The night of Saturday was more than just another concert for the “KISS Army.” It was a moment etched in the records of rock history. The iconic band KISS, known for their flamboyant stage presence and unforgettable anthems, took to the stage for what was announced as their “final concert ever.”
Madison Square Garden in New York, the concert marked the culmination of their “End of the Road World Tour,”
For the "KISS Army," Saturday night was a historic moment as the band played its “final concert ever,” wrapping up the “End of the Road World Tour” at Madison Square Garden. https://t.co/pnv4qurAiE
— NBC News (@NBCNews) December 3, 2023
“KISS was born in New York City. On 23rd Street. Half a century ago. It will be a privilege and honor to finish touring at Madison Square Garden, 10 blocks and 50 years from where we first started,” the band said in a news release.
Music enthusiasts from every corner of the country, and indeed, from around the globe, converged on the midtown venue, transforming the streets into a sea of KISS fandom. The air was thick with anticipation as fans, adorned in an array of KISS merchandise, formed a queued around the block.
Louis Otero, a Queens native, saw KISS’ first performance at Madison Square Garden in 1977. Saturday night’s performance was the 152nd KISS show he has attended, he said.
“This is really the end. No more touring. It’s heartbreaking,” he said.
Gary and Venus Milliken, a dedicated couple from the picturesque town of Surry, Maine, embarked on a journey to witness the historic final concert of KISS at Madison Square Garden. Their love for the band shared passion that has seen them travel far and wide to attend KISS concerts. Over the years, they have collectively attended an impressive 45 KISS concerts.
“All the pyrotechnics, the lights, just everything that they do onstage is mesmerizing, and it makes you want to see more and more,” Gary Milliken said.
The dedicated couple from Surry, Maine, expressed their desire to be a part of what they believe to be the last tour of KISS. Their journey as ardent fans had brought them to this momentous occasion, and they were determined to be a part of this significant chapter in the band’s history.
“We want to make KISS-tory, Being here tonight for the very last show,” Gary Milliken said
KISS, the iconic rock band, has announced several “farewell” tours. These announcements have often led fans to believe that the band members were on the verge of retiring. However, each time, the band has surprised their fans by returning to the stage.
This time there seems to be a different sentiment among the fans. There is a strong conviction that this farewell is indeed the final one.
Mike Mooney, a fan of the band since 1975, drove from Nova Scotia because, he said, he believes Saturday’s show is “the last one.”
“Gene says he doesn’t want to be playing a concert sitting in a chair. He wants to go out on top, and that’s what they’re doing,” Mooney said.
Outside the venue, tributes to Gene Simmons, the bass guitarist and vocalist of KISS, was on full display. Fans from all walks of life came together to honor this rock legend in their own unique ways. Among these tributes, one that stood out was by a fan named Mooney.
Mooney’s tribute was a sight to behold. He had meticulously put together a full costume that mirrored Simmons’ iconic stage look.
The costume included a wig that perfectly replicated Simmons’ hairstyle. It was styled and shaped to match the rock star’s look, adding an authentic touch to Mooney’s tribute.
Joey Spiotta, a dedicated KISS fan, proudly displayed a unique tribute to Gene Simmons – a signed tattoo of the rock legend on his forearms.
Spiotta’s journey as a KISS fan began when he was just seven years old. His first experience of their electrifying performance left a profound impact on him, sparking a lifelong love for the band. Since then, he has made it a point to attend every KISS tour. There was only one tour that Spiotta missed, because of a case of pneumonia.
“To be here for the last show in New York is priceless,” he said.
On Thursday, KISS marked their triumphant return to New York City with a grand celebration. The band paid a visit to one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the Empire State Building. This wasn’t just a casual visit, but a significant event that officially declared the day as “KISS DAY”. This proclamation was a testament to the band’s enduring popularity and their special connection with the city.
The Empire State Building, joined in the celebration by lighting up in the band’s colors. This spectacular display transformed the city’s night sky. The sight of the building illuminated in KISS’s colors was a fitting tribute to the band’s impact on the music scene and their influence on pop culture.
In addition to the light show, exclusive KISS merchandise and memorabilia were made available throughout Manhattan.
The legendary rock band KISS has amassed a dedicated fan base since its emergence in the early 1970s. These fans, often referred to as the “KISS Army,” have not only remained loyal to the band throughout its five-decade-long journey but have also played a crucial role in introducing KISS’s music to the younger generation.
Ralph and Chloe Strom, a father-daughter duo from Springfield, Massachusetts, embarked on a memorable journey to witness the historic final concert of KISS at Madison Square Garden.
Chloe Strom, despite being part of a generation where many may not recognize the band, has developed a deep appreciation for KISS.
The Wexlers, hailing from the vibrant borough of Brooklyn, decided to share their love for rock ‘n’ roll with their children, Ezra and Gabriel, by bringing them to the final concert of KISS. As a couple who have themselves been steeped in the culture of rock music, they wanted their children to experience the electrifying atmosphere of a live concert by one of the genre’s most iconic bands.
Despite the announcement of KISS’s final concert, some fans remain hopeful, expressing their belief that the band will continue to perform in “some capacity” even after the end of their “End of the Road Tour.”
Regardless of what the future holds for KISS, the massive turnout for their potentially final show is a powerful testament to the enduring appeal of rock ‘n’ roll.
The concert served not only as a celebration of KISS’s illustrious career but also as a reaffirmation of the vitality of rock ‘n’ roll.
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