Glasgow wanted the best – and we got the best!!
The most electrifying atmosphere I’ve ever experienced at a gig before happened all thanks to KISS throwing the biggest party in Glasgow’s largest venue the OVO Hydro!
I don’t think I have the words, nor will I do this fantastic night justice to describe how phenomenal and incredible this gig was from start to finish…but I will try!
The party kicked off with the amazing London-based rock band ‘The Wild Things’ who we recently interviewed before this gig.
‘The Wild Things’ knew exactly what to do and got the party kicked off. They have the most amazing energy on stage which is so contagious to the crowd and the fun and joy oozes out of each member. This is a band you can’t sleep on and definitely is one to watch in the future. They have also recently announced a UK tour which includes a date in Glasgow so make sure you catch them and grab your ticket now!
The fun continued as Welsh ragga punkers, ”Skindred‘ raised the roof with their insane and comical performance! Lead singer Benji Webbe knows how to get every single person in the room involved, from a battle off with each side of the room chanting for their single ‘That’s My Jam’ to even getting KISS fans participating in his rendition of the nursery song, ‘If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands’.
It was evident ‘Skindred’ are already collecting a huge Scottish fan base as it was apparent from the amount of ‘Skindred5’ t-shirts worn by many, and of course, these came straight off for their famous performance of ‘Warning’ where Webbe reminded old fans and instructed new fans to swing their tops around for the ‘Newport Helicopter.’ Skindred put on a show and being in the largest venue, it was a tough job to make sure every section of the Hydro was involved and the energy filled each part – but these guys made it look easy. The atmosphere was incredible with the energy from the fans, the intensity of the expectation and the fun that was shared throughout Skindred’s set!
The curtain went up and the stage was blocked as tensions rose in anticipation for American legends KISS who were wrapping up their final UK tour right here in Glasgow!
As the lights dimmed and the video screens started to play footage of Paul Stanley (lead vocals), Gene Simmons (bassist), Tommy Thayer (guitar), and Eric Singer (drums) as they prepared backstage ready to take the OVO Hydros stage by storm!
Photo Credit: KISS Facebook / Keith Leroux
And when I say storm, I mean pyrotechnics, plunging platforms, levitating drum kits, light up panthers, blood spitting, guitar smashing, fire breathing, zip lining, confetti blasting storms!!
KISS understood that we wanted to truly rock and roll all night and party every day! They put on a show, that even if you had never heard a KISS song in your life, you would have the best time at this gig.
This is one of the top live performances I’ve ever seen and these American icons know how to entertain while still sounding amazing as they played their classics from ‘Detroit Rock City’, ‘Shout It Loud’, ‘Heaven’s on Fire’, ‘Lick It Up’, ‘Calling Dr Love’ and more.
Simmons who co-founded the iconic face-painted and costume galore band alongside lead singer Stanley, outdone himself as the Glasgow crowd ‘Loved it Loud’ which he then breathed fire (as if things weren’t hot enough with the atmosphere!)
Later he performed his famous bass solo moment before playing ‘God of Thunder’ as fake blood pours out his mouth and he elevates back on a floating platform!
Photo Credit: KISS Facebook / Keith Leroux
It wasn’t only Simmons who had tricks up his sleeve but I was lucky enough to be standing at the back near the sound stage and what a spot that was as ‘Love Gun’ began to play and Stanley announced ‘Glasgow – I’m coming out to see you’ as he swooshes across a massive zipline from the front of the stage, right to the back of the Hydro! As those in the back of the room, and those seated felt like they got a front-row ticket for Stanley’s performance it’s amazing the energy these guys bring after 50 years!
Photo: Louise Andrew
What an amazing celebration and legacy they have left. In the music scene with their hits, but also as performers and artists displaying creativity and unique individuality to how to make a show!
As their encore were two amazing hits ‘I Was Made For Lovin You’ and ‘Rock and Roll All Nite’ as the whole Hydro floor couldn’t be seen from the red and white confetti and fans were on a sheer high and buzz.
Emotions were also felt as this was the end of the road tour – I can only hope that something changes and they come back, however, they went out on such a high and I can honestly say that this gig was something more than a live show, or seeing a band. It felt like a truly iconic moment that will go down in history and one that I will truly treasure in my heart with ultimate joy each time I think of it.
THANK YOU KISS!