Finally, after 2 years, KISS Kruise X happened this past week/weekend. As usual we try to review one of the shows on the ship. For this review, we will tackle the first indoor show inside the Stardust Theater.
Taking the stage a few minutes earlier than the 9pm slotted time, KISS came out to a rounding applause as they went into the Kruise theme “Psycho Circus.” This seemed most appropriate. Not only for the title, but during the breakdown in the middle of the song where the audience can jump in and applaud along with the song. This got everyone to participate right from the beginning through the rest of the show. The fun and ultimate stripper song “Take It Off” off the album ‘Revenge’ was next. The song hasn’t been performed live since 1995. Personally, it was fantastic to hear this tune as it is one of my favorite non-makeup era songs that KISS has written and performed. “Watchin’ You” was brought back in as well. The band has sparingly performed this over the last several years, so it was nice to hear this classic once again. The deep tracks continued as the band dusted off another gem “Firehouse.” Following this was a track they never played live before in “She’s So European.” This song has been performed by bassist Gene Simmons’ solo band but never by KISS. Another track never performed live was “We Are One” off of ‘Psycho Circus.” To me, this was the highlight of the set. It was special to hear the melodic tone of Simmons sing this as the mid tempo tune was played perfectly by both guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer. Not sure why they dropped this for the next night’s set but again, witnessing this live was worth attending KK10 in itself.
The rest of the tracks that were played are constant staples in the bands set list to this current day. Songs like “I Love It Loud,” “Say Yeah,” and the heavy KISS track “War Machine” delighted the few who may have not been the diehards and were just along for the ride. Of course, what’s a KISS set with “Detroit Rock City” and the Rock and Roll national anthem in “Rock and Roll All Nite.” If you attended any of KISS’ ‘End of the World’ shows, then you would like to know that KISS did release balloons during this song along with plenty of confetti.
Most people who attend the Kruise are mostly diehard fans wanting to hear as many of the deep tracks as possible. I believe KISS delivered on this front. I believe if you’re looking for something to judge, I would have said the set could have been longer. But just in KISS fashion, it’s just like them to keep you wanting more. KISS Kruise 11 was announced for 2022. Are you ready for more?
Setlist:
Psycho Circus
Take It Off
Watchin’ You
Firehouse
She’s So European
Lick It Up
We Are One
Cold Gin
Uh! All Night
I Love It Loud
Say Yeah
War Machine
Black Diamond
Detroit Rock City
Rock and Roll All Nite
