Time is running out if you want to see the Legendary KISS live and in person. Not even COVID-19 could sideline the End of the Road World Tour, which visited Ridgefield, WA on September 17th. Although some tour dates have been postponed or rescheduled due to the pandemic, KISS are determined to give fans one last Rock and Roll party before hanging up their face paint.
The End of the Road tour is quite possibly the biggest live spectacle available on the planet. Every conceivable visual apparatus was used throughout the show. Moving platforms and risers, fire, lasers, smoke, concussion shells, fireworks, balloons, confetti and streamers, it was all there. The only thing missing was a T-shirt cannon and a fighter jet flyover. Every moment of the show was perfectly choreographed as the shock rock pioneers rocked through over 20 songs from their very extensive catalog.
Each member of the band also got a moment in the spotlight. Eric Singer was up first with a drum solo. As the drum riser moved up and down, Eric’s feet never stopped. The hammering of the double bass drums was relentless even while he wiped his face and gently folded and rolled up the towel. Beaverton, OR native Tommy Thayer’s guitar solo was equally enthusiastic, shooting projectiles from his guitar at the overhead LED panels. When it was Gene Simmons’ turn to bask in the spotlight, it was clear that he is ever the showman. Spitting up blood, flicking his tongue and riding a riser that would lift him so high that his head was nearly touching the top of the amphitheater, he played to the crowd and soaked in every moment. Paul Stanley addressed the audience saying that he loved being on stage, but longed to be with the fans. He then grabbed onto a harness and rode “zip-line style” to a small stage set up by the soundboard where he remained for “Love Gun” and “I Was Made for Lovin’ You”.
While standing amongst the KISS Army and watching one of the most legendary bands in the world it was easy to forget that this is a quartet of men that should be at home shooing kids off their lawns and managing arthritis flare-ups. The iconic face paint easily disguised their many years, and the energy they projected seemingly harnessed directly from the proverbial fountain of youth. Any doubts about Paul’s voice were quickly dismissed and it was quite clear that KISS deserves to be included in any discussion of hard rock history.
It’s been said that this will be their last tour. Thank you KISS for setting the bar and for keeping the light on all these years.
