In 2018, Kiss announced that they will be doing a farewell tour in 2019 called the “End of the Road Tour.” It began on Jan. 31, 2019, and with over 100 shows scheduled, it is expected to end on Dec. 3, 2019. The rock band played in Atlanta on April 7 at State Farm Arena. Although not all of the original members were present, the group put on a great performance with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer.

The concert was scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Artist David Garibaldi went onto the stage at 8 p.m. He intrigued the audience and drummed up excitement for the performance by playing music from Ozzy Osbourne as he painted that very artist. He did the same with Jimi Hendrix, but painted upside down to then flip the canvas over, revealing the artist. Lastly, he painted the members of Kiss with “Atlanta” at the bottom. Following this piece, he exited, and crew members started to set up the stage.

With the familiar “You want the best, then you’ve got the best!” remark, the concert commenced at 9 p.m. Kiss opened with “Detroit Rock City” as they were lowered on platforms from the ceiling, making the audience get on their feet, screaming and jumping. The energy of the crowd combined with the passion of Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley created a lively entrance.

Following this iconic entrance was “Shout It Out Loud,” then “Deuce,” “Say Yeah,” “I Love It Loud” and “Heaven’s On Fire.” With the majority of the fans screaming the lyrics, the spirit of the audience could be felt throughout the entire arena.

Next, “War Machine” captured the audience’s attention due to sirens which began to blare at the end of the song. Gene Simmons brought a torch out onto the stage, where he blew into the flames, making it look as though he were breathing fire.

Next, the group performed “Lick It Up,” paired with The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” as well as “Calling Dr. Love.” Between songs, Paul Stanley gradually created a personal connection with the audience as he shared different memories he has had in Atlanta.

In “100,000 Years,” Eric Singer performed his drum solo as people watched in awe. And when Tommy Thayer began his guitar solo in “Cold Gin,”  audience members focused all of their attention on him.

The stage went black, and green lights began to glare on Gene Simmons. He performed his bass solo. Soon enough, bells began to ring, and a white light shined down on him to reveal “blood” pouring out of his mouth, which is a common show act for the band. The other members joined him on the stage as he was raised on a platform to the ceiling.

They continued with “Psycho Circus” and “Let Me Go, Rock ‘N Roll.” After this, Paul Stanley grabbed onto a rope and flew through the crowd to a star platform on the opposite side of the arena from the stage, where he performed “Love Gun” and “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” along with the other members still on the stage.

After returning to the main stage, the band concluded with “Black Diamond.” The group bowed, but they then began their encore and resumed playing for three more songs.

Their encore began with Eric Singer playing “Beth” on the piano, and audience members waved the flashlights on their phones back and forth. They then played “Do You Love Me.”

Lastly, they finished the night with the classic “Rock And Roll All Nite.” During this performance, Gene Simmons and Tommy Thayer were lifted on platforms into the crowds as they waved goodbye for this final tour.

Happiness and nostalgia coursed through the audience the whole night as the band brought old music back to life. The legendary band Kiss will never be forgotten, nor will the night of April 7, 2019.