Well, there’s nothing ‘on the fence’ about my night in L.A. last night. I’m down here on business and pleasure, and well, you know how much I live for music. Shannon Tweed Simmons, wife of legendary KISS rocker Gene Simmons (and long distance friend) invited me on the bus with their family to see KISS perform in Irvine, California.

I got a sneak peak into this PHENONEMON that is KISS. The fans are loyal, the music is loud, and the buzz is off the charts. These guys can rock.

I give you…

Me and the man of the hour - Gene Simmons of KISS
Shannon gave me a rocker ring on the bus en route to KISS to get me in the rocking spirit!
'Hello Kissy' tissues - KISS is a branding machine! I'm so interested in this end of the business (was also my first business)
People coming from EVERYWHERE before the concert
Heading backstage....
Hanging in Shannon's room
Watching Motley Crue from behind the stage (they opened the show)- Tommy Lee is UNREAL on the drums
Hanging with Shannon Tweed and her sister Tracy Tweed before the show.
Kissy Birds - Shannon and Gene Simmons before KISS takes the stage. Almost 40 pounds of armor on his back!
Getting ready to go on... Spinning his drum. Lol!
KISS
The KISS Concert
The fans are a cult-like following. Loyal and great. There are tons of young kids in KISS t-shirts who know the lyrics to all the songs. Really cool to see.
Rockin' out with Gene and Shannon's friends
Great show
KISS
Gene spitting out blood. Scary! (Pardon the blurr)
He zilplined right to the back of the stadium to perform for the fans in the back. So nice.
The phenomenon! Confetti at the end.

But what interested me more than possibly even the music, was to watch someone in action who has mastered their craft, and who has sustained longevity. At the end of the day, it was about seeing what it truly takes to still remain relevant after 40 years. For me, that was the biggest thrill.

What a great night. I’m paying the price today… 😉

xoxEDxox