the tender strains of Beth leading straight into Shandi from Unmasked before the band unleashed the evergreen karaoke classics I Was Made For Loving You and Rock N Roll All Night to thunderous applause.

A KISS concert is more than the tunes and true to form the stage show was one for the age. More lasers than a planetarium, enough dry ice to bankrupt a small African nation and explosions up the wazoo – all were grist for the mill for rock n roll’s greatest showmen.

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So, were there any complaints to be had? Well, given this is likely the band’s last tour it would have been nice if the band could have made peace with Ace Frehley and Peter Criss for at least some form of involvement. But to be fair Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer are KISS veterans at this stage and they not only played their asses off (Thayer in particular is a truly gifted musician) but also ‘played’ the characters like they themselves were the OG’s. I also could have done without the slightly cliched drum and bass solos but again they added to the atmosphere and the bass solo at least just seemed to be an excuse for Gene to spit blood (let’s face it people would have asked for their money back if that didn’t happen!). Perhaps the most egregious thing however, was Paul’s interminable stage banter, which took up time that could have been used for a few left of centre deep cuts to balance out the well-worn staples (the crushingly heavy Unholy anyone? Or maybe something off Hot In The Shade ?)

Although KISS have been with me all my life (one of my earliest memories is KISS face-painting on offer at my infants school fete) I’ve never been a true devotee. But I’ve got to say this was an incredible experience and even though KISS are now bonafide senior citizens they retained a power and vitality that was truly jaw dropping. This band is a cult and if tonight’s effort was any indication it will go on being revered long after the members are dead and buried.

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Tommy Thayer – ‘Time to KISS Australia Goodbye Interview’

Posted on August 16, 2022 by walladmin

For nearly 50 years KISS have cemented their legacy as one of the all time great and influential rock bands. Perhaps their crowning achievement is becoming one of the very few artists to have their brand and image transcend their enormous catalogue of hit songs. Sure, they have their fair share of detractors – but everyone knows KISS ; even if it’s just their makeup or from a random pop-culture reference.

All great things must finish though. With the band deciding to wrap up their days as a touring entity, their End of the Road World Tour has been snaking it’s way across the planet since early 2019. Despite being armed with their most impressive stage show ever (and that’s saying something), even the mighty KISS fell foul to the COVID pandemic, with the tour seeing countless postponements worldwide. Their Australian dates have certainly been no stranger to rescheduling; the shows Down Under have been moved back no less than four times.

Having the opportunity to chat with longtime lead guitarist Tommy Thayer , he touched on how KISS – who also includes founding members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons and drummer Eric Singer – feels knowing these Australian shows are finally going ahead at the end of August.

“We are so excited and relieved to finally be touring in Australia. We’ve had multiple delays with both sickness and COVID, so we’re really very excited to be bringing the End Of The Road World Tour to Australia. It’s going to be a fantastic tour – we’ve got nine shows; three nights in Melbourne, two nights in Sydney – it’s something we’re looking forward to, finally!”

With the four-piece having recently conquered South America and Europe for (seemingly) the last time, it’s impossible for KISS to not be caught up in the emotions of the long farewell.

“ It is bittersweet. These shows have been over-the-top, playing to huge crowds and the band is in top form – if I do say so myself – so we’ve doing great. It really makes us want to go out and play a little bit more. But it is bittersweet, because it is going to come to an end within the year – and we know that.”

Of course KISS , like all other musicians, weren’t able to tour for most of 2020, they did put on a New Year’s extravaganza with ‘ The Kiss New Year’s Eve 2020 Goodbye ’ show in Dubai. Though the web streamed event was in front of a minimal live crowd, it was far from a stripped-down affair.

“It was really the first time we’d been out to do anything or certainly play a show (since COVID) – and it was a unique show, because we didn’t really have the huge crowd there; it was based around a web-stream/television simulcast around the world on New Year’s Eve. It was a different kind of experience – it was very strange and very different, but also probably the biggest production, the biggest stage we’ve ever used before. The pyro we had that night won the Guinness World Records for largest pyro show ever – it was over-the-top, the production. It’s too bad more people couldn’t have been there, but it just wasn’t possible obviously.”

