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KISS lick it up (video added, photos)

At at rock n' roll show as big as the KISS concert at Kewadin Casino Friday night, it pays to make friends with security. I made friends with Eric.
At at rock n' roll show as big as the KISS concert at Kewadin Casino Friday night, it pays to make friends with security.

I made friends with Eric.

The flattering young security staff member was quick with conversation, jokes and offers to bounce anyone who got in our way.

And he brought us bottles of water.

I do believe Pete and I converted him into yet another loyal SooToday.com reader.

Since releasing their first record in 1973, KISS has been worshiped, emulated, mocked, spoofed and followed the world over.

Their influence is undeniable and an entire generation was born and raised listening to the driving beats and screaming guitars that launched them into a state of infamy of God-like proportions.

After the cancellation of a Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan appearance a couple of years ago, KISS made the Sault one of only three stops they're making this year.

Mayor Tony Bosbous felt this in addition to the band's devotion to the industry, their country and massive fan base just cause to award KISS with the Key to the City of Sault Ste. Marie.

"This may be the biggest event in the history of Sault Ste. Marie," Mayor Bosbous told the Soo Evening News.

Amid huge canisters of carbon dioxide (used for pyro), a long line of local media and a few lucky fans witnessed Commissioner Ray Bauer present the key to Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer.

I bet other media members Simmons would lick the key.

He didn't.

As the ceremony wrapped up and the sun set over the mighty stage, the 10,000 fans who ranged from two to 60 years of age, began chanting, "We want KISS!"

After waiting an hour in line to buy t-shirts and spending $110 for cases of Bud Light, the stage exploded with the familiar sound of Detroit Rock City.

Mayhem ensued.

"I know we're in Michigan because I can smell Detroit," said Stanley.

The following is the complete set list.

Detroit Rock City
Deuce
Makin' Love
All American Man
Calling Dr. Love
Lick It Up
I Love It Loud
Fire House
Do You Love Me
C'mon and Love Me
Hotter Than Hell
Watchin' You
Shout It Out Loud
God Of Thunder
Got To Choose
Love Gun
Black Diamond


Encore:

Let Me Go, Rock and Roll
God Gave Rock and Roll To You
Rock and Roll All Night


Professionals to the end, Simmons continuously engaged the fans in the front while Stanley played to the back row and everyone else in between.

From this performance, you'd never guess they're pushing 60.

Thayer's close working relationship with Ace Frehley in the mid-90's paid off as he stepped in to fill the mile-high space boots as lead guitarist.

Singer's experience playing with Lita Ford, Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper, Queen and KISS during the make-up free years make him a more than apt replacement for Peter Criss on drums.

The Sault asked for the best, and they got the best.

The hottest band in the world.

KISS Video Highlights

Exclusive Footage

What's next?


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Donna Hopper

About the Author: Donna Hopper

Donna Hopper has been a photojournalist with SooToday since 2007, and her passion for music motivates her to focus on area arts, entertainment and community events.
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