Kiss

Kiss @ The AO Enviornment, Manchester, UK, July 7, 2023,

Jul 09, 2023
By Andy Von Pip
Pictures by Andy Von Pip
Internet Unique

Kiss have been in all probability precisely the kind of bombastic OTT rock band that punk sought to consign to historical past. And but, some 50 years and over 100 million document gross sales later, right here they’re, as extravagant and unapologetic as ever on their ultimate ever tour.

They may play as much as the basic rock stereotype, indulging in epic guitar and drum solos, and embrace their stage personas with their (huge) tongues firmly of their cheeks, however their stage present is genuinely a factor of overblown marvel. From hair-singeing pyrotechnics to state-of-the-art lasers and projections, using guitars as flame throwers, a propensity for vomiting pretend blood, and members withdrawing, this can be a present like no different. Band members Paul Stanley (vocals, rhythm guitar), Gene Simmons (vocals, bass guitar), Eric Singer (drums, percussion), and Tommy Thayer (lead guitar) might not be within the first flush of youth, however you need to admire their dedication and stamina in placing on such an unimaginable present and bowing it with an unlimited band. It appears that evidently their Finish of the Highway World Tour actually is the top, regardless of earlier goodbye excursions, as Gene Simmons has not too long ago mentioned, evaluating the band to a boxer who desires to exit on the high: “At a sure level, Mom Nature takes over it doesn’t matter what your plans are – you’ve gotta have the dignity and pleasure but in addition the love and admiration of your followers to know when it’s time to name it quits.”

Tickets could also be costly, however this isn’t a music live performance per se. It’s rock and roll as theatre, filled with shock and awe and real WTF moments, it pushes the boundaries of how far is just too far after which takes it additional once more. The sheer scale of the present is mind-blowing. It’s additionally a reminder that while dwell music will be earnest, severe, and transferring, it will also be totally bonkers and ridiculously good enjoyable too, leaving the viewers grinning from ear to ear and permitting them to overlook about their on a regular basis issues

Because the band arrived in Manchester, UK, for the sixth and ultimate time, our photographer Andy Von Pip was there to seize an unimaginable present as Kiss mentioned goodbye with some type.