KISS LIVE REVIEW
NEWCASTLE
06.06.23
Legendary rockers KISS, formed waaaaay back when (1973) by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, have reached the inevitable end of their touring journey. After half a decade of live music, KISS brought their "End Of The Road Tour" to Newcastle to say farewell to the Geordie KISS Army. They weren't alone though, oh no, to open the show and warm up the crowd they brought with them two UK acts. Relative newcomers The Wild Things and Reggae-Metal masters Skindred.
Kicking off the night was The Wild Things. The four piece band fronted by Sydney Rae White, who you may recognize from her starring role in the hit Netflix/BBC show ‘Uncle’, were not there just to make up the numbers. Endearing themselves to the audience with their own unique sound, The Wild Things played a rock solid set including "Loaded Gun" and "Only Attraction". Sydney's voice was spot on and filled the area with a powerful vocal performance.
Guitarist Rob, with his bright blue hair, wowed the crowd with his high energy on stage antics which at on point saw him jumping from the amps. Their latest single "Heaven Knows" went down a treat with the crowd and The Wild Things topped off their time on stage with a cracking rendition of "Drunk Again".
If you have not heard of The Wild Things yet, you definitely need to check them out.
Kicking off the night was The Wild Things. The four piece band fronted by Sydney Rae White, who you may recognize from her starring role in the hit Netflix/BBC show ‘Uncle’, were not there just to make up the numbers. Endearing themselves to the audience with their own unique sound, The Wild Things played a rock solid set including "Loaded Gun" and "Only Attraction". Sydney's voice was spot on and filled the area with a powerful vocal performance.
Guitarist Rob, with his bright blue hair, wowed the crowd with his high energy on stage antics which at on point saw him jumping from the amps. Their latest single "Heaven Knows" went down a treat with the crowd and The Wild Things topped off their time on stage with a cracking rendition of "Drunk Again".
If you have not heard of The Wild Things yet, you definitely need to check them out.
After a short break Welsh Metal band Skindred took to the stage. With a unique blend of metal, reggae, ska, hip hop, punk and more, Skindred were an absolute musical powerhouse. Vocalist Benji Webbe showed why Skindred are a band that needs to be on everyone's listening list. With plenty of interaction with the crowd as well as giving it everything when belting out a small selection of their extensive back catalogue for the Newcastle audience.
Opening with "Set Fazers", the lights went crazy as did the crowd. They were lapping it up. There was no doubt that there was an element of the Skindred fanship in the house. Blasting out "That's My Jam" and "Kill The Power", Skindred had the arena jumping. There latest single, L.O.V.E. was an awesome addition to their heavy playlist.
The band are back in Newcastle later this year and I am certain that they have managed to pick up a new fan base in the North East of England.
Opening with "Set Fazers", the lights went crazy as did the crowd. They were lapping it up. There was no doubt that there was an element of the Skindred fanship in the house. Blasting out "That's My Jam" and "Kill The Power", Skindred had the arena jumping. There latest single, L.O.V.E. was an awesome addition to their heavy playlist.
The band are back in Newcastle later this year and I am certain that they have managed to pick up a new fan base in the North East of England.
As the KISS curtain was raised in front of the stage a an air of excitement was building and the crowd, some in full fave paint others donning their finest KISS t-shirts were eagerly awaiting hearing those iconic words and in the blink of an eye it was time......."ALRIGHT NEWCASTLE, YOU WANTED THE BEST. YOU GOT THE BEST, THE HOTTEST BAND IN THE WORLD.......KISS", bellowed out over the PA as the curtain fell and revealed the band descending to the stage on giant plinths. Wearing full KISS uniform and make-up the legendary rockers got to work making this night a one to remember.
Opening up with the classic "Detroit Rock City", the show started with a bang as well as plenty of fire and fireworks. Going straight into "Shout It Out Loud", it was clear that the night was going to be pretty special. Singer and founder member Paul Stanley acknowledged the fact that it was the last time that we (the audience) and KISS would see each other. He also gave a nod to Newcastle City Hall, a venue they played at many moons ago.
