It’s the end of an era – legendary rock band Kiss are finally bidding farewell to their fans. Since 1973, Kiss have helped redefine the rock industry and become one of rock’s most recognisable and beloved bands. 2019 will be the beginning of “the end of the road” for the band as they tour for the final time.
The End of the Road tour kicked off in Vancouver, and was a huge success. A statement from the band said: “All that we have built and all that we have conquered over the past four decades could never have happened without the millions of people worldwide who’ve filled clubs, arenas and stadiums over those years. Kiss Army, we’re saying goodbye on our final tour with our biggest show yet and we’ll go out the same way we came in… unapologetic and unstoppable.” The lineup features the current version of the band, which is Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer, Gene Simmons, and Eric Singer.
Paul Stanley told AZ Central it’s going to be the biggest party ever. “There’s nothing somber about it. There’s nothing bittersweet. It’s all sweet. It’s an awesome, awesome time for the band and an awesome time to celebrate,” he said. The band are playing numbers from their huge back catalogue, which spans four decades, including classics like “Deuce” and “Shout it Loud”.
In an interview with Billboard published on Blabbermouth, Stanley said they are sure that it’s going to be their last tour: “The tour may go three years, but once we play your city, it is done. That is our big thank you”. He even hinted that Ace Frehley and Peter Criss could make an appearance, although given the current bad blood between Frehley and Simmons that seems unlikely.
The New York City-based heavy metal rock band became famous for their outrageous performances. The legacy of the band is evident in the music industry, especially within the hard rock and heavy metal genres. They have been cited as one of the most influential bands in the rock genre, with groups like Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Iron Maiden, and Pearl Jam, all saying KISS had inspired them.
Their black and white outfits and face paint made them one of the most unique bands in the world, and the band have increased their fan base by licensing their name and image to be used across multiple niches. From comics based on the band to a video game titled KISS Psycho Circus, the band knows how to reach out to their fans. There is no platform they haven’t conquered, with their official KISS slot game on Slingo opening the door for online fans to discover their music, the costumes, and the madness. After the tour ends these outlets, outside of the live music, will be the only way fans will be able to relive the KISS glory years.
KISS will come to the UK this summer and play in Birmingham, London, Manchester, Newcastle, and Glasgow. The band may come from America, but as Simmons once said their hearts and souls will always lie in England. This year could be the last time British fans get to see the famous rock band, so don’t miss your chance.
