Gene Simmons and The Gene Simmons Band came to far west suburban Chicago and conquered. The performance was amazing as was the set list. In fact, I would have to say I enjoyed this show more than the last two times I saw KISS and more than the times I saw KISS on the tours from Lick It Up to Crazy Nights.
Guitarists Ryan Cook, Jeremy Asbrock and Phillip Souse played with precision while drummer Brent Fitz provided a solid back beat throughout the show. Fitz, the most recent guest on the Decibel Geek Podcast, not only played a solid back beat, he added little subtle Peter Criss nuances to the performance. Gene Simmons’ bass work was stellar as was his interaction with the crowd. The set list was a mix of classics such as “Calling Doctor Love”, “Shout it Out Loud”, “Rock and Roll All Night” and “I Love it Loud”, which resonated with the casual fans while “Fits Like a Glove”, “Charisma”, “Love Theme from KISS”, and “I” whipped the hard core fans into a frenzy.
The lead work was spot on, whether it was mirroring Ace’s greatest licks or playing Dick Wagner’s precise solos during “Sweet Pain”. Gene even acknowledged Wendy O. Williams when I yelled out her name after “It’s my Life.” “War Machine” was played at its heaviest and “World Without Heroes” was played with meaningful power. Both songs brought chills to the audience in different ways but were equally heavy.
If Gene comes to your town or anywhere near your town, drop everything and go.
THE GENE SIMMONS BAND Setlist May 3, 2018. Arcada Theater, St. Charles, Il.:
Deuce
Shout it Out Loud
Are You Ready
It’s My Life
Calling Doctor Love
I Love it Loud
Love Theme From KISS
War Machine
Long Tall Sally
Fits Like a Glove
Sweet Pain
Do You Love Me ?
A World Without Heroes
I
Charisma
Let Me Go Rock and Roll
Rock and Roll All Nite
GENE SIMMONS WEBSITE / FACEBOOK
Decibel Geek Episode #288 – Simmons Band / Decibel Geek Episode #319 – Brent Fitz
