Live Review: KISS – Resorts World Arena, Birmingham
5th June 2023
Support: Skindred, The Wild Things
Words & Photos: Tim Finch
The is the End of the Road for KISS, or so the tour poster would have you believe. Their multi year worldwide fair well comes back to the UK for a second run and despite rumours of poor ticket sales and extremely reduced ticket prices, it’s one of the most hotly anticipated shows of the year. Who can resist the showmanship of Gene, Paul et al?
Opening the evening are The Wild Things a little known rock act from the UK fronted by Sydney Rae White, an actress whose credits include Netflix show Uncle, Casualty, Channel 4's Misfits and more.
Despite their name, the “wild” seems to have been left behind - which could be limited amount of space they were allowed on stage - as the band present thirty minutes of rock. They give it a little modern twist and there is no doubting White’s vocal prowess. But by the time the evening is over, people will be talking more about Skindred’s whirlwind set and KISS’ extravaganza of goodbye than the openers short visit to the stage.
They may be the main support for the tour, however Skindred get a mere forty five minutes to prove their worth. But do they even need that?
The Newport based quintet show their power from the off as Benji has a knack for whipping the crowd up into a frenzy.
In another life Benji Webb could have been a comedian. His patter between songs, his quips and jokes not only entertain, but warm our souls in this vast arena in the West Midlands. He introduces the new song 'Gimmee That Boom' a bouncy number with an infectious rhythm which is sure to be a fan favourite when they release their next record in August, and another new number 'L.O.V.E. (Smile Please)' also gets a run out.. ‘Warning’ closes out the set in the bands usual balls to the wall style. What a show!
The stage is hidden behind a huge black curtain, KISS' silver logo emblazoned upon it. As the arena lights dim, screens either side of the stage flicker into life, a live video feed shows the band leaving their dressing room and heading to the stage. The time has come, the hairs stand on the back of our necks, the atmosphere is electric.
The opening notes of ‘Detroit Rock City’ ring out through the darkness, pyro’s ignite with a bang and the curtain falls. The stage appears in all its glory, but no band members! They slowly descend from the rafters of the arena on platforms through more pyro flares as the song continues. If you want your band to make an impact when entering the stage, KISS are schooling you in exactly how to do that!
As the 15,000 strong crowd sing through ‘Shout It Out Loud’ it'sets clear we are in for a treat, this is the best in greatest hits packages delivered live. Despite their ages, each member gives as energetic performance as they did back in the day. Gene’s tongue making regular appearances as he spots ladies in the crowd and points in their direction.
The set see’s the theatrics grow with both Gene and Paul taking flight during 'God of Thunder' and 'Love Gun' respectively. Of course ‘100,000 Years’ sees the ever present drum solo with the drum riser raising back up into the air. Not quite Tommy Lee but not far off.
The encore starts with the melodic ‘Beth’ before the roof is well and truly blown off by ‘Do You Love Me’ and ‘Rock and Roll All Nite’. They may all be in their 60’s now, but they show no signs of slowing down, with less than 50 live shows left will they really call it a day?
Photo credits: Tim Finch Photography
Dude really they give as energetic of a performance as they did in the 70’s?? Please man, they can barely move, Paul is lip syncing, and they have scabs in Ace and Peter’s makeup, Scab Kiss is a joke, they’re better Kiss tribute bands! 😆