KISS' Happy, Loyal Audience

KISS' Happy, Loyal Audience

By Philippe Renault

Photo By Pascal Ratthe/Rue Frontenac

Ahhh, Kiss. They could play six times a year in Montreal, and an army of fans (note the subtle allusion) would always be present to cheer for them, as demonstrated by their second visit to Montreal in just over two months at the Bell Center Thursday evening.

We aren't sure exactly how many fans turned out tonight, but for the record, there were barely any empty seats anywhere. KISS's crowd is a family; devoted and noisy: we swear that this audience would be the envy of many rockers.

After the surprising opening of "King Of The Night Time World" (Strutter was expected, as they performed last July), Paul Stanley said: "'Je ne parle pas beaucoup francais' (I do not speak much French,) but tonight, my heart is French Canadian."

The quartet then delivered a well-received "Got To Choose" before launching into the new "Modern Day Delilah" from their highly anticipated 'Sonic Boom.' "It will be released October 6, and can you believe that Walmart will sell it for only $12?" said Stanley. Does this make us happy? Yes, you can believe it, Paul.

Everything that makes a good KISS show (while I am among their faithful, I must say that I am a bit too young to remember the summer of 1977) was on the menu this evening. Gene Simmons' fire-spitting (Hotter Than Hell) and blood (I Love It Loud), Eric Singer's drum lift, the big screens, fireworks exploding everywhere. You must see this show at least once in your life.

Kiss pleased the fans in Montreal by performing "I Stole Your Love" for the first time in this city midway through the set. Among the essential KISS songs included: 100,000 Years, Rock And Roll All Nite, Shout it out Loud, and Detroit Rock City (finale.)

Montreal Set List:

1. King Of The Night Time World

2.Deuce

3.Got To Choose

4.Modern Day Delilah

5.Hotter Than Hell

6.Stole Your Love

7.C'Mon And Love Me

8.Parasite

9.She

10.Watchin' You

11.100,000 Years

12.I Love It Loud

13.Black Diamond

14.Rock & Roll All Nite

15.Shout It Out Loud

16.Lick It Up

17.Let Me Go Rock'n'Roll

18.Love Gun

19.Detroit Rock City