BackstageAxxess enjoyed reviewing the 2nd electric show of the KISS Kruise. What makes these shows so special is that these shows are for the die hard fans. The band can dig deep into the vault and play songs they have never tried or haven’t played in over 35 years or more in some cases.
Taking the stage at 9pm sharp, the band launched into a gem off of the “Hotter Than Hell” album titled “Love Her All I Can.” “Anything for my Baby” and “Almost Human” (besides the night before indoor show) were played for the first time in a concert setting. I personally loved hearing “Almost Human” as bassist Gene Simmons delivered it spot-on vocally and the band sounded as cohesive as ever.
I can honestly say that KISS was taken back by the reaction after they performed “The Oath” off of “The Elder.” Rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley lowered his range to give the track a true representation of what it is supposed to sound like. Anytime anything can be played from “The Elder” it always brings smiles to the longtime KISS fans faces. The fans showed their appreciation by a standing ovation. After, Stanley quipped “We can only get away with doing that here for you guys…the die hards.”
“Mainline” was another track that hasn’t been played since 1975 and drummer “Eric Singer” did a balls out version of it. Some of the bands staple songs were kept in just to appease any casuals who might have been in the audience, but again, this type of show is really meant for Kiss Army elite. When it came to the end of the set and do an encore, the band just kept playing.
Unfortunately, when KISS tours they have to play a good selection of songs that the casual fans come to expect. If you’re a longtime fan of the band and are dying to hear these types of songs, then booking a KISS Kruise is a must. In fact, it was announced their will be a 4th installment in October/November in 2014. I already can’t wait to see what the set list will consist of and what other things KISS will have up their sleeves for that one! Can I put a request in for “Kissin’ Time” now??
Setlist:
Love Her All I Can
Ladies in Waiting
Shout it Out Loud
Do You Love Me?
Almost Human
Hell or Hallelujah
War Machine
The Oath
Say Yeah
Hide Your Heart
Mainline
Lick It Up
Let Me Know
Black Diamond
Detroit Rock City
Rock and Roll All Nite
We would like to thank Benjamin Ferguson and Anthony Diaz of Sixthman for the credentials to review the show.