While KISS the touring ensemble will cease to exist come 2023, clearly there is more to the KISS name than just their epic live show;

“The music, the imagery – the brand actually – is so strong that it will continue and there will be business moving forward in some form. KISS is such a monumental brand, such an important, iconic group for 50 years now that it’s not going away even though the touring will stop.”

While not officially locked in yet, it has always been known that the final shows of the ‘ End Of The Road World Tour’ will take place in the KISS ’ home, New York City.

“It’s known out there that we want to end this in New York, ‘cause that’s where the band started. That’s the idea – nothing’s been definitely set as far as the venue yet, I’m sure all the KISS fans are really interested in where that’s going to be, but that’s the idea; to end the tour in New York for a final show or series of final shows there.”

For Thayer , Australia is an important location for his career in KISS , with the axeman’s first full-blown concert with the group being in Melbourne back in 2003 for the KISS Symphony : Alive IV show.

“It was huge for me, as it was my first official show as the lead guitarist for KISS . The year before was a transitional time for KISS with things changing (within the band). I did a few gigs in 2002, filling in for a couple of things we did. But then we got geared up for the KISS Symphony show, and that was really my coming out as the lead guitarist in KISS . It was a phenomenal experience but it was an important time – there was a lot going on. We were recording a DVD and doing a documentary and live album, so there was a lot to deal with at time the time, so I felt a bit of pressure to be honest with you.”

Of course, Thayer , like so many teenagers of his generation, grew up idolising KISS , so the importance and almost surreal nature of stepping into the Spaceman character has never been lost on him.

“When I was 13, 14 years old I got the first KISS album in 1974, so I was an early fan – and I loved them. I thought they were the greatest thing – especially in the early days when it was a bit more of a dangerous and darker vibe. All the leather, and the crazy guy spitting blood and breathing fire – all my friends and myself were like “what the hell is this??”. I loved KISS and I was really into them from the very beginning, so I’ve loved the band for 50 years now, just like everyone else that was around at the time. It’s just ironic that somehow for 20 years now I’ve been the lead guitarist in the band, and it’s pretty ironic to actually grow up and somehow it all comes together – it’s very unusual. But it’s been a spectacular experience – an incredible, unique experience for me – it’s crazy! I feel really fortunate to be able to do something I love and be the lead guitarist in KISS – it’s every kids dream really and I get to do it. I’m loving it and never take any of it for granted. I told Gene and Paul a few weeks ago that I really appreciate that these guys made this happen and I get to be part of it – it’s really great.”

Back to the looming tour; it’s no secret that Australia has some of the most ardent KISS fans in the world – a fact the group is well aware of;

“Australia’s always been amazing for KISS , going all the way back to 1980 when they first came over there – it was like Beatlemania! It seems like that’s never gone away, it’s always been this special, crazy market – a great place for KISS to be in. People always seem to love when we play and we play the big places and do these sensational events there – like the KISS Symphony show.”

With the Australian End Of The Road World Tour dates right around the corner, Thayer promises that Aussie fans will be treated to the most bombastic KISS experience ever;

“It’s the show that made KISS famous, and we’re doing it bigger and better than ever. It’s the biggest production in terms of the stage and the lighting and the whole rig and effects. I get to do a guitar solo were I blow everything up with rockets – it doesn’t get any better than that! People have been loving this tour – the reviews have been over-the-top and the response has been amazing. We’re bringing it to Australia – finally! We were supposed to be there three years ago, but it’s finally happened. I just wanted to say to everyone there that we appreciate your patience – it’s been frustrating for us as well, and I’m just glad that it’s all happening now and we all get to do this.”

Interview by Andrew Kapper . Twitter: @andrew_kapper

KISS – End Of The Road World Tour

Saturday 20 August @ Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne – SOLD OUT

Sunday 21 August @ Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne – SOLD OUT

Tuesday 23 August @ Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

Friday 26 August @ Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney

Saturday 27 August @ Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney

Tuesday 30 August @ Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide

Friday 2 September @ RAC Arena, Perth

Tuesday 6 September @ Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Bris – SOLD OUT

Saturday 10 September @ C BUS Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Tickets Here

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INTERVIEW: KISS – TOMMY THAYER talks about The Australian Tour August – September 2022 and so much more…

