KISS rocks Omaha with final show

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame legends, KISS, embark on the End of the Road World Tour, the final tour of their 45-year long career.

KISS first came to Omaha February 8, 1977 on their Rock and Roll Over Tour to play the Omaha Civic Auditorium and has since played many shows here over the length of their career. On March 7, 2019 KISS returned for one last show at the CHI Health Center, saying farewell to Omaha and giving the fans a final performance they would never forget.

One thing made prominent from the get-go was that the ‘KISS Army’ is a very dedicated fan base. This is something you could see as the seats in the arena filled before the show. Fans of all ages donned KISS inspired face paint, some even in full on KISS costumes complete with 7-inch high heeled boots. This added to the excitement and suspense leading up to their performance.

Fans dressed up at Omaha show. Photo from band's Twitter (@KISSOnline)

On tour opening for the band was performance painter David Garibaldi. At first this act seemed a bit out of place at a rock show, even Garibaldi acknowledged that. He then went on to complete three art pieces of rock musicians, accompanied by their music, and amazing the crowd with his energy and talent.

KISS did not fail to entertain. The band put on a highly energetic performance and like all great rock ‘n’ roll shows, it was loud. The show included epic bass, drum, and guitar solos from each member, adding to the excitement of the performance. KISS performed many of their greatest hits. A few highlights from the setlist being ‘Detroit Rock City’, “God of Thunder’, ‘I Was Made for Lovin’ You’, ‘Beth’ performed by drummer Eric Singer, and the finale ‘Rock and Roll All Nite’.

Theatrics and effects were another important factor that went into making this a great show. While leaving for the show my dad warned me, “don’t let Gene Simmons spit blood on you”. I thought this was odd at first but during the bass solo leading up to ‘God of Thunder’ I understood why it might be necessary. Simmons released tons of blood from his mouth which ran down his chin and onto his armor. It was a horrific scene, easily scaring any small children in the crowd, but it added to his onstage Demon persona.

Gene Simmons after spitting blood during 'God of Thunder' bass solo.

The show was pyro-mania, using flames and explosions in every other song. Guitarist Tommy Thayer shot sparks from his guitar at “flying saucers” which hovered above the stage and songs were accompanied by an astonishing light show. Other highlights include Paul Stanley zip-lining over the crowd out to a stage in the middle of the arena to perform 'Love Gun' and 'I Was Made for Lovin' You' while facing the band on stage. After the finale Stanley ended the show in true rock 'n' roll fashion by smashing his guitar.

The energy from the crowd mixed with KISS' performance and theatrics made this a night that many fans won't forget, I know I surely won't. The ending was a bittersweet one but KISS did what they do best and gave rockin' performance and like all great things they went out with a bang.

KISS taking a final bow at the end of the show. Image from band's Facebook

Setlist:

Rock and Roll – Led Zeppelin (Introduction)

1.) Detroit Rock City

2.) Shout It Out Loud

3.) Deuce

4.) Say Yeah

5.) I Love It Loud

6.) Heaven’s on Fire

7.) War Machine (Gene breathes fire)

8.) Lick It Up

9.) Calling Dr. Love

10.) 100,000 Years (Drum Solo)

11.) Cold Gin (Guitar Solo)

12.) God of Thunder (Bass Solo)

13.) Psycho Circus

14.) Let Me Go, Rock ‘N’ Roll

15.) Love Gun

16.) I Was Made for Lovin’ You

17.) Black Diamond

Encore:

18.) Beth

19.) Do You Love Me

20.) Rock and Roll All Nite

God Gave Rock 'N' Roll to You (Played during their exit)