KISS smacks homerun out of park

Aging rock band provides night of tricks and treats

By Manuel Gamiz Jr., On-Line Forty-Niner

Tuesday, November 3, 1998

LOS ANGELES - The ghosts and goblins were out Halloween night at Dodger Stadium. Joining them were the "Space Ace," the "Demon," the "Catman" and the "Star Child" or better known as the band KISS.

The 1970s rock band gave an enthusiastic crowd a night filled with many tricks and just as many treats, which included circus acts, costumed musicians and 3-D special effects.

The concert - the beginning of the band's "Psycho Circus" tour - was projected on large screens next to the stage and complimentary 3-D glasses put all the action in the crowd's face.

The show began with a three-ring extravaganza called "Screaming Willie's Sideshow Circus," which included acrobats, motorcycle stunts and sideshow freaks.

The Smashing Pumpkins kicked off an hour-long set, but featured only one song from its new album "Adore." The band managed to keep the crowd entertained as they strutted around dressed like the Beatles.

KISS offered only two songs from the "Psycho Circus" album - the bands first new recording in 18 years - and instead opted to stick to the classics. The band performed crowd favorites such as "Cold Gin," "Deuce," "King of the Nighttime World" and "Black Diamond."

Gene Simmons, known as the "Demon," spat blood and breathed fire as he tore into "God of Thunder." Ace Frehley, known as the "Space Ace," shot down the lights with a burst of fireworks from his guitar.

He then continued playing his guitar as it smoked and flew into the sky. Peter Criss, known as the "Catman," played his drum solo as the stage rose from underneath him. For an encore, Criss slowed down the pace with the crowd favorite "Beth."

One of the most impressive stunts of the night was performed by rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley, also known as the "Starchild." Stanley whipped up the crowd by asking "Can I come out there and see ya?"

As the fans roared with approval, the 46-year-old Stanley launched himself off the stage and glided on a harness to an elevated landing at midfield. He then picked up his guitar and broke into "Love Gun."

After five hours of wild antics by KISS, the Smashing Pumpkins and "Screaming Willie," the crowd was given one more special treat for the long trek through the parking lot and the journey home.

An incredible fireworks display lit up the dark sky and ended an incredible Halloween night as KISS bid farewell to the city of Los Angeles en route to the next stop in the "Psycho Circus" tour.