3 August 2022 Mark Diggins

When I was in my teens my Mum and Dad took me and my best mate to see Kiss at a venue in the UK called Stafford Bingley Hall. It was an unusual venue that doubled as a cattle market and concert venue. That was the start for me and every tour wherever I was in the world I was there. This year Kiss play Australia for the last time before bowing out next year on their 50th Anniversary. Kiss is the only band I’ve seen more than 30 times, and the only band I’ve seen on four continents, both with make-up and without. It’s been a remarkable career for a remarkable band who over the years have rolled with the punches and adapted to the changes but always, above all, have stayed true to the fans. I had the pleasure of chatting with Tommy Thayer back in 2019 when the first Australian dates were announced and now it’s time to talk again with the 2022 Covid-delayed dates just around the corner. It’s going to be an emotional time for legions of Australian fans of all generations, me included.

Tommy: Hey Mark.

Mark: Hi Tommy, thank you so much for talking to The Rockpit today. It’s great to catch up again, it seems like only the other day we were talking about Kiss heading to Australia for the the Final tour, I think that was back in November 2019! And her were are again!

Tommy: Yeah and we’re still talking about it! (laughs)

Mark: It’s really going to happen this time though isn’t it?! (Laughs)

Tommy: (Laughs) Well I really have a good feeling this time.

Mark: 49 years of Kiss and I guess with the new dates Gene announced the other day coming into 2023 we’re going to hit that 50th Anniversary. This year is also your 20th Anniversary if I’m not mistaken?

Tommy: It is yeah, I’ve been in the band 20 years now and still going strong!

Mark: It must be an interesting time with the end in sight and so many possibilities ahead of what happens next?

Tommy: Yeah, I’ve ben thinking about that a little bit and thinking about what happens after Kiss.

Mark: I’m going to ask you a lot of fan questions today some of them from the Kiss Army here in Perth. But I’ll get mine in first – if you could sneak one song into the set what would it be?

Tommy: (laughs) Well one Kiss song that I’ve always really loved that we’ve never played since I’ve been in the band is ‘All Hell’s Breaking Loose’

Mark: What a great song.

Tommy: That would be a cool one for me. I think I’ve brought it up a few times (laughs) but somehow it didn’t really resonate with everybody. When we do the Kiss Cruises though we get to play more of the deep cuts, but the main set – there are just so many songs that we have to do – the classic standards, especially if they’re part of the show, that takes up about 80 or 90% of the song space right there.

Mark: It’s an impossible task pleasing everyone. As a fan of the band before you joined was their a particular album from the original make-up years that most resonated with you?

Tommy: Well I was a fan of the band from the very beginning, in the early days when in a lot of ways Kiss wasn’t even really that well known. They were this band from New York that were considered edgy, or even dangerous! It was like “Who’s this guy spitting blood?” and all that. But I think probably it would have to be ‘Dressed to Kill’. That really resonates with me in a special way. But then ‘Kiss Alive’ was the one that was really the ground-breaker, that really started things really taking off. So I’d say ‘Dressed to Kill’ with ‘Kiss Alive’.

Mark: I think I’m with you on that ‘Dressed to Kill’ for me nailed down what they’d tried with Hotter than Hell’ and the first record – there’s something special about that one.

Tommy: I think those first three studio records and Kiss Alive that was really it as far as establishing what it was all about and those records have a very special place in my heart.

Mark: Kiss has always had a wonderful connection with Australia, songs have charted here that haven’t elsewhere and for a country with such a small population we can pack out Arenas with the best of them. But it must be special for you particularly as your second ever show and first official show with the band was such a huge one!

Tommy: It really was, that was my coming out, that was my first official show as teh lead guitarist with Kiss in Melbourne at the Kiss Symphony Show with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. We were doing a documentary, we were recording a live album, we were recording a DVD, and I have to tell you I was under pressure! I was a little beside myself, a little stressed out that week!

Mark: I can imagine!

Tommy: It was a crazy time, of course coming in there were a lot of eyes on me, but somehow I made it through.

Mark: And a few years later on the next visit we got to see Kiss Up Close and Personal where we got to see Kiss in a small theatre! Two great shows I got to see living in Melbourne at the time.

Tommy: Yeah, 2004 we did those shows I think we called them ‘In Your Face’ or something like that.

