Promotional images for the final tour of KISS have revealed the band's new costumes for their "End of the Road" tour. The Hottest Band in the World are embarking on what they've said will be a multi-year trip across the globe to say goodbye to their millions of fans. What I believe is the first leg of the tour begins in Vancouver, BC on January 31st. They'll be hitting the Dallas, TX area on February 20th at the American Airlines Center.
Each KISS member's costume still reflects their individual stage persona, but with a bit more glitz and attitude. Tommy Thayer's Spaceman has the familiar "V" neck adornment, but resembles a sort of Mayan broken glass style with an "eye" amulet in the center. One outlet said it looked "Transformers"-like. Gene Simmons looks to be wearing the textured armor of Godzilla if the beast ever went into Medieval war. Paul Stanley's vest and jacket are both covered in sequins, mirroring and highlighting the attitude of the most glamorous member of the band. Eric Singer channels the Catman with his leather vest and armbands that don the logo long-associated with the character.
KISS also premiered a promotional video for the "End of the Road" tour. It features highlights from their past shows and some great shots of the audiences. The ad definitely does a great job building up the viewer's excitement for what will be an unforgettable experience for sure.
"All that we have built and all that we have conquered over the past four decades could never have happened without the millions of people worldwide who've filled clubs, arenas and stadiums over those years. This will be the ultimate celebration for those who've seen us and a last chance for those who haven't. KISS Army, we're saying goodbye on our final tour with our biggest show yet and we'll go out the same way we came in... Unapologetic and Unstoppable," stated KISS on their offical website.
The "End of the Road" tour for KISS is one that will definitely be an emotional experience for me. I haven't missed a show from the band in seventeen years. I grew up with them, airguitaring in my bedroom at age age to "Detroit Rock City" while listening to my "Alive II" album. I FINALLY had the opportunity to meet KISS in full makeup with my oldest son in Oklahoma, although I've had the honor of interviewing and meeting the original members on several different occassions. A world without KISS out and about somewhere will be a strange one.
In a recent interview with KISS for Extra, the band shared why the "End of the Road" tour will be such a special affair and what we can expect. Gene and Paul both get a bit choked up talking about the impact they've had on fans and what their message to all of us really is. It sounds as if concertgoers are in for one last explosive event.
All the initial dates for the "End of the Road" tour can be found here. As usual, there are different ticketing packages which get you varying degrees of access to the shows and band. With this being their final run, I would do my best to get the best experience offered. KISS Meet & Greet Experiences will be available beginning Tuesday, October 30th at 10am local time through kissonline.com. KISS Army fan club presales will begin Wednesday October 31st at 10am local time also through www.kissonline.com.
