Kiss Freedom To Rock Tour With Special Guest Caleb Johnson

Rock N Roll hall of Famers Kiss and the Kiss Army, invaded the Spokane Arena last night Friday July 15th, 2016 with their Freedom To Rock Tour. Stanley joked about how they weren't liked much by The Hall of Fame. Fans were ready to rock and some were dressed in full Kiss gear to show their support over the years. Kiss's last stop in Spokane was June 11, 2011 with their Hottest Show on Earth Tour. Kiss has been around since the 1970's and still know how to put on a show with all their pyrotechnics and acrobatic performances. Gene Simmons hovering high above the crowd during the song, God of Thunder, and his signature fire-breathing, tongue-wagging ghoul, with Paul Stanleys high trapeze act flying over the crowd during the song, Love Gun, Kiss still delivers that high energy rock concert that is a must see for all ages. Kiss opened the show with one of my favorites that has special meaning to me, Detroit Rock City and close the night out with one of their only ballads, Beth.

With the 3 big screens projecting all the members throughout the show everyone in the arena had front row seats. If you didn't get to see the firework show on Independance day, attending a Kiss show will certainly make up for it with their amazing light and explosions stage show. At the beginning of the show Paul Stanley made sure to let the crowd know that there was no lip syncing in their show what you see is what you get, the real deal and Kiss didn't disappoint. Kiss is a true patriotic band that donate $150,000 at every show to The Hiring Our Heroes Foundation and one lucky veteran from each city be roadie for a day.

My very first concert I ever attended was a Kiss show at the old Spokane Coliseum back in 1977 at the age of 12, I remember it as if it were yesterday. I was so young but Kiss was my favorite band at that age, I remember seeing Kiss in all their makeup, platforms, leather, spikes, and spandex and they put on an awesome show even back then. I was instantly addicted to rock n roll concerts I couldn't get enough after that first concert with Kiss and I've been running full speed ahead ever since. I have seen Kiss many times since then with and without their makeup and gear, I have to say I like the makeup better the show will always blow your mind. I was once invited up to Kiss's hotel room after a show in the late 80's after trying to get my husband and his friends demo tape to the guys, but I got that look of death from my husband and did not go. I also met the late great Erik Carr after a show and hung out with him and had a few drinks in the lounge of the hotel Kiss was staying at for the night, fun times. The Kiss concert tonight reminded me a lot of that first show with Kiss in all their glory. Paul Stanley still has that certain sex appeal and can still pull off the leather and spandex. I remember him as having a bit more chest hair, however, we had a joke back in the 80's that he used Lee Press On Chest Hairs, maybe it was really true lol.

Kiss was known as the band without a face, it was said that their faces had never been photographed until 1983 when the members removed their comic book makeup. While founding frontmen Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley have remained at the core of each lineup, Kiss have employed five lead guitarists and three different drummers over the years. Members: Current members * Paul Stanley (The Star Child) – rhythm guitar, lead vocals (1972–present) * Gene Simmons – bass guitar, lead vocals (1972–present) * Tommy Thayer – lead guitar, vocals (2002–present) * Eric Singer – drums, percussion, vocals (1991–1996, 2001–2002, 2004–present) Former members * Ace Frehley – lead guitar, vocals (1972–1982, 1996–2002) * Peter Criss – drums, percussion, vocals (1972–1980, 1996–2001, 2002–2004) * Bruce Kulick – lead guitar, vocals (1984–1996) * Eric Carr – drums, percussion, vocals (1980–1991) * Vinnie Vincent – lead guitar, backing vocals (1982–1984) * Mark St. John – lead guitar, backing vocals (1984).

Caleb Johnson an American Idol winner from the 13th season opened the show. I was a little sceptical at first how he would match up with veteran rockers but he held his own. I remember watching Caleb on American Idol and predicted early on that he would be the winner for that season, he is that good.

The Freedom To Rock Tour in Spokane, Friday night was a high flying, , fire breathing, blood drooling, high energy, crowd pleasing rock n roll show. With members well into their mid sixties these guys can still put on a show you don't want to miss. Until next time take it easy, and most importantly Rock N Roll. **Peace**js*