Concert Review
KISS
David Lee Roth
KeyBank Center
Buffalo, NY
Wednesday February 5, 2020
Photos/Roth Review: Joseph Suto
Kiss Review: Chris Kiebzak
KISS made their way to Buffalo one last time on a snowy evening in Buffalo in the dead of winter Wednesday night. Playing to a healthy crowd of nearly 9,000 the band pulled out all the stops. One of our original writers Chris Kiebzak attended the show and delivers his take. As for David Lee Roth check out Joseph Suto’s quick take.
For the second time in just a short six months, KISS brought their end of the road tour to the Western NY area as they, allegedly, continue to say goodbye to the millions of fans they have acquired for over 45 years of entertaining with their bombastic shows and timeless catalog of songs. Unlike the area show previous, the band played its 3rd show of its second leg in the indoor confines of the KeyBank Center which helped set the tone and give easier viewing options compared to the outdoor venue known as Darien Lake. It was immediately noticed that coming to the area again so quickly may have stunted ticket sales but the smiles and energy of those who did come out on a snowy Wednesday night , provided a look into the excitement that was sure to come.
Starting with “Detroit Rock City”, the band began their two hour onslaught as they descended onto the stage while standing firmly atop individual pods that would later double as video screens. Fan favorites “Shout it out Loud” and “Deuce” helped keep the momentum flying high with no lack of pyrotechnics or immense energy that was already seething from the stage. The set list mostly stayed the same to the first leg of the tour besides the inclusion of rarely played gems “Tears Are Falling” and “Parasite” which both became instant highlights of the night. Gene Simmons, never a stranger to being in the spotlight, proved that his underrated bass playing and songwriting ability did not go unnoticed with classics like “Calling Dr. Love” and “War Machine”, the latter which included his famous fire breathing routine that like him, never seems to get old.
Paul Stanley did what he does best in being the ringleader and charismatic front man that we have always known and loved. Even with his vocal ability dwindling and the clear use of backing track help, he effortlessly led songs like “100,000 Years” and “Lick it Up” as well as “Love Gun” which showcased the front man flying to the opposite side of the arena on a B stage to sing the classic song followed by the well received “I Was Made For Lovin’ You”.
“Black Diamond”, led by drummer Eric Singer on vocals, closed out the main set and was also another major highlight of the evening. The song ended with his drum riser high in the air amidst a shower of bombs, fireworks and visual bliss. Singer was not done as he then transitioned to a piano to begin the first song of the encore, “Beth” which in my opinion, brought the show to a halt. “Crazy Crazy Nights” and mega-fan favorite, “Rock and Roll All Nite”, closed out the night which included Gene and guitarist Tommy Thayer riding lifts that brought them across the entire venue and reached all the way to the upper levels.
In conclusion, the show was much the same but that is what true KISS fans want. A bombastic show that everybody can enjoy, a set list containing great, rock anthems, and a show that can be compared to no other. While I am glad this may be the end, Wednesday night proved why my favorite band has been able to do this all these years later and why I will continue to be a super fan, long after their actual demise.
Opening the show was none other than “Diamond” David Lee Roth. Roth of course is known for being the original and most recent lead singer in Van Halen. Roth blazed through a 45-minute set that featured a good flow and mix of songs from not only Van Halen but some of his solo repertoire as well.
Roth hit the stage with “You Really Got Me” and never really stopped until he ended with the cheesy chart topper “Jump”.
The Highlights included the tour debut of “Beautiful Girls”, “Panama” and a trip down memory lane with “Just A Gigolo/I Ain’t Got Nobody”.
Roth pranced around the stage at 65 years old almost like an adolescent using his microphone displaying gestures of a derogatory nature. He even did a few of his high leg kicks to show off how limber he still was.
When Roth first played Buffalo as a solo artist in 1986, it was thought there would be many more shows over the years. Oddly enough this is just his 5th solo show played in the area as well as the first one downtown since that aforementioned show.
Roth who usually liked to tell stories and do a lot of talking during his set decided to just cram as much music into his time as he could as the songs flowed along at a rapid pace which seemed to take a little away from the Dave we know as an entertainer. Regardless, the bottom line was that he still managed to do his job, as he successfully warmed up the crowd for Kiss.
KISS Set List
Detroit Rock City
Shout It Out Loud
Deuce
Say Yeah
I Love It Loud
Heaven’s on Fire
Tears Are Falling
War Machine
Lick It Up
Calling Dr. Love
100,000 Years
Cold Gin
Bass Solo
God of Thunder
Psycho Circus
Parasite
Love Gun
I Was Made for Lovin’ You
Black Diamond
Encore
Beth
Crazy Crazy Nights
Rock and Roll All Nite
David Lee Roth Set
You Really Got Me (Van Halen Cover)
Beautiful Girls (Van Halen Cover)
Unchained (Van Halen Cover)
Panama (Van Halen Cover)
Jamie’s Cryin’ (Van Halen Cover)
Tobacco Road
Runnin’ With the Devil (Van Halen Cover)
Just Like Paradise
Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love (Van Halen Cover)
Just a Gigolo / I Ain’t Got Nobody (Cover)
Jump (Van Halen Cover)