Mark: I was just checking out your guitar lessons this morning on the Gibson App!

Tommy: (laughs) Did you learn how to play the guitar solo to Detroit Rock City yet? I really detailed it there for everyone!

Mark: I sort of have two left feet when it comes to playing guitar, as a I result I can only play bass badly.

Tommy: You get that Gibson App and keep working on it! You’ll be playing ‘Psycho Circus’ before you know it! I’ll check!

Mark: (laughs) I might have to grab one of your signature Epiphone Guitars to do that!

Tommy: They’re not that expensive!

Mark: I have a mate who is grabbing one from you in Melbourne, he’s glad of the two extra years he’s had to save for it!

Tommy: I’ll bring a few with me! (laughs)

Mark: (laughs) You’ve know Kiss for a good few decades and as part of the Kiss organisation you’re produced DVD’s events and so much more, can you remember what it was like right at the start of that relationship where you sat down to write with Gene on ‘Hot in the Shade’?

Tommy: Yeah, you’re absolutely right. For those that don’t know I had a band back in the 80’s called Black ‘N’ Blue, we put records out and we got a slot as an opening act with Kiss on their Asylum tour in late 1985 in the US. We got to know Gene and Paul, it was at the time of Bruce Kulick and Eric Carr, and anyway we approached Gene to see if he would be interested in producing our third album that we were doing called ‘Nasty Nasty’ which turned out to be nasty, nasty (laughs). And of course he said he would love to do it so the relationship just evolved and progressed from there. And soon he asked me if I was interested in writing songs with him – he was working on songs for ‘Hot in the Shade’ like you mentioned. So we ended up writing a couple of songs, and I was doing demos with them and you know, all kinds of different things, juts getting to know them more. And the whole thing just kept evolving. And then suddenly Black ‘N’ Blue had run its course and I needed a job and they hired me part time to work in the Kiss organisation. At the time it was ‘Kisstory’ – the none pound coffee table book. But that led to a lot more things and they gave me a lot of great opportunities to get involved. And it all turned out pretty good. Lo and behold I became the guitarist a few years later.

Mark: One of the things I most love about Kiss as a photographer is that I donlt think I’ve ever enjoyed photographing a band as much as I have Kiss and it’s not just the costumes, the lighting and the spectacle: as a photographer you feel that those first three songs the band is playing just for you. the band plays to the pit so well.

Tommy: Absolutely, especially Gene and Paul they definitely play to the photo pit! I try and get in there just a little bit but it’s tough! (laughs) There’s only so much room there at the front of the stage!

Mark: (laughs) What do you think it will feel like when you play the final notes of that final show? It’s been a huge part of your life not just paying in the band but working in the organisation.

Tommy: Well it really has, I mean Kiss has been a big part of my life, it seems like forever. I think at the real end of this, which is going to be next year sometime, 2023 it’s definitely going to be bittersweet, it will be a celebration but it will be very sad too. And for Gene and Paul it’s even more meaningful and more intense probably, you’d have to ask them. But there will be a lot of emotions and it will be kinda difficult in a way – it’s been such a cool tour and it’s gonna be tough to end it. But it’s coming, it’s definitely gonna happen, it’s not just a marketing ploy. People ask me “Is this just another Farewell Tour?” but it is legitimately. You can’t keep doing Kiss, it’s a very physical thing to do and as people get older it becomes almost impossible after a while.

Mark: Especially on those high heels!

Tommy: Oh yeah, have you ever tried ’em?

Mark: I tried a pair, there’s a Kiss cover band in Perth and I slid on your space boots – I couldn’t do it. It’s hard enough for me to hit the right chords let alone do it in those things!

Tommy: (laughs) Wearing those boots takes a lot of extra energy, it’s crazy.

Mark: There is of course a lot of speculation what will happen after that final date. Is anything set in stone?

Tommy: You have to remember Kiss is not going away, Kiss the brand, the music, the imagery that’s all gonna continue on in certain ways it’s just that the band is not gonna tour anymore. Kiss wont end so I’m sure lots of associated things will be going on, some I might even be involved in you never know. Kiss will live on no doubt about it, something as monumental as Kiss won’t go away.

Mark: Great news for Kiss fans all over the world, they can exhale now!

