KISS is one of the most iconic and influential rock bands of all time. Formed in 1973, the original lineup consisted of Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss. Known for their elaborate makeup, costumes, and live performances, KISS has sold over 100 million albums worldwide. Their hits include “Rock and Roll All Nite”, “Detroit Rock City”, and “I Was Made for Lovin’ You”.
After nearly 50 years of performing, KISS announced their End of the Road World Tour in 2018. This tour is intended to be the band’s final tour before retiring from life on the road. As part of this tour, there has been much speculation as to whether KISS will schedule a date in New York City.
KISS’s History of Performing in New York
As one of America’s most famous and populated cities, New York City has long been a priority stop on tour for major music acts like KISS. Here is a brief overview of KISS’s history of performing in New York:
– In February 1974, KISS made their first ever live performance at the Coventry Club in Queens. This marked the beginning of the band’s legendary live act.
– On February 8, 1975, KISS made their first arena appearance in the New York area, performing at Nassau Coliseum in Long Island as an opening act.
– In 1977, at the height of their popularity, KISS played a series of major concerts at Madison Square Garden, cementing their status as rock superstars. They continued to regularly perform concerts at MSG and other NY venues during their 1970s heyday.
– In 1979, KISS headlined Madison Square Garden again for their Dynasty Tour. The December 31st show was televised on the ABC late night special The Midnight Special.
– KISS have played various New York City venues over the years including the Palladium, Radio City Music Hall, and the Ritz. Most recently, they did a series of shows at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in 2016 for their Freedom to Rock Tour.
So in summary, New York City is considered a key market and tour stop for KISS. They have a long history of legendary concerts in New York, most notably at Madison Square Garden where they routinely perform multi-night residencies when touring. This history makes New Yorkers hopeful that KISS will schedule a NYC show for their latest End of the Road tour.
Clues from KISS About Potential New York Tour Dates
KISS has dropped some clues that indicate the chance they will add New York concert dates as part of their final tour. Here are some key facts:
– In interviews about the End of the Road Tour, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley have repeatedly stressed that they want to visit places they have an emotional and historical connection with during their final go around as a band. Of course, New York City, where they started out and rose to fame, fits that category.
– The initial legs of the End of the Road world tour were focused on parts of North and South America. Now in 2023, KISS is starting to announce dates across Europe. Fans are hopeful that once the European dates are locked in, KISS will return focus to adding more North American cities in 2023 – potentially including New York.
– On a September 2022 episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons made a surprise appearance for an interview segment. Fallon asked if they will ever play New York again, to which Stanley replied “You better believe we will be back in New York.”
– When Simmons and Stanley announced the final tour, they indicated they want to go out with a bigger bang than ever before. Since New York City concerts have been pivotal moments and major events for KISS over the decades, one more huge New York show would align with that goal.
So while not confirmed, the band has hinted that scheduling New York City tour dates in 2023 is a strong possibility as part of their multi-year farewell trek. The band and tour management are likely waiting as long as possible to announce any potential New York shows as they would surely be hot ticket items.
Analysis of Potential New York Venues for KISS
If KISS does plan New York City shows as part of their 2023 tour plans, here is an analysis of the likely venue options:
Madison Square Garden
By far the most likely choice would be Madison Square Garden. KISS has a long and storied history of concerts at this famous arena. As a major 20,000+ capacity venue that the band has routinely sold out, it makes sense for KISS to look to play a multi-night stand at MSG as the pinnacle of their New York tour stops. Madison Square Garden management would surely be eager to host such a big event as well.
Citi Field
As an even larger capacity outdoor stadium normally used for New York Mets baseball games, Citi Field could be a good location for an epic KISS show designed as a major crowning moment of the whole tour. The stadium allows for more elaborate pyrotechnics and effects than an indoor arena, which suits KISS’s spectacular live show. Other legacy acts like The Rolling Stones have begun playing stadiums rather than arenas, so it would be fitting for KISS’s final tour.
