Posted by Like many 10-year-old boys growing up in the 1970s, I was completely fascinated by the makeup and mystique of KISS. At the time, the only songs I really knew were “Detroit Rock City” and “Beth,” released together on a 45 RPM single. I would play “Detroit Rock City” a few times, flip the record over for a couple spins of “Beth,” then turn it back again—continuing the cycle until my mother finally yelled, “ENOUGH!”
That same passion only grew stronger when my mom gifted me KISS Alive! for Easter. The album practically lived on my turntable as I constantly flipped the vinyl over and over again. Unfortunately, I was considered too young to attend their concerts when KISS came through the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium. By the time I finally had the opportunity to see them live years later, the makeup era had ended and Ace Frehley had already departed the band—whether he left on his own or was pushed out depends on whose version of the story you believe. I even owned Ace’s solo album on 8-track, one of the four legendary solo releases that contributed to KISS’s massive commercial success.
Recently, KISS Alive! The Tribute came to town, and for a lifelong fan like me, it was a show I simply could not miss. Tribute bands have often been criticized over the years, but for fans of 1970s rock, they also provide an opportunity to experience the music and spectacle of artists who no longer tour—or no longer perform in their classic form.
KISS Alive! The Tribute delivers exactly what longtime fans hope for: a faithful recreation of the classic 1970s KISS experience. From the detailed costumes and signature stage theatrics to the authentic musicianship and larger-than-life performances, the show captures the energy and excitement that made the original band legendary. The band members perfectly embody the personalities, mannerisms, and vocal styles of John Carlazzo as Paul Stanley (The Starchild), James Seda as Gene Simmons (The Demon), Jim Cullen as Ace Frehley (The Spaceman), and Erik Winger as Peter Criss (The Catman).
The performance was both exciting and deeply nostalgic, giving me a glimpse of the visual spectacle I could only imagine as a kid. While the venue understandably prohibited the famous fire-breathing effects, the band still delivered an unforgettable evening that transported fans back to the golden era of KISS.
For anyone who never had the chance to experience classic-era KISS live, KISS Alive! The Tribute comes remarkably close. Please visit https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.954992393963351&type=3 to view complete gallery and make sure you “follow” & “Like” for future updates. For tour information for Kiss Alive The Tribute visit – https://kissalivethetribute.com/
KISS ALIVE THE TRIBUTE SET LIST:
1ST SET
1. DEUCE
2. SHOUT IT OUT LOUD
3. STRUTTER
4. COLD GIN
5. ROOM SERVICE
6. WAR MACHINE
7. ROCKET RIDE
8. LOVE GUN
9. SURE KNOW SOMETHING
10. CALLING DR LOVE
11. C’MON AND LOVE ME
12.GOING BLIND
13. I WAS MADE FOR LOVING YOU
2ND SET
14. RIP IT OUT
15. BETH
16. SHOCK ME
17. GOD OF THUNDER
18. ALL AMERICAN MAN
19. DO YOU LOVE ME
20. LICK IT UP
21. DETRIOT ROCK CITY
22. SHE
23. BLACK DIAMOND
24. ROCK N ROLL ALL NITE
Long Island Sounds 