Ace Frehley and Gene Simmons, being two of the most recognisable and iconic figures in rock music, need no introduction. With this year marking the 40th anniversary of their respective KISS solo albums, this anticipated tour pairing gives Australian KISS fans another tour experience to add to the already long list. Moving from the larger Margaret Court to Festival Hall, it wasn’t a massive crowd tonight, but being an all ages show was great to see the many generations represented.
With the instrumental track Fractured Mirror welcoming the Space Ace and his band to the stage, there was no mucking about, launching straight into Parasite, backing it up with Hard Times and one of the set highlights, 2000 Man. Straight off the bat, Ace was in top form. Seeming in a jovial and talkative mood, albeit feeling the effects of Melbourne’s chilly weather.
Having Genes band as his band tonight, having only had the Adelaide show as a warm up, things were loose in spots, but hey, isn’t that what rock n roll is all about? Rock Soldiers from the Frehleys Comet era, backed up by solo album classic Rip It Out was the statement that “Ace is back and he told you so…”
KISS tracks featured heavy as expected, both obvious songs such as Love Gun sung by bass player Phil Shouse, but then diving deeper with the likes of Rocket Ride and Strange Ways.
Ace has made New York Groove his own anthem of sorts and tonight we get an interlude of Baba O’Reilly. Launching into Shock Me and smoke blasting from his guitar, here we had Ace in top flight. With the crowd now somewhat warmed up, judging by the reaction, they were clearly ready for the ending double shot of Detroit Rock City and Cold Gin to round out the set.
Doing double duty, even if Ace couldn’t remember their names, let me introduce Chris Williams (Drums), Phil Shouse (bass/guitar), Ryan Cook (guitar) and Jeremy Asbrock (guitar) who were worked hard tonight by Gene with a 20 song strong set. No fucking around with Gene, Deuce and Shout It Out Loud had the crowd back out of their seats. Being big KISS fans, the band was clearly enjoying themselves up there nailing the classics, wearing KISS shirts and Gene was on point.
Diving into the opening track off Volume 1 from The Vault, Are You Ready is one of the best Kiss classics you’ve never heard. Speaking of classics, Calling Dr. Love gave a 10 year old kid the opportunity to jump on stage and jam on lead guitar with Gene and band. Maybe the next Nathan Cavaleri child prodigy, that kid could play..!
It wasn’t just the KISS tracks that featured, Radioactive off the solo album was a set highlight for me, with this shit hot band killing it. No Joe Perry or Bob Seger needed on this version. I from the much maligned Music From The Elder was up next, whilst Charisma got its dirty groove on, letting the band rip it up. Gene is an imposing figure on stage, even sans Demon. But tonight he was also talkative, very talkative.
The next stanza whilst dragging out the set, gave a chance for many ‘guests’ to jump on stage. I Was Made For Lovin’ You was sung by School Of Rock cast member Amy Lehpamer giving a well earned rest for Gene. Whilst a bunch of ladies from the crowd danced and backing vocals Do You Love Me.
Long Tall Sally, was a ripping version of the Little Richard classic and kicking in with Plaster Caster and the menacing War Machine shifted things back into gear. Scores more VIP ticket holders joined Gene on stage during I Love It Loud. While She’s So European became Shes So Australian, a tribute of sorts, maybe one could say?
Back on stage performing together for the first time in Australia since 2001 (aside from Adelaide last night of course…), seeing Ace and Gene together would have been a sight for the diehards making up tonight’s audience. Let Me Go, Rock ‘N’ Roll and Rock N Roll All Nite were a fitting way to end.
Tonight was one for the hardcore KISS fans who came to pay homage to two of the greats and over 40 years of smashes, thrashes and hits. Promising to return next year as KISS, get saving KISS fans, maybe next time around will be their last…
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by SAS75 Photography
GENE SIMMONS WITH VERY SPECIAL GUEST STAR ACE FREHLEY
AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES
Tuesday, 28 August 2018 – Entertainment Centre Theatre, Adelaide
Thursday, 30 August 2018 – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne
Friday, 31 August 2018 – The Enmore Theatre, Sydney – www.ticketek.com.au
Saturday, 1 September 2018 – Tivoli Centre, Brisbane – www.ticketmaster.com.au
More info: www.genesimmons.com
