The night was opened by DIRTY HONEY, an American rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 2017. It consists of singer Marc LaBelle, guitarist John Notto, bassist Justin Smolian, and drummer Corey Coverstone. The single “When I’m Gone” topped the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart, making them the first unsigned band to ever do so. In 2021, Dirty Honey toured in support of their debut album on the California Dreamin’ tour with opening act Joyous Wolf, as well as opening for The Black Crowes on their Shake Your Money Maker tour. Dirty Honey co-headlined the Young Guns Tour with Mammoth WVH in 2022. They embarked on their first European tour in summer 2022, which included shows opening for Guns N’ Roses, Kiss, and Rival Sons.
A young American rising band Dirty Honey nurtures just that sexy, nasty, melodic rock and roll and hard rock sound with a touch of 70s blues music that warmed up the audience for the legendary KISS quartet. They gave an excellent performance in Zagreb as a great intro for the treat to come after them.
Needless to say, as everyone knows the fact: KISS is one of the most successful rock and roll bands in the history of music. They came to Zagreb as part of their “End of the road” tour and the event couldn’t have any more importance to it as this was their first ever visit to Croatia, so fans gatherer from all over the state, but also from neighboring countries to finally see them live!
After an epic and well-documented 45-year-long career, which launched an era of big rock and roll concert shows, the band KISS began their last tour in 2019. Known for their masks and special costumes that have become their trademark, detailed scenery, special effects such as flames and projectiles, KISS have been proving for decades why they are considered the creators of the best rock and roll spectacles. Members of The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, who have released 44 and sold more than 100 million copies of the albums worldwide, said they are dedicating this tour to the millions of KISS fans who have supported them for more than 40 years. Kiss are one of the most successful American bands of all time, with more than 30 gold records, the most of any American artist. They have performed at the Olympics, the Super Bowl and American Idol, among others.
Starchild (Paul Stanley), Demon (Gene Simmons), Catman (Eric Singer) and Spaceman (Tommy Thayer) arrived in Zagreb with as many as 16 trucks and 6 buses of equipment and people, for their well-known pyrotechnic show and even additional firefighters have been hired.
The world tour of the band KISS in 2019 was their biggest tour in their career – more tickets were sought, and the interest was so great that additional concerts were arranged. Unfortunately, many concerts arranged across Europe for 2020 could not be held and had to be postponed for new dates. And among them a completely new date has been added – a concert in the Zagreb Arena as their first concert in Croatia.
On the occasion of the “End of the Road” tour KISS stated: “Everything we have built and everything we have achieved over the past four decades would never have happened without the millions of people around the world who have filled clubs, arenas and stadiums. This will be the ultimate celebration for those who have already seen and listened to us and a last chance for those who have not. KISS Army, we are saying goodbye on the last tour with our biggest show so far – we will go out the same way we entered … without apology and without stopping.”
During this tour KISS sold out shows across the globe with arguably the greatest KISS show ever! Known for their trademark larger-than-life blistering performances, KISS has proven for decades why they are hands down the most iconic live show in rock ‘n roll. The band entertained the audience on stage for more than two hours. We finally witnessed live performances of their timeless hits such as: “I Was Made For Lovin ‘You”, “Rock and Roll All Nite”, “Detroit Rock City” and “Lick It Up”.
The start of the show was incredible as it included the band descending from the first beats of “Detroit Rock City”, as from the very start we were sure that the greatest show ever is about to commence! The two stages that were used, projection screens and the overall stage machinery is indescribable, as it offers an unique experience never ever presented before in Zagreb. “I Love It Loud” included Gene’s fire breathing and the bass solo by Gene Simmons including Gene’s blood spitting which was a great sight, as well as all other members solo performances that have put the fans into ecstasy and enabled them to individually show admiration to every single band member.
During “Love Gun” Paul ziplined to B-stage in the crowd and ziplined back to main stage for “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” which was an absolute peak of the concert! The audience gave the best feedback and it was great to experience a gigantic sing along in Arena Zagreb!
Encore consisted of “Beth”, “Do You Love Me” and “Rock and Roll All Nite”, which was a perfect end of the concert. I must admit that I have never experienced a complete satisfaction such as this from last night’s concert, as I felt the concert was completely satisfying; I didn’t feel remorse that a particular song wasn’t played. The set list was perfectly balanced and the duration of the concert was perfect. I’m sure the vast majority of the fans felt exactly the same. KISS did a great job and we all admire them for it as they indeed exceed all expectations and were simply magnificent!!
That being said, I congratulate all staff members, organizers and logistic personnel for an excellent show, but primarily: the biggest thanks goes out to the incredible fans that came from all over the region to participate and make this show the most beautiful and biggest event you can imagine!
KISS have once again proved without any doubt that age is just a number as their flawless performance left us in awe, admiration and endless respect to all they rightfully represent: the biggest rock band in the history of mankind! They didn’t show and glimpses of slowing down and their unstoppable, fiery performance run over the crowd leaving none unaffected! Their energy and positivity lifted the spirits of all present and made us thrilled beyond any expectations that we had the privilege to finally see the biggest and most important rock band live!
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