Silence before KISS’s crazy, crazy night in Birmingham - PICTURES
They may not be known for their sentimentality but classic rockers Kiss paid a touching tribute to the victims of the Manchester tragedy during show in Birmingham.
The American rockers took to the stage at the city’s Barclaycard Arena on Sunday evening, where they led a minute’s silence in memory of those who died in the horrific attack at Ariana Grande’s concert at the Manchester Arena on May 22.
After just two songs, the band called for the crowd to pay their respects through silence in a show of solidarity and defiance against the terrorist attack which targeted young music fans enjoying a live show and has also forced Kiss to cancel a planned performance at the arena this week.
The band released a statement following the attack saying that they were ‘heartbroken’ by what had happened and pulled the show, leaving just stops in Birmingham and London to complete on their tour.
Aside from the touching tribute, Kiss brought their usual mix of theatrical escapism, high-octane rock and roll and communal joy to a gloomy evening in the West Midlands.
Hits performed on the night included Shock Me, Crazy Crazy Nights and Detroit Rock City.
Original band members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley rolled back the years with a performance high on energy and spirit
At the peak of the evening, 65-year-old Stanley flew over the crowd via zipwire in a dare-devil stunt that most people half his age wouldn’t wish to attempt.
As is usually the case with most hard rock bands who visit the city from America, Kiss saw the show as an opportunity to pay tribute to Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, two bands with links the region who have influenced so many after them.
Singer Paul Stanley told the crowd how much the music of Robert Plant and Ozzy Osbourne’s bands had impacted him, adding that he used to dream of coming to England after hearing their songs.
Kiss will release a new best of album, called Kissworld on Friday.