Tommy: (laughs)

Mark: If you could have been a fly on the wall for the creation of any album just to see how the magic happened in the studio what would you have loved to have been there for? Leaving Kiss out of the equation if you can.

Tommy: Well this is an interesting one because it was by a band that was not as big but one of the most influential guitarists in bands for me growing up was Montrose, so for me I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall for that first Montrose album where they had Ted Templeman producing, recording probably at the Record Plant Sausalito. I would have loved them to have been there and watched them record all those classics like ‘Bad Motor Scooter’, ‘Rock The Nation’ and ‘Space Station #5’.

Mark: You’ve got a wonderful taste in music Mr Thayer I must say.

Tommy: (laughs) OK!

Mark: I thought an interesting way to end would be to travel back in time. I dug out a music magazine from 1973 the year that Kiss were born to find out the sort of searching questions Teen Magazines asked back then ( and maybe still do ) it all seems to be based on listing peoples favourite things… let’s see how you compare to Mick Ronson.

Tommy: OK let’s go!

Mark: OK Tommy name your favourite movie star?

Tommy: My favourite? I’d have to go back to some of teh classic 40’s and 50’s films – Burt Lancaster, Cary Grant, a lot of the classic Golden Era ones really impressed me, you know Tony Curtis, not so much the modern day for me though there are some great actors today, but for me the best films made were in the 40’s and 50’s and I watch a lot of those.

Mark: Favourite food?

Tommy: You know nothing beats a good old hamburger! A great burger! But I really like Japanese and Asian food as well. Japan’s a special place – I really enjoy the culture and I really enjoy visiting.

Mark: And you have a date there just after Australia I can see.

Tommy: Yeah we just announced a big blow out at the Tokyo Dome at the end of November.

Mark: I’m reliably informed there will be a rather large party of Australians flying out for that one as well.

Tommy: I’m sure they will! (laughs) If the Australian dates aren’t enough, there’s always Japan too!

Mark: Keeping the 1973 theme: what was the last book you read?

Tommy: I just read this great Autobiography on the Doobie Brothers. Pat Simmons and Tom Johnston wrote it together – it’s called ‘Long Train Running’ and to me it’s really interesting reading about how they came up and all the crazy stuff they went through in the 70’s. And then Michael McDonald comes in and the band changes and then they just become bigger than ever. To me really interesting but if you’re not a Doobie Brothers fan it might not be! I thought it was a great book.

Mark: And sadly a band I’ve only had the chance to see the once. Great band.

Tommy: I read a lot of music biographies, a lot of history, but I do read a lot so it can be anything with me, a great novel, but it has to be a book in the traditional sense, a physical book. I love hard-bound books.

Mark: I’ll spare you the last few about favourite colours and star signs!

Mark: Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us today Tommy, it will be great to see you up on the big stage in a few weeks time. You hit Perth on 2nd September – it’s gonna be a big one!

Tommy: It’s gonna be awesome, and Mark it’s been great talking to you brother. See you soon!

You can of course get your tickets here:

AUSTRALIAN CONCERT DATES 2022

Saturday August 20 ROD LAVER ARENA, MELBOURNE VIC Support: Dead City Ruins www.ticketek.com.au & 132 849

Sunday August 21 ROD LAVER ARENA, MELBOURNE VIC Support: Rival Fire www.ticketek.com.au & 132 849

Tuesday August 23 ROD LAVER ARENA, MELBOURNE VIC Support: Dallas Crane www.ticketek.com.au & 132 849

Friday August 26 QUDOS BANK ARENA, SYDNEY NSW Support: The Poor www.ticketek.com.au & 132 849

Saturday August 27 QUDOS BANK ARENA, SYDNEY NSW Support: Battle Snake www.ticketek.com.au & 132 849

Tuesday August 30 ADELAIDE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, SA Support: The Superjesus www.ticketek.com.au & 132 849

Friday September 2 RAC ARENA, PERTH WA Support: Legs Electric www.ticketek.com.au & 132 849

Tuesday September 6 BRISBANE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, QLD Support: Wolfmother www.ticketek.com.au & 132 849

Saturday September 10 CBUS SUPER STADIUM, ROBINA GOLD COAST, QLD Supports: Wolfmother & Tumbleweed www.ticketek.com.au & 132 849

KISS: The End of the Road tour hits Australia

August 17, 2022

KISS ‘The Hottest Band In The World’ in August/September 2022 are about to embark on their last tour ever in Australia.

