Kerrang MagazineBy Daniel Lukes
There's a moment tonight when Paul Stanley begins to strum Led Zeppelin's Stairway To Heaven, before shuddering and launching into KISS' own Black Diamond. KISS May never receive the critical accolades heaped upon Led Zeppelin, but unlike Led Zeppelin, they are still a living, (fire) breathing, strutting, storming rock band with plenty of life left in them.
One thing you notice approaching midtown Manhattan's Madison Square Garden are the children made up like KISS, holding hands with their parents. In America, KISS are a band who cross and bring together generations, and tonight's filled arena is full of families."This is KISS in KISS country," yells Paul, the star of the show.
Bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons, the public face of KISS, is certainly a riot tonight. His blood-spattered tongue waggling, fire-breathing, demonic strutting is straight out of a comic book. And he even flies up to the roof! But it's Paul's tireless preening, theatrical rabble-rousing and all-around outrageous hilarity that make the night.
KISS have so many hits they can't possibly make everyone happy. Nonetheless, high points include Love Gun, during which Paul sails on a trapeze to a stage in the middle of the crowd. And let's not forget the fireworks, flames, rising platforms shooting smoke, and guitar smashing. "Are you getting what you cam for?" he yells. Yes, sir, we certainly are.
