KISS WAS MADE FOR LOVIN' SARNIA
By Jessica Ireland Special to the Observer
By Jessica Ireland Special to the Observer
On Friday, KISS discovered that Sarnia was its own “rock city.”
“We’re proud to be here tonight,” said frontman, Paul Stanley to the energetic crowd. “Sarnia could teach big cities what rock ‘n’ roll is all about!”
Audience anticipation began to build as a black cloth with KISS splashed on it was draped to hide the stage in preparation for the explosive show.
As soon as a glimmer of sparkle off drummer Eric Singer’s outfit was seen behind the curtain - the crowd went wild.
Eventually the rest of the band members, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer and Paul Stanley made their way onstage - clad in their iconic painted faces, platform boots and cosmic costumes. The rock legends had arrived in their signature style.
Opening with “Deuce” and “Strutter” from their 1975 KISS Alive! album - the foursome powered through songs more well-known to long-time fans but still received a rousing reception from the entire audience.
Between songs, the band took time to show their love for Canada.
“We consider Canada not our neighbours but our second home,” Stanley said to cheering fans.
“This is family tonight!” he yelled before launching into “She.” The song ended in a heart-pounding guitar solo by Tommy Thayer.
Throughout the two-hour concert, KISS kept the energy up as the audience experienced their exhilarating rock amidst fireworks, searing pyrotechnics and Simmons’ infamous tongue.
KISS ended their set with the classic rock and roll anthem “Rock and Roll All Nite” as the audience erupted into cheers and were showered by white paper confetti.
But they didn’t keep the crowd waiting long after saying good-bye, coming out for a six-song encore of crowd favourites including “Lick It Up,” “I Was Made For Loving You,” and “I Love It Loud,” with Simmons, fake blood running down his mouth, being lifted onto a platform to play above the stage lights.
Charismatic singer, Stanley, got up close and personal with audience members, flying over the crowd on a zipline and performing on a mini-stage set-up in the middle of fans’ outstretched arms.
As the encore came to a close,the band played “Detroit Rock City.” In a finale of more fireworks and thank you’s to “the most loyal, most awesome fans in the world,” KISS left audience members a little harder of hearing and even more ready to rock.