KISS Alive 35 Tour

Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer rocked the house in Seattle's Key Arena on their KISS Alive 35 Tour last night!

Although it is not the original four members, it was a fantastic concert and the current members of the band play now like they have been playing together for the past 35 years.

The sweat pouring off Gene was a little gross...okay, it was a lot gross, and the white of his makeup began to turn grey by the end of the concert, but I can't blame him given the layers on the armoured and winged costume he wears! Gene seems to have aged more than Paul in the past 35 years, but that doesn't stop him from getting out there and putting on a fantastic show; dancing and stomping around in those platform boots that look impossible to wear! He went flying up to the lights above the stage to sing I Love it Loud with "blood" streaming from his mouth and of course wagging his unusually long tongue at the crowd as is his signature move; and the crowd just ate it up, fists punching at the air with the beat.

At one point, Paul placed one of his silver-and-stars platform boots into a circle on something that looked a bit like a pogo stick hanging from a crane and went flying over the heads of the audience to a platform in the middle of the Key Arena for one song - and I can't for the life of me remember which one it was now! He played with his hair so much - trying to give it more volume all the time, it became almost comical - much like their costumes and makeup - which just added to the theatrics of the concert and the theatrical personality of Paul Stanley!

Funny tidbit...I've never heard Paul talk that much (sing yes, but talk, no) and I had no idea that he has a New York accent! After investigating the birth place of Paul today, I discovered he grew up in Queens. Since KISS originated in New York, I don't know why I was surprised.

He said "y'all" quite a bit and my daughter always cringes when I say that, so hearing Paul Stanley say it just made me smile.

Tommy Thayer had a solo that went on for several minutes showing off his lead guitar skills and he did not disappoint! There is obviously a reason they chose him to replace Ace. Even the ultra low-key head bobbing Seattlites started to rock their knees and toss their fists in the air a bit while enjoying the melodic beats and rhythms pounded out by ten fingers, six strings and a bit of musical genius.

Eric Singer's solo on the drums was absolutely astounding! He is truly a gifted percussionist! And of course lifting him above the stage on hydraulics and spinning him around in circles while he was playing just added to the fun -- and is of course, expected of KISS given that their concerts have always been so much of a show! He sounded perfectly blended with the band and is an excellent choice as their drummer!

I hope the current members stick around for the duration.

Overall, the concert was an awesome spectacle of lights, fire, sonic booms, silly theatrics, makeup, lots of black hair, shimmers, sparkles and incredible music! I expected nothing less from KISS.