The End Of The Road tour started way back in 2019, but the tour was first cancelled in 2019 after Paul Stanley was advised by doctors to rest due to a bad case of influenza. Then postponed again due to borders with Western Australia being closed due to COVID-19 pandemic.

But the time is now to ‘Shout Out Loud’ that KISS will be playing all their hits including “Rock n Roll All Nite”, “I Was Made For Loving You”, “Detroit Rock City” and more around Australia.

The shows are renowned for their incredible light shows, and are the masters of stadium rock.

It’s going to be massive, as the band says ““All that we have built and all that we have conquered over the past four decades could never have happened without the millions of people worldwide who’ve filled clubs, arenas and stadiums over those years. This will be the ultimate celebration for those who’ve seen us and a last chance for those who haven’t. KISS Army, we’re saying goodbye on our final tour with our biggest show yet and we’ll go out the same way we came in… Unapologetic and Unstoppable,”

Don’t miss out on catching these Rock N Roll legends Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons , Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer with the KISS Army across Australia.

KISS concert dates:

20, 21 and 23 August, Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena 26, 27 August, Sydney, QUDOS Arena 30 August, Adelaide, Entertainment Centre 2 September, Perth, RAC Arena 6 September, Brisbane, Entertainment Centre 10 September, Townsville, Queensland Stadium

Tickets, including various VIP packages can be purchased HERE

KISS @ Ethiad Stadium 2013 Image by Peter Dovgan.

Pete Dovgan

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October 7, 2023 Setlist

KISS Setlist at Accor Stadium, Sydney, Australia

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Song played from tape Rock and Roll ( Led Zeppelin song) Play Video
Detroit Rock City Play Video
Shout It Out Loud Play Video
Deuce Play Video
War Machine Play Video
Heaven's on Fire Play Video
I Love It Loud ( Gene breathes fire ) Play Video
Say Yeah Play Video
Cold Gin Play Video
Guitar Solo ( Tommy Thayer ) Play Video
Lick It Up ( With snippet of The Who's 'Won't Get Fooled Again' ) Play Video
Calling Dr. Love Play Video
Makin' Love ( Preceded by Paul & Tommy duelling guitars ) Play Video
Psycho Circus ( Partial (first two verses) ) Play Video
Drum Solo Play Video
100,000 Years ( Partial ) Play Video
Bass Solo ( Gene spits blood ) Play Video
God of Thunder Play Video
Love Gun ( Paul on B-Stage ) Play Video
Black Diamond ( Paul returns to main stage ) Play Video
Beth ( Eric solo on piano; fan invades the stage during final moments as rest of band return ) Play Video
Shandi Play Video
I Was Made for Lovin' You Play Video
Rock and Roll All Nite Play Video
Song played from tape God Gave Rock 'N' Roll to You II Play Video

Note: Final Australian show.

Edits and Comments

71 activities (last edit by aiden_3857 , 7 Oct 2023, 22:56 Etc/UTC )

Songs on Albums

Detroit Rock City
God of Thunder
Shout It Out Loud
100,000 Years
Black Diamond
Guitar Solo
I Love It Loud
War Machine
Calling Dr. Love
Makin' Love
Heaven's on Fire
Rock and Roll All Nite
I Was Made for Lovin' You
Psycho Circus

Complete Album stats

Related News

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Setlist History: Kiss' First Show Without Peter Criss

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Accor stadium.

