I don’t venture to the old NEC much these days, but having moved to Telford I have a train going direct to Birmingham International (and a late one back), plus I was lucky enough to get a reviewers pass for this event, so all aboard for one last KISS adventure. I met up with fellow MMH contributor Lisa Billingham at the box office, then we bumped into friends, found our seats and sat back to enjoy the show.
THE WILD THINGS – Those who are familiar with Netflix etc may have recognised front woman Sydney Rae White, from the TV show ‘Uncle’ and the movie ‘American Assassin’. To be honest I hadn’t heard of this British band until today and digging deeper, was this a case of Who you know ? Well both Sydney and her husband, guitarist Rob Kendrick worked on the stage production of Quadrophenia back in 2019 and Pete Townshend has took a shine to them since. He also produced and played on their single ‘Only Attraction’. They even opened for The Who in 2022, making their US debut at Maddison Square Gardens no less. Most of the set tonight came from the 2018 album ‘You’re Really Something’ with new singles ‘Paradise’, ‘Heaven Knows’ and the aforementioned ‘Only Attraction’. Sugary sweet and good to watch, they were the perfect warm up band, the arena was still filling up, but The Wild Things managed to raise a few cheers.
The Wild things are – Sydney Rae White – Vocals, Rob Kendrick – Guitar, Cameron White – Bass and Pete Wheeler – Drums.
Press Photo
SKINDRED – Somewhat of a surprise to hear that Benji and co were the main support, even more so when I read the frontman was only just beginning to like the headliners. However, putting all that aside, I can’t remember the last time I saw this Ragga Metal outfit, so this gig was long overdue. Born out of Newport in 1998 after the demise of the much loved ‘Dubwar’, Benji Webb has taken his unique brand to another level. Hard core Punk/Reggae with three off the new album ‘Smile’ and a host from the back catalogue. Colourful, outrageous and totally magnificent, it was impossible not to bounce along to ‘That’s My Jam’ and the new ‘Gimme That Boom’. We were encouraged to clap, smile and of course wave our garments in the air for the Newport Helicopter. Tour dates for October and November have been announced and I suggest you get tickets now as they are selling out fast.
Skindred are – Benji Webb – lead vocals/synthesiser . Daniel Pugsley – bass, backing vocals. Mikey Demus – guitars, backing vocals, Arya Goggin – drums
KISS – The end of the road, the countdown continues. So does the controversy with the Plymouth Show being axed, talk of poor ticket sales and discounts. The arena was packed, I didn’t see many empty seats, so everyone must have taken advantage of the late offers. What can I say about these glam stalwarts, what is there to add that hasn’t been said before over the decades? Well they never disappoint do they and tonight was all about playing their best Rock and Roll hits, with all the glitz, lazers, fireworks and special effects they could muster. Gene Simmons breathing fire, Tommy Thayler’s rocket fuelled guitar and Eric Singer’s drum kit rising above us all. I did hold my breath when Paul Stanley took to the air on a wire during ‘I Was Made For Loving You’ landing on a platform near the sound desk, but he remained unscathed and wooed the Kiss Army at the back of the arena. I also liked the vintage footage on the screen, going back to 1973. Forty years on and KISS are still seen as one of America’s most influential rock bands, with 44 albums and over 100 million sales worldwide, they have literally done it all. They’ve played The Super Bowl, Winter Olympics, appeared on Family Guy, produced countless merchandise and launched several advertising campaigns to promote themselves. More than a band, Kiss are an institution and part of many music lovers life. If this is really the end of the road, they will leave a gapping hole in the tarmac, but their music will live on, every song they have written over the years is a testament to the KISS story and they will forever remain a major factor of Rock heritage.
Photo – Jackie Middleton
Photo – Jackie Middleton
Photo – Jackie Middleton
Photo – Lisa Billingham
I really enjoyed the show tonight, it was everything you would expect from KISS and the support bands were awesome. Another thing I thought was special was the amount of friends that were there. I didn’t see half of them, but isn’t it good to know you are watching an amazing performance in the company of your mates, who although are dotted around the arena, are sharing your experience. Thank you KISS for bringing us together, we will miss you x
Thanks to Warren at Chuff Media for the passes & Lisa for the company.
Photo Credits – Jackie Middleton ( Newcastle Show ) Jackie R Middleton Photography & Lisa Billingham of Billibee Creative
Feature Photo – Jackie Middleton
