KISS, the iconic rock band known for their elaborate stage shows, face paint, and hits like “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Detroit Rock City”, is currently in the midst of their End of the Road World Tour. This tour is billed as the band’s final tour ever, so it’s generating a lot of buzz and demand for tickets among fans who want to see the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers one last time.
When is KISS playing in Calgary?
KISS has one show scheduled for Calgary as part of the End of the Road World Tour. The concert will take place at the Scotiabank Saddledome on October 16, 2023. This will be the band’s first performance in Calgary since their 2009 tour.
How much are tickets to see KISS in Calgary?
Ticket prices for KISS in Calgary vary depending on the seat location you choose. Here’s a breakdown of the different ticket price levels:
Section | Price Range |
---|---|
Floor seats | $250 – $499 |
Lower bowl | $149 – $199 |
Upper bowl | $69 – $149 |
Floor seats are closest to the main stage and most expensive because you’ll be right next to all the action and pyrotechnics. Lower bowl seats are still excellent views and upper bowl is further back but cheaper. There are also VIP packages with meet and greet or premium seating available for $500-$1000.
Where can I buy tickets to the Calgary show?
Here are some of the main options for where to purchase tickets:
- Directly through Ticketmaster – This is the official source for tickets and provides access to all sections and price levels.
- Reseller sites – Stubhub, VividSeats, SeatGeek, etc. These let fans resell extra tickets, sometimes at inflated prices.
- KISS Army fan club presales – Official fan club members get access to presale ticket windows.
- Radio contests – Local radio stations often give away tickets to concerts.
- Venue box office – You can buy at the Scotiabank Saddledome box office without extra fees.
Buying early through Ticketmaster or fan club presales provides the best opportunity to get good seats at face value prices. The longer you wait, the more likely the best tickets will be snatched up and only resale ones left.
Who is the opening band?
There has been no official announcement yet regarding who will open for KISS on the Calgary stop of the tour. Sometimes the opening acts vary between cities, while other times they have one supporting band for the whole tour. Some artists who have opened for parts of the End of the Road tour so far include:
- David Lee Roth – Former Van Halen frontman, on select West Coast dates
- Cheap Trick – Classic rock icons, opened earlier North American shows
- Manic Eden – Band featuring former Creed singer, on initial European dates
Once the opening act for Calgary is confirmed, the info will likely be posted on KISS’s website and social media outlets. The band likes to choose opening acts that embody a similar spirit and sound to KISS’s own music.
What’s the full setlist?
KISS has rotated through a large repertoire of over 20 songs during the End of the Road tour so far. Since it’s their last hurrah, they try to encompass hits spanning their entire career. Here are some of the songs they’ve been playing most frequently on the current tour leg:
- “Detroit Rock City”
- “Shout It Out Loud”
- “Deuce”
- “Say Yeah”
- “I Love It Loud”
- “Heaven’s on Fire”
- “War Machine”
- “Lick It Up”
- “Calling Dr. Love”
- “100,000 Years”
- “Cold Gin”
- “God of Thunder”
- “Psycho Circus”
- “Let Me Go, Rock ‘N’ Roll”
- “Love Gun”
- “I Was Made for Lovin’ You”
- “Black Diamond”
- “Beth”
- “Do You Love Me”
- “Rock and Roll All Nite”
Of course, being their farewell tour, it’s possible KISS may throw in some rare or extra songs not currently on their setlist. Calgary fans will have to wait for October 16th to see exactly what they get! One thing’s for sure, it will be a non-stop barrage of fiery pyrotechnics, face paint, wild costumes, and KISS’s greatest arena rock hits.
How long will the concert go?
Looking at set times from earlier shows on the End of the Road tour, fans can expect a full KISS concert experience in Calgary. The band has been playing between 18-20 songs per show, with setlengths running about 1 hour and 45 minutes on average. This allows enough time for multiple costume changes and special effects like Gene Simmons’ iconic fire-breathing and blood-spitting.
The opening act, whoever it ends up being, typically plays 30-45 minutes before KISS takes the stage. So the total night from start to finish will likely be close to 2.5 hours of full-volume rock and roll spectacle.
What are the COVID safety policies?
As of October 2023, there are currently no COVID-19 restrictions in place for concerts in Calgary. However, certain safety measures are still recommended for the show:
- Wear a mask – Masks are optional but help protect yourself and others.
- Use hand sanitizer – Use hand sanitizer stations placed around the venue.
- Stay home if sick – If you’re feeling any COVID symptoms prior to the show, stay home to recover.
- Distance if possible – Distance from non-group members when possible.
KISS, the venue, and health officials are monitoring the situation closely. If any policies change before the concert date, ticketholders will be notified via email. This could include measures like requiring proof of vaccination, negative tests, or masking.
How can I get to the venue?
The Scotiabank Saddledome is located in downtown Calgary. Here are some transportation options to get to the KISS concert:
- Drive and park – Several parking lots and garages around the venue. Rates $15-$50.
- Rideshare – Uber, Lyft, and cabs will drop off directly at the Saddledome.
- Public transit – Trains and buses run to Victoria Park/Stampede stations near the arena.
- Walk – Downtown location makes walking an option depending on where you’re staying.
Allow extra time for traffic and transportation based on concert start times. Carpooling, public transit, and walking are good options to minimize parking costs and congestion pre- and post-show.
Can I get KISS merchandise?
Yes, there will be a full merch stand at the Calgary show with tons of KISS products available. Some of the merchandise typically available includes:
- T-shirts
- Jackets/hoodies
- Hat/beanies
- Bandanas
- Patches
- Masks
- Guitar picks
- Posters
- Keychains
- Wallets
- Magnets
- Blankets
- Coffee mugs
- Water bottles
- Pop sockets
- Pins
- Signed memorabilia
Items range from inexpensive souvenirs in the $5-$40 range, up to higher-end signed merch and collector pieces. Bring cash if you want to avoid ATM fees at the venue.
Will KISS come back to Calgary again?
Unfortunately for Calgary fans, in all likelihood this will be the very last chance to ever see KISS perform live in the city. The band has said this world tour will definitely be their final one before retiring from life on the road.
However, while KISS may hang up their touring shoes after this, it’s possible the band members could do one-off special performances down the line. They maintain this tour marks the end of their major worldwide touring days, but are vague about fully ruling out any future isolated shows. Calgary was not part of their previous “Farewell Tour” in 2000, so KISS loyalists should seize this last opportunity.
Conclusion
KISS’s October 16, 2023 concert in Calgary is gearing up to be one of the hottest tickets in the city this year. The legendary rockers are sure to deliver a spectacular, high-energy show as they pass through during their final-ever tour. Tickets are available now, ranging from $69-$499 depending on seating level. This end of the road show is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for KISS fans to see Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and the band in full makeup, costumes, and live show production. Don’t miss your opportunity to rock and roll all night with KISS one last time in Calgary!