KISS unloads all the bells and whistles, champions military for first Milwaukee show in six years

Photo by Andy Argyrakis

With every year that passes in a cult-like career that’s endured more than four decades, KISS gets louder, bigger, bolder and more entertaining. During its first Milwaukee show in six years at the BMO Harris Bradley Center, that once again proved to be the case as Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer unloaded even more bells and whistles than usual and treated their Army to a full set of hits and deeper remembrances that went beyond any co-headlining run as of late.

And with relatively affordable ticket prices given the enormous spectacle on hand, fans who want the best will most likely get the best of what these recently inducted Rock and Roll Hall of Famers consistently offer.

Though all eyes were on Simmons spitting blood, Stanley flying all around the arena, a levitating drum kit and fireworks that outdid any Independence Day celebration, there was actually one seemingly understated segment that was just as effective. After sending everyone into sensory overload for nearly two hours, the guys dedicated the entire “Freedom To Rock” Tour to all active and retired military personnel, led the crowd in the “Pledge Of Allegiance,” shredded though “The Star-Spangled Banner” and presented a substantial check to Hiring Our Heroes.

For a bunch of superhero-sized personalities that otherwise rocked and rolled all night, it was a rare moment of real life emotion that ranked right up there with musical monsters “Detroit Rock City,” “Shout It Out Loud,” “Love Gun” and “Black Diamond.” In addition to those obligatory inclusions, the set list also included the less obvious “Flaming Youth,” “Shock Me” and “War Machine,” ensuring repeat offenders additional variety and giving first timers a glance at KISS’ extensive catalogue.

Though the group isn’t touring behind new material per se, the “Freedom To Rock” outing coincides with the current “KISS Rocks Vegas” audio/visual collection and is also breaking up the formula by only visiting smaller cities. And with relatively affordable ticket prices given the enormous spectacle on hand, fans who want the best will most likely get the best of what these recently inducted Rock and Roll Hall of Famers consistently offer.

Click here for more KISS photos from the BMO Harris Bradley Center.

For additional information on KISS, visit KISSOnline.com.

For a list of upcoming shows at the BMO Harris Bradley Center, visit BMOHarrisBradleyCenter.com.