By BRENT ANGELO // A KISS show is like no other, big in sound, heavy in theatrics, and a whole lotta fun. KISS at the RV Inn Styles Resort Amphitheater on 09/17/21 / Photos.
KISS is currently on the road supporting their End of The Road World Tour. They just made a stop at the RV Inn Style Resort Amphitheater in Ridgefield, Washington. Their show was in question not too long ago as members were affected by Covid, but they quickly rebounded back, and the tour was once again back on track.
KISS has been a musical force in rock n roll since they started in the early 70s. Their make-up designs and space suit characters are rock legends and they have had a huge impact on our pop culture. Their stage show in the early days may have shocked some while pushing the limits, but at the same time KISS inspired new generations of music fans and musicians.
At the band’s core, is a band who writes great rock n’ roll songs. During the bands nearly 50-year career, they released over 40 albums, endured through various music styles and sold well over a 100 million albums worldwide. The word icon is loosely used nowadays, but this is the kind of band, who truly have earned that distinction and level.
When a band like KISS promises to go out on a Farewell tour, how does a band like that go out? KISS went out BIG. From the curtain falling and from the first guitar riff for “Detroit Rock City”, the show was quickly off to a strong start. Paul Stanley (vocals, guitar), Gene Simmons (vocals, bass) and Tommy Thayer (guitar) descended on their individual platforms with Eric Singer on drums as firebombs and fireworks exploded throughout the stage. Most tours rarely see these kind of stage shows levels, but for KISS this was only their first song and there was a LONG way to go still. KISS would touch on songs from their first 1974 release KISS to their most current releases. “God of Thunder” for one was heavy in mood as Gene Simmons flew overhead and “Tears are Falling” was big on the choruses as thousands sang along.
The sound at the amphitheater was probably one of the best I have heard there too, and it really showed how well the band still sounds after all these years. Some people may have wanted to see original members Ace Frehley (guitar) and Peter Criss (drums) make a stage return to KISS, but they must give kudos to current KISS members Tommy Thayer (our Beaverton native) and Eric Singer as they played at levels that made you forget their predecessors. KISS showed they remain a musical force and that they could easily keep going if they wanted to. Rock school was in session and KISS showed how a real rock n roll show should be. There was blood, there was fire, and there was a lot of ROCK.
KISS may have done a previous farewell tour and promise this is truly the end. If the band is truly over, it will be a huge blow to their fans and rock fans in general. A KISS show is like no other, big in sound, heavy in theatrics, and a whole lotta fun. They’ve helped set the standard for the live concert experience and if they do come back (again), I am sure they will even top themselves and be even bigger. That is the KISS way.
#kiss #endoftheroadworldtour
KISS (End of the Road World Tour 2021)
RV Inn Styles Resort Amphitheater
Ridgefield, WA 09-17-21
Setlist
Detroit Rock City
Shout It Out Loud
Deuce
War Machine
Heaven's on Fire
I Love It Loud
Lick It Up
Calling Dr. Love
Say Yeah
Cold Gin
Tommy Thayer Guitar Solo
Tears Are Falling
Psycho Circus
Eric Singer Drum Solo
100,000 Years (partial)
Gen Simmons Bass Solo
God of Thunder
Love Gun
I Was Made for Lovin' You
Black Diamond
Encore:
Beth
Do You Love Me
Rock and Roll All Nite
AMAZING!! BEST SHOW I'VE BEEN TO! Sad that my first KISS concert is their last here.
Bring your kisslive show to Puerto Montt Chile
Was a great show,Just curious why did they refer the show as being in Portland and not ridgefield.
I saw KISS in Cleveland Ohio on their end of the road your. It was my 9th KISS concert starting in 1975. They are called "the hottest band in the world," for a reason. They never disappoint. This last show was by far the greatest spectacle they have ever put on. My only regret is that I could never do a meet and greet. Thank you guys for getting me through some tough times. Who knows, I may see you in Vegas.!!!
Is this supposed to be a real review? So poorly written I couldn’t even read the whole thing. What’s with the pictures? They look like cell phone snapshots. You people should at least have a decent camera, and maybe sit a little closer.
Tammy Moodenbaugh
I was there that night! It was my second time seeing Kiss, the first time being back in 2003 during their World Domination Tour. It was even better for me this time because I got the chance to see Eric, which I didn't get to do the last time.