Barclays Center
This major indoor arena in Brooklyn has hosted various concerts by legacy rock acts in recent years. With a capacity over 15,000, Barclays could work as a second NYC area show after Madison Square Garden. Playing both venues would allow more local fans the chance to see KISS one last time.
Radio City Music Hall
A smaller but iconic New York City venue, Radio City would create more of an intimate, special occasion type feel compared to doing a big arena show. It would be a unique way for KISS to say farewell to NYC. While the reduced capacity makes it doubtful as the main show, perhaps they could do Radio City as a one-off smaller extra date.
Venue | Capacity | Location | Type |
---|---|---|---|
Madison Square Garden | 20,000 | Manhattan | Arena |
Citi Field | 45,000 | Queens | Stadium |
Barclays Center | 19,000 | Brooklyn | Arena |
Radio City Music Hall | 6,000 | Manhattan | Theater |
This table summarizes and compares the key potential venue choices KISS has for headlining New York City tour dates. The capacity and locations of each venue are factors that KISS’s tour management team would consider as they strategize the best options. Most likely, Madison Square Garden remains the top choice for the band to end their New York touring history in spectacular fashion. But unique venues like Citi Field or Radio City Music Hall could also potentially supplement the MSG show(s) as special additions to the tour.
How New Yorkers Can Prepare for KISS’s Potential Tour Stop
Here are some tips for New Yorkers to prepare in case KISS does announce they are coming to New York City as part of the 2023 leg of their End of the Road Tour:
– Sign up for KISS’s email newsletter and follow their social media channels to get tour announcements and presale code offers delivered right to your inbox. Being ready to buy tickets the moment they go on sale will be key to scoring good seats.
– Get mentally prepared to likely pay hefty resale prices. Due to massive demand, if KISS plays Madison Square Garden or another top NYC venue, expect crazy prices on the secondary market. Floor seats could easily go for $1000 or more apiece.
– Scout hotels near the potential concert venue ahead of time. With thousands of out of town fans flying in too, lodging will be in high demand weekend-of-show. Finding a confirmed room reservation nearby guarantees you have a place to stay before battling post-concert crowds.
– Brush up on your KISS catalog and memorabilia. Many superfans will arrive in full makeup and costumes to celebrate the band and create a special environment. You may catch the fever and be inspired to flaunt your own KISS gear once the show gets announced!
– Save up your discretionary income. Between tickets, travel, hotels, merchandise and more, seeing KISS in New York City one last time will undoubtedly be a high-dollar experience. Being financially prepared makes it stress-free and more enjoyable.
The bottom line is New York KISS fans should try to be patient but be ready to jump on tickets and book travel if dates are revealed. While nothing is confirmed yet, the band’s history and hints make a stop in the Big Apple as part of their farewell tour seem highly likely. When and if it happens, the shows will undoubtedly provide memorable final moments with one of rock and roll’s all-time legends.
Conclusion
In summary, while not yet officially announced, there are compelling reasons to believe KISS will schedule New York City tour dates as part of their End of the Road farewell tour in 2023. The band has a rich history of legendary concerts in New York, especially Madison Square Garden. Both Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley have hinted that NYC will be included when they return focus to North America next year.
The most probable venue is Madison Square Garden where KISS could play a multi-night residency as the crown jewel of their remaining tour. However, Citi Field, Barclays Center or even Radio City Music Hall are also options under consideration for their larger than life party-like atmosphere. For New Yorkers, being ready to buy tickets, book local hotels, brush up on their KISS knowledge, and budget properly will allow them to make the most of the band’s potential final area performances.
When and if the New York shows officially get confirmed, it will be a major music event in 2023. As one of America’s premier rock acts who established their career with NYC as a key base, KISS returning for farewell concerts would be both an end of an era and a celebration of their monumental legacy. For diehard KISS fans and music lovers in the region, it would undoubtedly be a concert experience like no other.