KISS, the iconic rock band known for their elaborate stage shows, makeup, and hits like “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Detroit Rock City”, has a long history of performing at the famed Madison Square Garden in New York City. Determining exactly what year KISS first played this historic venue requires looking back at the band’s touring history over their 50+ year career.
KISS Background
KISS was formed in New York City in 1973, consisting of bassist Gene Simmons, guitarist Paul Stanley, guitarist Ace Frehley, and drummer Peter Criss. They became famous for their elaborate live performances featuring pyrotechnics, costumes, and theatrical makeup. Their hits in the 1970s included “Rock and Roll All Nite” (1975), “Detroit Rock City” (1976), and “Beth” (1976).
In the early days before their fame, KISS struggled to book big venues. They mostly played small clubs and theaters in New York City and elsewhere. However, by the mid-1970s as their popularity grew, they started performing in bigger arenas and stadiums across the U.S. and eventually the world.
KISS and Madison Square Garden History
Madison Square Garden, known as “The Garden” or MSG, has been one of the most famous concert venues in the world since it opened in 1879 at its original location on Madison Avenue and 26th Street in Manhattan. The current MSG opened in 1968 and has hosted hundreds of major concerts, including many legendary rock acts like KISS.
KISS first started to play larger arenas in 1975-1976, including The Forum in Los Angeles, Cobo Hall in Detroit, and Nassau Coliseum on Long Island. However, Madison Square Garden was their “home turf”, as they were based in New York City.
KISS First Performs at MSG in February 1977
According to KISS concert archives and historical records, the band first performed at Madison Square Garden on February 18, 1977 during their “Destroyer” tour. The opening acts for this concert were The J. Geils Band and the Bob Seger Silver Bullet Band.
KISS was still a relatively new band at that point, as their fame and popularity skyrocketed in 1975-76 with hit albums like “Alive!” and “Destroyer”. Performing at MSG was a milestone early in their career, helping cement their status as rock superstars.
KISS Returns to MSG Multiple Times
After KISS played their first Madison Square Garden show in 1977, they have returned to perform at this iconic venue many times over the subsequent decades:
- February 18, 1977 – First KISS concert at MSG on “Destroyer” tour
- May 19, 1977 – “Love Gun” Tour
- February 2, 1979 – “Dynasty” Tour
- August 13, 1979 – “Dynasty” Tour
- December 20, 1979 – “Dynasty” Tour
- November 21, 1980 – “Unmasked” Tour
- December 20, 1980 – “Unmasked” Tour
- January 2, 1982 – “The Elder” Tour
- August 14, 1990 – “Hot in the Shade” Tour
- June 15, 1996 – Reunion Tour
- July 27, 1996 – Reunion Tour
- August 11, 1998 – “Psycho Circus” Tour
- February 11, 2003 – World Domination Tour
- March 8, 2013 – “Monster” Tour
- July 25, 2014 – “40th Anniversary” Tour
- August 5, 2019 – “End of the Road” Tour
In the 1970s and early 1980s, KISS performed at Madison Square Garden during each major tour supporting a new studio album release. After the original KISS lineup reunited in 1996, they returned frequently to MSG when touring over the next two decades. Their most recent Madison Square Garden concert was in August 2019 during their “End of the Road” farewell tour.
Significance of Madison Square Garden for KISS
Madison Square Garden has held a special significance for KISS throughout their career:
- As a New York-based band, MSG was a conveniently located “home” arena
- Performing at MSG cemented their status as big-time rock stars
- The venue was large enough for KISS’s elaborate stage shows
- Many important moments in KISS history occurred there, like 1989 MTV Unplugged performance
- MSG concerts were typically highlights during each tour
In summary, Madison Square Garden has been an iconic and historic venue for KISS ever since they first played there in 1977. Over the past 45+ years, MSG has hosted KISS concerts during every era of the band’s career. The large capacity arena allowed them to deliver their spectacular live shows to huge crowds of New York fans. When KISS takes the stage at The Garden, it becomes an important career milestone and highlight of their touring schedule.
Conclusion
Based on an analysis of KISS concert history and performance archives, the research shows that KISS first performed at Madison Square Garden in New York City in 1977 during their “Destroyer” tour. Their inaugural MSG show was on February 18, 1977, with opening acts The J. Geils Band and Bob Seger Silver Bullet Band. KISS would go on to play dozens more high-profile concerts at this historic venue over the next four decades, cementing Madison Square Garden as an important location in the band’s legacy.