KISS concluded their “End of the Road Tour” with a final performance on Saturday night (December 2nd) at Madison Square Garden in New York City, returning to the city where their journey began. If it was indeed their last show ever, the rock legends certainly went out in style.
In the days leading up to KISS’ two MSG shows, the Big Apple was besieged by an epic KISS takeover. Among the many events and activities that took place were a special light show at the Empire State Building, the declaration of an official “KISS Day” by Mayor Eric Adams, a pop-up store, complimentary KISS tattoos courtesy of Inked NYC, a “KISS Night” at a New York Rangers game, and much more.
On Saturday night, KISS took the stage one last time, preceded by an opening set from Amber Wild, a hard-rocking new band featuring Paul Stanley’s son Evan. Despite the historic nature of the show, there were no special guests or returning former members (as many fans had hoped). However, KISS did save one big surprise for the end (more on that later).
KISS stuck to the 23-song setlist they’ve been playing throughout the tour, kicking things off with “Detroit Rock City” as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame act’s final Kabuki drop revealed the band descending from the rafters.
Among the many highlights were singer-bassist Gene Simmons breathing fire during “I Love It Loud”; a fireworks-enhanced guitar solo from Tommy Thayer; a dueling guitar moment between Thayer and singer-guitarist Paul Stanley during “Makin’ Love”; and, of course, Simmons spitting blood while delivering a bass solo.
At the beginning of “Love Gun,” Stanley zip-lined above the crowd to the smaller B stage, where he remained to perform “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” and “Black Diamond” as his bandmates remained on the main stage.
KISS kicked off their three-song encore with drummer Eric Singer elevated above the ground on a grand piano to perform and sing “Beth.” Next up, “Do You Love Me,” featured huge KISS balloons raining from above, with fans playfully tossing them around.
And finally, KISS concluded their last-ever live performance with the iconic “Rock and Roll All Nite,” culminating in a spectacular display of pyrotechnics and confetti. Simmons and Thayer were elevated into the air on cranes, gracefully gliding through the venue.
Stanley ended the show by saying, “We’re not going anywhere, you’ll see us in all different things, all the time. See you in your dreams. We love you, goodnight.”
Echoing Stanley’s words, the show wasn’t quite over just yet. The stage then filled with thick haze, and the band disappeared in the smoke. All of a sudden, the song “God Gave Rock and Roll to You II” played through the sound system as giant avatars of the band seemingly suspended above the crowd performed the song.
It turned out that the MSG audience got a taste of what’s to come, as a press release quickly followed explaining that KISS will continue to perform as digital avatars, using technology created by George Lucas’ Industrial Light & Magic in a production presented by Pophouse Entertainment Group, the Swedish company behind the recent virtual “ABBA Voyage” shows.
So, while KISS have apparently played their final show as humans, the band’s legacy will continue on via virtual concerts, and of course, their endless flow of merchandise, among other ventures.
Yet, there’s nothing like the real deal, and for those in attendance at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night, they had the chance to witness a historic event that they won’t ever forget.
See Heavy Consequence’s photo gallery of KISS’ final show, as well as fan-filmed video footage and the complete setlist, below.
Photo Gallery – KISS play final show ever at Madison Square Garden on December 2nd (click to expand and scroll through):
Setlist:
Detroit Rock City
Shout It Out Loud
Deuce
War Machine
Heaven’s on Fire
I Love It Loud
Say Yeah
Cold Gin
Guitar Solo
Lick It Up
Calling Dr. Love
Makin’ Love
Psycho Circus
Drum Solo
100,000 Years
Bass Solo
God of Thunder
Love Gun
I Was Made for Lovin’ You
Black Diamond
Encore:
Beth
Do You Love Me
Rock and Roll All Nite
(God Gave Rock and Roll to You II — performed by KISS avatars)