Kiss, Weezer, Regurgitator, The Delta Riggs @ Accor Stadium, Sydney 7/10/2023
It was not that long ago that Kiss said their goodbyes to Australia as part of the End Of The Road tour. It was a spectacular farewell that the loyal fans did not want to end… and well, it didn’t. Kiss decided that one final curtain call was needed. It’s like saying goodbye to your best friend, but you decide to continue talking in the driveway for another three hours.
Hard to believe that it all boils down to one last show in Sydney at Accor Stadium having been in the country for a week rocking the AFL Grand Final in Melbourne the previous weekend. Grateful to be able to be here and say that I saw their final Australian show.
Australian indie rockers The Delta Riggs made the most of playing a massive stadium rock show. They were energetic and lively to kick off the afternoon. Front man Elliot Hammond vocals and performance was chaotic perfection, exactly what was needed. Highlights from their set included Baddest Motherfucker in the Beehive, The Romantics cover Talking In Your Sleep and set closer Bright As The Sun.
Regurgitatator were up next! What can I say!? They really did up the ante committing to nun outfits. Yep, that’s right they were dressed as nuns hitting the stage in the most unholy way. Regurgitator are one of the most fun , energetic bands I’ve ever seen opening with I Sucked a Lot of Cock to Get Where I Am and I Will Lick Your Arsehole. They played their songs hard and fast and everyone had a smile on their face. Set staples Track 1, Black Bugs, Polyester Girl, Blubber Boy and Kong Foo Sing were awesome.
Weezer fulfilled a dream to support Kiss which came true right here in Sydney, Australia. Kiss fans might have been primed and ready and Weezer came out of the blocks hammering out a great set opening with My Name Is Jonas. I loved their Kiss cover Strutter and there were plenty more great tunes to come with Undone – The Sweater Song, Island In The Sun, Say It Ain’t So, Hash Pipe and their big hit Buddy Holly.
Then, a low-end earthquake like rumble overcame Accor stadium as the Kiss made their way to the stage. Taking their places before the final curtain drop in Australia, we hear their mantra “You wanted the best, you got the best, the hottest band in the world, KISS!”
Then, its on!
Kiss are lowered to the stage on platforms from the roof to the classic Destroyer opener, Detroit Rock City. Followed up by Shout it out Loud. I was photographing the first and second songs and I can tell you the fans were singing at full volume. All the Kiss classics were delving in to the back catalogue playing Deuce, I Love it Loud (where Gene breathes fire) and Cold Gin.
There was something for everyone. They played songs from Creatures, Monster, Psycho Circus and my personal favorite Rock and Roll Over!
Tommy absolutely shredded on guitar and his solos were awesome with rockets firing from the headstock. Eric played his drums like the true skins man he has always been, fun, energetic and that big canon sound.
Then centre stage Gene bathed in green light. With the sound of distorted bass, Gene spews blood and is then elevated to the top of the stage where he performs God of Thunder in the most menacing way he knows how.
Paul flies over the crowd to sing Love Gun and is the ring master to the Kiss die hards beneath him! Hard to believe the end was near.The encore was a highlight starting with Eric on piano playing Beth. Shandi, a huge hit in Australia compared to anywhere else in the world proved popular. Their biggest hit I Was Made for Lovin’ You and Rock and Roll All Nite were spectacular moments with fireworks, confetti, streamers and balloons showering the crowd and the perfect way to remember Kiss.
What a way to end it for Australia. Walking out of Accor Stadium to God Gave Rock ‘N’ Roll to You II I’m still pinching myself that I got to see them one last time. Whether you’re a fan or not, Kiss is a rock ‘n roll experience like no other.
Thanks for 50 years of rock!
Live Review By Peter Pap