03/20/2011
THE HOTTEST BAND ON STAGE: SAN JUAN
By Joel Ortiz Rivera
Translated for KISSonline by Jill Cataldo
After almost four decades, some might say seeing Kiss for the fifteenth time is almost the same as seeing them for the first time: the omnipresent lighted KISS logo, the makeup, Gene Simmons spitting blood and fire, smoke, lights, explosions and everything else in the KISS theme.
But, this is precisely the appeal of KISS, and those who saw them for the first time at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico Jose Miguel Agrelot now know why most longtime fans continue to see the band year after year, wherever they tour throughout the world.
For nearly two hours last night, KISS controlled the public at will with songs ranging from the first album to the recent"Sonic Boom" and much of everything the band's recorded in between.
The first show of this year's 'The Hottest Show On Earth" tour started about 9:15pm with the now-requisite introduction "You wanted the best, you got the best. The hottest band in the world ... KISS."By Joel Ortiz Rivera
Translated for KISSonline by Jill Cataldo
After almost four decades, some might say seeing Kiss for the fifteenth time is almost the same as seeing them for the first time: the omnipresent lighted KISS logo, the makeup, Gene Simmons spitting blood and fire, smoke, lights, explosions and everything else in the KISS theme.
But, this is precisely the appeal of KISS, and those who saw them for the first time at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico Jose Miguel Agrelot now know why most longtime fans continue to see the band year after year, wherever they tour throughout the world.
For nearly two hours last night, KISS controlled the public at will with songs ranging from the first album to the recent"Sonic Boom" and much of everything the band's recorded in between.
The first show of this year's 'The Hottest Show On Earth" tour started about 9:15pm with the now-requisite introduction "You wanted the best, you got the best. The hottest band in the world ... KISS."
The band's single "Modern Day Delilah" kicked off the night, along with explosions, flashes and light effects.
"San Juan! We do not come too often to see you, but you are like family, so we have new things and old things to play tonight, like this!" cried Paul Stanley, lead singer, before launching into "Cold Gin" which got the crowd off its feet and rocking.
From that point, the crowd (also known as the KISS Army), many of which who wore the makeup of favorite band members, was in Paul's hands.
Stanley kept his tight connection with the audience between songs, occasionally speaking Spanish and singing songs like 'Guantanamera' in an attempt to strengthen the bond with the fans.
"Let Me Go Rock And Roll" was up next, and after "Firehouse," Gene Simmons took the stage with his infamous flaming sword.
"Say Yeah," the classic "Deuce", "Crazy, Crazy Nights" and "Calling Dr. Love" followed, and during 'Shock Me,' drummer Eric Singer and guitarist Tommy Thayer really displayed their talent. The band brought an evening of rock that simply wouldn't allow the audience to remain quietly in their chairs. Almost 40 years later, KISS still has what it takes to send any rock fan home with memories of a great night.
Translated for KISSonline by Jill Cataldo
After almost four decades, some might say seeing Kiss for the fifteenth time is almost the same as seeing them for the first time: the omnipresent lighted KISS logo, the makeup, Gene Simmons spitting blood and fire, smoke, lights, explosions and everything else in the KISS theme.
But, this is precisely the appeal of KISS, and those who saw them for the first time at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico Jose Miguel Agrelot now know why most longtime fans continue to see the band year after year, wherever they tour throughout the world.
For nearly two hours last night, KISS controlled the public at will with songs ranging from the first album to the recent"Sonic Boom" and much of everything the band's recorded in between.
The first show of this year's 'The Hottest Show On Earth" tour started about 9:15pm with the now-requisite introduction "You wanted the best, you got the best. The hottest band in the world ... KISS."By Joel Ortiz Rivera
Translated for KISSonline by Jill Cataldo
After almost four decades, some might say seeing Kiss for the fifteenth time is almost the same as seeing them for the first time: the omnipresent lighted KISS logo, the makeup, Gene Simmons spitting blood and fire, smoke, lights, explosions and everything else in the KISS theme.
But, this is precisely the appeal of KISS, and those who saw them for the first time at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico Jose Miguel Agrelot now know why most longtime fans continue to see the band year after year, wherever they tour throughout the world.
For nearly two hours last night, KISS controlled the public at will with songs ranging from the first album to the recent"Sonic Boom" and much of everything the band's recorded in between.
The first show of this year's 'The Hottest Show On Earth" tour started about 9:15pm with the now-requisite introduction "You wanted the best, you got the best. The hottest band in the world ... KISS."
The band's single "Modern Day Delilah" kicked off the night, along with explosions, flashes and light effects.
"San Juan! We do not come too often to see you, but you are like family, so we have new things and old things to play tonight, like this!" cried Paul Stanley, lead singer, before launching into "Cold Gin" which got the crowd off its feet and rocking.
From that point, the crowd (also known as the KISS Army), many of which who wore the makeup of favorite band members, was in Paul's hands.
Stanley kept his tight connection with the audience between songs, occasionally speaking Spanish and singing songs like 'Guantanamera' in an attempt to strengthen the bond with the fans.
"Let Me Go Rock And Roll" was up next, and after "Firehouse," Gene Simmons took the stage with his infamous flaming sword.
"Say Yeah," the classic "Deuce", "Crazy, Crazy Nights" and "Calling Dr. Love" followed, and during 'Shock Me,' drummer Eric Singer and guitarist Tommy Thayer really displayed their talent. The band brought an evening of rock that simply wouldn't allow the audience to remain quietly in their chairs. Almost 40 years later, KISS still has what it takes to send any rock fan home with memories of a great night.
