It’s official; life is getting back to normal. 2020 saw a lot of weird things happen, it including the re-scheduling of the farewell tour for one of our favorite bands of all time, KISS!
The rock icons recently announced that they will be returning to the stage to play one last time for us. This year’s featured event is their End of the Road World Tour.
No matter who you are, we all have a favorite band that can transport back to any point in time. We remember where we were, what we were doing, and who we were with when that certain band captured our soul. For so many rebels without a cause, KISS was that band.
For me, it was 1975 when I first heard Alive! by KISS. Songs like “Deuce,” “Strutter,” and “Rock and Roll All Nite,” became an anthem for their legions of fans.
The band would put out other life defining moments in time with songs that captured a generation. Songs like “Detroit Rock City,” “Calling Dr. Love,” “Love Gun,” “Lick It Up,” “Shout It Out Loud,” “God of Thunder” and so many more great songs endeared them to their fans worldwide.
What made the band even more appealing was how flipped out Main Street America was over them. KISS was even given a nickname “Knights In Satan’s Service” aka KISS. That made them even cooler than cool to teens, tweens and young adults. Bottom line, KISS was mad, bad and dangerous to know and their fans couldn’t get enough of them. I know because I was one of them who loved KISS because my parents hated their appearance and Gene Simmons’ long-ass meandering tongue.
But even with with all their loud songs and crazy make-up we can’t forget KISS introduced us all to the power balled with their hit “Beth!”
This band was determined to put on the best show anyone had ever seen. They did just that, but what separates them from the pack was their commitment to their music and their fans. KISS is so beloved by their fans, they still show up in droves to their shows. Is it just the music and the out-of-this-world pyrotechnic show? Yes, they play badass loud music, but it’s how they connect with their fans that make them special.
Over their existence, they have supported organizations such as The Wounded Warriors Project, The USO, The U.S. Chamber of Commerce “Hire A Hero” program, The Legacy Organization in Australia, Help For Heroes United Kingdom and The Dr. Pepper Snapple Groups Wounded Warriors Support Foundations. As a result of their hard work and compassion towards their fellow human beings, these titans of rock were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
I’ve been lucky enough to see KISS a few times. I can honestly say seeing them was one of the greatest most profound experiences of my life. So many of their fans will always be thankful to Ace, Paul, Peter and Gene for the great memories. They’re also thankful to Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer who helped keep the band alive (no pun intended).
Those who love this band like family heard the news they were waiting for from the band themselves. KISS said “Time marched on, but we couldn’t. Now, the boots are on, and we’re hauling an extra year’s worth of pyro, lights and spectacle. WE ARE BACK! We’re pumped and can’t wait to celebrate with our biggest, wildest and hottest show ever.”
If there was ever a bucket-list band, KISS is it and I highly recommend catching them on this final tour. KISS lands at Five Point Amphitheatre on September 9th and then North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista on September 25th.
KISS PROMOTIONAL PHOTO
In true classy KISS fashion, the Rock & Roll Hall of Famers said the tour is dedicated to the millions of fans that have supported them for decades.
