Fans donned their best KISS outfits and makeup as the legends brought the End of the Road Tour to the Chicago area one last time.
The four-year-long tour which we hoped would go on forever, is coming to an end this week. Last night, iconic rockstars KISS rolled into Chicago for the last time. In all, the tour has had 13 legs and 250 shows. There was a worry that this show wouldn’t take place as shows were canceled last week due to Paul Stanley having the flu. Luckily, he made a speedy recovery and they were able to get back on the road this last weekend. Stanley was on top form throughout the show, being ever the performer that he was born to be.
They have stated that they want to call it a day and walk away from touring before it’s too late, while they can still put on the performance they are renowned for. And that is exactly what they did. When you think that Gene Simmons is 74 and Paul Stanley is 71, it’s impressive to think they can still put on a two-hour-plus show while standing in 7-inch platform boots that weigh 20 lbs and adorned in armor. Their shows have always been about so much more than just the music. It’s a full theatrical performance. It can’t be stripped away, that would take away the very essence of the band.
Their career has spanned an impressive 50 years, something that only a handful of bands can say. This longevity has given them a huge range of songs to choose from and they made sure to pick out the hits for this final performance, including “Cold Gin,” “I Was Made For Lovin’ You,” and “Beth.” They kicked off the evening with an explosive performance of “Detroit Rock City” and “Shout It Out Loud” which set the tone for the evening, and ensured the entire arena was on their feet and cheering all night long.
This show has everything you have come to expect and love about a KISS show – Paul zip-lining to the back of the arena, Gene spitting blood, Tommy firing at UFOs with his guitar, and Eric and his drum kit elevating at the back of the stage on hydraulics. They haven’t left any of it out. This show must have set a record for the most pyrotechnics, explosions, lasers, and flames firing across the whole stage than any other show. The heat from the flames was so incredible, it could be felt for several rows.
Granted, they have said in the past that this tour will be the last, and we’re all hoping deep down that this really isn’t the end, but the likelihood is this will be the last time we will see the icons on the road. Tomorrow will see the tour hit Baltimore before it heads to Madison Square Garden for the final two shows of the tour. If you have the opportunity to attend any of the last three shows of this tour, make sure you get yourself along for one last hurrah.
PHOTOS BY: Edward Marshall, Allstate Arena