The impressive stage was awash with screens, snakes and big cats with one HUUUUUGE screen at the back of the stage which displayed various iterations of the KISS logo from throughout their career as well as a live feed of stage.
Bass player and founder member Gene Simmons showed of his fire breathing skills during "I Love It Loud" before each band member embarked on their own solo section. Tommy Thayer's solo just after "Cold Gin" and Eric Singer's drum solo a few songs later which saw his drum riser literally rise. Gene took to the skies again on on of the podiums during "God Of Thunder" where he put on an eerie performance with blood pouring from his mouth and down his outfit. A must see at any KISS show and something that has added to the iconic imagery of the band over the years.
Taking things to another level, or rather another stage , Paul Stanley flew over the crowd on a zip slide to perform "Love Gun" and "I Was Made For Loving You", on a small stage in the middle of the auditorium. Zipping back to the main stage for fan favourite "Black Diamond".
The lights went out and the crowd shouted at the top of their lungs for more. Luckily for them there was an encore. Starting with Eric playing the heartfelt ballad "Beth" on a keyboard in an emotional moment, before his band mates joined him on stage for the final time.
Playing "Do You Love Me" before triumphantly finishing the show with the one everyone had been waiting for "Rock And Roll All Night". The whole arena was up and joining in the party as the confetti cannons filled the air and giant inflatable KISS balloons descended from above.
More fireworks and flames and cheers from the crowd as the band took their bow and waved goodbye to the KISS faithful for one last time. As the house lights came up and "God Gave Rock 'n' Roll To You II" played over the speakers it was alas time to leave. The end of an amazing night of music, showmanship and a spectacular stageshow.
No more Rock, no more Roll but KISS will always live on in my soul.
Thanks for the music.
Opening up with the classic "Detroit Rock City", the show started with a bang as well as plenty of fire and fireworks. Going straight into "Shout It Out Loud", it was clear that the night was going to be pretty special. Singer and founder member Paul Stanley acknowledged the fact that it was the last time that we (the audience) and KISS would see each other. He also gave a nod to Newcastle City Hall, a venue they played at many moons ago.
The impressive stage was awash with screens, snakes and big cats with one HUUUUUGE screen at the back of the stage which displayed various iterations of the KISS logo from throughout their career as well as a live feed of stage.
Bass player and founder member Gene Simmons showed of his fire breathing skills during "I Love It Loud" before each band member embarked on their own solo section. Tommy Thayer's solo just after "Cold Gin" and Eric Singer's drum solo a few songs later which saw his drum riser literally rise. Gene took to the skies again on on of the podiums during "God Of Thunder" where he put on an eerie performance with blood pouring from his mouth and down his outfit. A must see at any KISS show and something that has added to the iconic imagery of the band over the years.
Taking things to another level, or rather another stage , Paul Stanley flew over the crowd on a zip slide to perform "Love Gun" and "I Was Made For Loving You", on a small stage in the middle of the auditorium. Zipping back to the main stage for fan favourite "Black Diamond".
The lights went out and the crowd shouted at the top of their lungs for more. Luckily for them there was an encore. Starting with Eric playing the heartfelt ballad "Beth" on a keyboard in an emotional moment, before his band mates joined him on stage for the final time.
Playing "Do You Love Me" before triumphantly finishing the show with the one everyone had been waiting for "Rock And Roll All Night". The whole arena was up and joining in the party as the confetti cannons filled the air and giant inflatable KISS balloons descended from above.
More fireworks and flames and cheers from the crowd as the band took their bow and waved goodbye to the KISS faithful for one last time. As the house lights came up and "God Gave Rock 'n' Roll To You II" played over the speakers it was alas time to leave. The end of an amazing night of music, showmanship and a spectacular stageshow.
No more Rock, no more Roll but KISS will always live on in my soul.
Thanks for the music.
All photos and review by David Weddle @dwconcertphotos Please do not use without permission.