CASSIE BROWN
brownc4@lopers.unk.edu

The band KISS played one final concert in Lincoln last week as part of the End of the Road tour. It was an excellent show, and gave area KISS fans a last chance to see the band perform.

First, former Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth opened for the legendary band. He performed hits by Van Halen and songs from his solo career. From guitar solos to background vocals, Roth’s backing band did Van Halen justice. Some songs included “Jump,” “Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love,” and “Just a Gigolo.” Roth gave an hourlong performance, and his high energy prepared the audience for what was to come.

David Lee Roth attracted a large crowd, but the arena filled even more when KISS took the stage. The crowd stirred as images of the band walking to the stage appeared on the big screens. They wore their signature costumes complete with painted faces, shiny outfits, and platform shoes. As soon as the drums began and the first guitar chord sounded on “Detroit Rock City”, it was clear that it would be an amazing show. 

KISS first appeared in Nebraska in 1976, and their playing has only improved some 44 years later. The band played their music in the style of the original versions, which helped increase audience engagement. However, the years were evident in some of the lead vocals, but the harmonies were as tight as ever, especially in “Black Diamond.” From a technical standpoint, the mixing and sound quality for the show was superb.

The members of KISS are not only quality musicians, but they are also excellent showmen. Their stage presence and audience interaction had the crowd on its feet throughout the whole concert. KISS took going out with a bang to a different level, as the audience could feel the heat from the flames bursting from the stage as part of the pyrotechnics. In addition, the elaborate light setup and onscreen photos greatly added to the performance. Each band member was highlighted at some point in the concert, and each spent time many feet in the air slowly rising and falling on movable platforms, which added to the experience.

Guitarist and vocalist Paul Stanley was especially instrumental in establishing an audience connection. He addressed the crowd often throughout the show, and as he said, “Lincoln, I’m coming out there to see ya,” Stanley proceeded to use a zipline to soar over the audience onto a platform in the middle of the arena. It has been a tradition for him to do this during the song “Love Gun,” and their Nebraska show was no different. 

Other songs KISS performed included “I Love It Loud,” “God of Thunder,” Shout It Out Loud,” “Beth,” “I Was Made for Lovin’ You,” “Heaven’s on Fire,” “Tears Are Falling,” and “Lick It Up.” The band finished the concert with “Rock And Roll All Nite” as confetti streamed across the auditorium. 

Overall, the show was amazing as expected and included all the elaborate qualities associated with KISS. This 2.5-hour concert was worth the trip to Lincoln. Their showmanship was unmatched, and it was a great opportunity to see them live in concert.