After a nearly 50 year career, KISS are about to hang up their touring platform boots for good. The band’s End of the Road Tour made a stop in Greensboro, Coliseum on February 8, 2020 to give their fans in the area a final KISS goodbye. Even though it was all reserved seating fans began to arrive to the venue very early on the cold, windy, snow flurried day. There were at least three generations of fans there sporting their KISS shirts from all eras of the band’s KISStory. There were even several people made up in full outfit and makeup as well!

After an entertaining set from the ever charismatic David Lee Roth, the back curtain fell across the front of the stage with the iconic KISS logo on it and the excitement began to increase. After several songs, Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll” began to blast from the speakers and people rose to their feet. As the song concluded, the house lights went down and the rumble began. The video screens showed an overhead shot of the Greensboro Coliseum that then went backstage to show the band walking to the stage. Then you heard it; the intro that’s as iconic as the band itself. “Alright Greensboro! You wanted the best, you got the best! The hottest band in the world……..KISS!” An explosion went off, the curtain dropped and the band started to descend from the ceiling almost engulfed in pyro and explosions!

“Detroit Rock City” started our farewell party and the guys were red hot! “Shout It Out Loud” and “Deuce” followed as the fans sang along with raised fists and devil horns in the air. The “staples” were all there including “Calling Dr. Love,” “Lick it Up,” and “Black Diamond.” The band also threw in “Tears Are Falling” and “Parasite” which were not played on the first leg of the tour. Gene Simmons spit blood at the beginning of “God of Thunder” and then rose to the rafters to perform the song. He also performed his fire breathing act at the end of “War Machine.” Drummer Eric Singer and lead guitarist Tommy Thayer had their own individual moments in the spotlight with impressive solos by both. Lead vocalist Paul Stanley asked the audience if he could come out into the audience to see them and then flew to his own mini-stage near the soundboard. On the revolving stage, he performed “Love Gun” and “I Was Made For Loving You.”

For the encore, Eric Singer performed “Beth” solo, center stage on the piano which was followed by one of the band’s big MTV hits from the 80s “Crazy, Crazy Nights.” After the song began, huge KISS balloons fell from the walkway near the ceiling. Fans of all ages were batting the balloons around while others tried to catch one for a souvenir. The show concluded with the rock and roll national anthem known worldwide and the band’s signature song “Rock and Roll All Nite.” The arena filled up with a monsoon of red and white confetti! Can you imagine the people who have to clean up all of that confetti after each KISS show?

Overall, it was two hours of non-stop fun! The guys were having a lot of fun onstage and you could tell that it was genuine and spontaneous. They looked great, they sounded great and the stage show was spectacular. There was more pyro, explosions, lasers and colorful lighting than I have ever seen on a KISS tour. The guys really are pulling out all of the stops on this tour. There are some who are complaining about the setlist, but come on people. It’s tough to comprise almost 50 years of a band into a two hour set. I’m a longtime fan and I understand the setlist; I get it. The band has to appeal to the masses and although it would be cool to hear deep cuts, they would be lost on so many people in attendance.

I’m going to miss that iconic intro. I’m going to miss Gene breathing fire and spitting blood. I’m going to miss Paul flying and his stage banter. I’m going to miss those boots. I’m going to miss all of that damn confetti. I’m going to miss all of those great songs. I’m going to miss one of the most iconic bands in the world. Thank you for one last KISS in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Review & Photos By I’m Music Magazine Owner/Editor Johnny Price