KISS Bids Farewell to L.A. with Legendary Sold-Out Show at Hollywood Bowl.

On November 3, the illustrious Hollywood Bowl bore witness to yet another historic musical milestone, playing host to legendary rock band KISS‘ first Bowl show as well as its final Los Angeles performance.

The Hollywood Bowl gig marked the 26th occasion of KISS gracing Greater L.A. stages, which is something the band acknowledged during the electrifying two-hour set that delivered a barrage of timeless hits that inspired the sold-out crowd to rock and roll all night!

From their humble beginnings at the Santa Monica Civic as a supporting act to now headlining the iconic Hollywood Bowl for the first and final time, KISS’ journey has been nothing short of remarkable. And they certainly delivered in Hollywood.

A giant black curtain with KISS’ logo in silver fell as the band kicked off the evening with the iconic “Detroit Rock City” setting the stage for an electric performance that would only intensify.

Singer-guitarist Paul Stanley, singer-bassist Gene Simmons, and lead guitarist Tommy Thayer made their introduction suspended on platforms 30 feet above the stage, amidst a cascade of fireworks, and drummer Eric Singer holding court at the rear with flame cannons igniting around him. The atmosphere was nothing short of incendiary.

Throughout the show, each member of the band exuded impeccable prowess, commanding their individual spotlights. Stanley, assuming the mantle of the “Starchild,” not only played host but also told stories from KISStory and offered fans a personal glimpse into the band’s storied past, aided by projections on expansive screens behind the group.

Simmons, the “Demon” and ever the master of theatrics, delivered a an ominous and stellar bass solo while spouting blood, a performance that left the audience cheering for more.

“Spaceman” Thayer, armed with his electric guitar emitting bolts of lightning, electrified the stage, captivating the audience with his deft skills that including shooting at floating orbs above the stage with his laser beam guitar while delivering a flawless solo. 

Singer, also known as the “Catman” and a master percussionist, took center stage to deliver lead vocals and play piano on a faithful and memorable performance of “Beth.”

Highlights were aplenty, including the awesome sight of Stanley gliding from center stage to a small platform amidst the audience, courtesy of a strategic pulley system.

Simmons further enhanced the spectacle, wielding a flaming torch, a hallmark of his iconic fire-spinning routine. 

Unique moments unfurled, too, distinct from the band’s prior L.A. area stops on their “End of the Road Farewell Tour,” which headlined venues like The Forum, Staples Center, and Five Point Amphitheater since 2019.

The Hollywood Bowl’s resplendent backdrop lent an unparalleled aura to this KISS performance, rendering it a truly extraordinary affair. Nestled amid the Hollywood Hills, palm trees, and azure skies, the sensory overload of fireworks, vibrant hues, and resounding music created an indelible memory.

In sum, KISS delivered an extraordinary performance at the Hollywood Bowl, reaffirming their status as the preeminent band of our time. While the setlist paralleled previous shows attended, the transcendent energy permeating the night imbued each song with a time-traveling quality, evoking cherished memories from eras past.

As the anthems resonated, the audience was transported back to pivotal moments, a testament to the enduring power of KISS’ music. From the pulsating beats of “Detroit Rock City” to the infectious groove of “I Was Made for Lovin’ You,” the indelible mark of KISS endures, providing the soundtrack to a lifetime of memories.

Stanley’s son, Evan Stanley, opened the show with his new L.A. band, Amber Wild, which proved to be a dynamo of original rock and roll. He has his father’s stage presence and certainly knows how to rock a stage, delivering some very catchy original songs with an awesome band that is already giving a headline-worthy show. Incidentally, Amber Wild is headlining The Echo on December 6.