KISS

KISS (w. Buckcherry)
10/22/2009
Event Rating: ★★★★☆
Venue: Bank Atlantic Center – Sunrise, FL
Presented by: AEG Live

Buckcherry:

Buckcherry has always had great onstage presence and energy. Anyone who has seen them before will tell you that their interaction and stamina keeps you going back for more. With their ultimate rock and roll personas thick guitar licks and charged lyrics they complete the package of a typical rock band.

Within their performance you will have the active Josh Todd going from one side of the stage to the other jumping around to the music. As usual his voice is impeccable, harsh and … well… rock and roll. Two guitars, Keith Nelson and Stevie D, bass played by Jimmy Ashhurstand and Xavier Muriel’s powerful beats compliment the whole as a non-stop thrill ride.

This band, originating from California, despite their break-ups and make-ups still pack it in for their spectators.

KISS:

For some KISS is about the music and for others it’s about the spectacle, but for most it is the

whole package: the make-up, the clothes (costumes), the custom instruments, the pyrotechnics, the sound, the blood, the tongue, the classic songs, the lights, the flying, the boots, the theatrics, the music, the… (it can be a long list)

KISS, originating from New York, has been around for a very long time. As they say it themselves they were here for the entertainment the couple past generations and plan to be around for the kids in attendance, which needless to say the evidence is clearly there when you look around. From late 50’s and up to the 4, 5, 6 year olds dressed up and in full Paul make-up. (The classic, white face and black star on the right eye… Star Child)

Some might be left in wonder as to why so many people like KISS. One spectator stated: “Their music is not that great, it’s very “glam metal” but live it’s so much more”. Although some may disagree that their music is “not that great”, most concur to the fact that “live they are so much more”.

One thing to take in consideration when reflecting on all that KISS Army hype is when KISS came out in the early 70’s with the make-up, enigma, pyrotechnics etc. it was never before seen. Even though they may have drawn inspiration from Alice Cooper (grandfather, some say, of the theatrical rock), they took it to another level. It created quite a stir and left some referring to them as a flock of devil worshiping noise makers, others were just die hard fans and collected every memorabilia possible got tattooed with their faces etc., while other just saw the great showmanship that qualified them as really good entertainers.

And good entertainers they remained. KISS took care in making sure you got a full taste of their experience. They set up a second stage close to the back of the venue so that those with the more ‘financially friendly’ priced tickets can enjoy the company of Paul Stanley when he swung himself there. (on a hang wire attached to a pole with a hole at the bottom for his foot)

Their constant communication and integration of the crowd was pleasing to all and a highlight of the event. They shared the spotlight with the fans that were eager to sing along to their classic tunes. Despite their advancement in age their energy was ample and in turn their stage presence was imposing. Paul as always was dancing and being the “star child”. Their new guitarist Tommy Thayer really had a handle of the solos giving them plenty of punch and expression. Their new drummer Eric Singer on his platform that raised high in the air to then turn to the left and then to the right, graced the fans with an extended and talented drum solo which seemed to go on and on, yet too short to the satisfied ears of each drum enthusiast in the audience. Gene, well, what can you say? He was exactly what you would expect of him. He gave the performance that is truly his in all respects.

This large venue allowed for a maximizing of artistic “wow”, if you see them, try first for the large venues.

Buckcherry and KISS played all their classics (aside from “God of Thunder” – KISS) and for the most part every fan walked out satisfied and energetically charged.

Like all shows you can buy ticket via any ticketmaster link on this website. You can also look for any of these artists albums or any music related items on our themo store.

Tags: AEG Live, Alice Cooper, Bank Atlantic Center, Buckcherry, California, costumes, Eric Singer, Gene Simmons, glam, glam metal, Jimmy Ashhurstand, Josh Todd, Keith Nelson, KISS, KISS Army, metal, music, music reviews, New York, old school, Paul Stanley, pyrotechnics, review, ROCK, rock n roll, Star Child, Stevie D, theatrical rock, themo, themo.org, Tommy Thayer, www.aeglive.com, www.aegliveevents.com, www.buckcherry.com, www.kissonline.com, Xavier Muriel