KISS Start time: 4:20 PM 4:20 PM
The Delta Riggs Start time: 5:25 PM 5:25 PM
Regurgitator Start time: 6:15 PM 6:15 PM
Weezer Start time: 7:30 PM 7:30 PM
KISS This Setlist Start time: 9:00 PM 9:00 PM

KISS Gig Timeline

Sep 01 2023 Crandon International Off-Road Raceway Crandon, WI, USA Add time Add time
Sep 30 2023 AFL Grand Final 2023 Melbourne, Australia Start time: 1:45 PM 1:45 PM
Oct 07 2023 Accor Stadium This Setlist Sydney, Australia Start time: 9:00 PM 9:00 PM
Oct 07 2023 Accor Stadium Sydney, Australia Start time: 4:20 PM 4:20 PM
Oct 19 2023 Heritage Bank Center Cincinnati, OH, USA Start time: 8:45 PM 8:45 PM
Oct 19 2023 Heritage Bank Center Cincinnati, OH, USA Add time Add time

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Last.fm Event Review

[url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/kiss/2023/accor-stadium-sydney-australia-63a31eb3.html][img]https://www.setlist.fm/widgets/setlist-image-v1?id=63a31eb3[/img][/url] [url=https://www.setlist.fm/edit?setlist=63a31eb3&step=song]Edit this setlist[/url] | [url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/kiss-6bd69ec6.html]More KISS setlists[/url]

Tour Update

Kiss - end of the road tour.

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KISS - END OF THE ROAD TOUR AUSTRALIA 2022

KISS_007_INSTA_1080x1080 cbus date inc[1].png

KISS - END OF THE ROAD TOUR

FINAL AUSTRALIAN TOUR SET FOR AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022!

Promoters One World Entertainment and TEG Live have announced that rock n roll legends KISS will bring their spectacular 'End Of The Road' tour to Australia in August and September 2022.

In news that will thrill their legions of Aussie fans, the tour will commence in Melbourne on 20 August before playing shows in Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane and a huge FINAL KISS concert event at CBUS Stadium, Gold Coast Queensland.

The 'End Of The Road' tour, which began in January 2019, is undoubtedly the biggest and best KISS show ever (and that's saying something), receiving incredible reviews from both diehard KISS fans and the media at sell-out shows across the globe.

So, Australia…. this is it.

Come and celebrate the extraordinary career and music of KISS.

Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

20 AUG 2022

21 AUG 2022

23 AUG 2022

Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney

26 AUG 2022

27 AUG 2022

Adelaide Entertainment Centre

30 AUG 2022

RAC Arena, Perth

02 SEP 2022

Brisbane Entertainment Centre

06 SEP 2022

CBUS Super Stadium, Gold Coast

10 SEP 2022

PRESENTED BY

KISS by Mary Boukouvalas

Kiss’ Australian Promoter Launches Petition To Bring the Band Back Again

by Paul Cashmere on May 11, 2023

The last ever Kiss show in Australia in 2022 may have just been the last Kiss show in Australia until the next one.

Promoter TEG Live is scheming a plan to get Kiss back to Australia in 2023 for the last time (well until the next time after that).

TEG Live socials are running the message:

Let’s go Australia! We’ve heard that KISS are adding more shows to their final tour ever, and we want to be part of the action! Sign the petition below to increase our chances of bringing the hottest band in the world to Australia one last time! ⚡️SIGN HERE → https://arep.co/m/bring-kiss-to-aus

There is a pretty good chance that if the petition is coming directly from the promoter that the deal is already done.

Kiss performed their “last shows” in Australia in August and September 2022. Check out the Noise11 review .

KISS Setlist Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena 20 August 2022

Detroit Rock City (from Destroyer, 1976) Shout It Out Loud (from Destroyer, 1976) Deuce (from Kiss, 1974) War Machine (from Lick It Up, 1983) Heaven’s on Fire (from Animalize, 1984) I Love It Loud (from Creatures of the Night, 1982) Say Yeah (from Sonic Boom, 2009) Cold Gin (from Kiss, 1974) Lick It Up (from Lick It Up, 1983) Calling Dr. Love (from Rock and Roll Over, 1976) Do You Love Me (from Destroyer, 1976) Psycho Circus (from Psycho Circus, 1998) Drum Solo 100,000 Years (from Kiss, 1974) Bass Solo God of Thunder (from Destroyer, 1976) Love Gun (from Love Gun, 1976) I Was Made for Lovin’ You (from Dynasty, 1979) Black Diamond (from Kiss, 1974) Encore: Beth (from Destroyer, 1976) Shandi (from Unmasked, 1980) Rock and Roll All Nite (from Dressed To Kill, 1974)

The most recent Kiss show was April 30 in Chile. The setlist was exactly the same as the 2022 Australian tour.

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