The group then revisited their own KISStory by playing "Deuce" from their 1974 self-titled debut. Stanley skipped around a bit and played his guitar under his legs while Thayer concurrently performed his own solo, which was splendid.
(Side note: We know there are many KISS purists out there, and to most, Thayer could never replace original lead guitarist Ace Frehley. He bit his style and even his makeup; but in truth, he's a great musician and complements Simmons and Stanley well.)
Stanley prepared the stadium for some mandatory KISS heat, foreshadowing,"You're not tired, are you, Houston? I got a feeling if everyone loosens up a bit we're going to get this place so hot we're going to have to call out the firehouse!"
The band then played KISS' "Firehouse" while Simmons lit a sword on fire, blew even more flames, and then stabbed the fiery weapon into the ground. During the instrumental break, Stanley came out onto the ramp and knelt down, seductively putting his guitar pick on his tongue and then spitting it out before finishing the song.
KISS continued to play their older classics like "Calling Dr. Love," "Love Gun," "Detroit Rock City" and "I Love It Loud," not venturing past 1982 album Creatures of the Night. Stanley prefaced each song with a cappella teasers of the hits that he knew would be easily identified by even the newest of fans, whom he beckoned to join in.
They slowed the momentum down for the ballad "Beth," from Destroyer, which was originally performed by founding drummer Peter Criss. We heard a few grumbles in the crowd from fans who may have resented the (relatively) newcomer for adopting the song.
The group picked the speed of the show back up with "Lick It Up." As can be assumed by the title, Simmons' tongue movements came with a lot of drool. Aftermath has watched his reality show for a while, so seeing this signature move in person was almost disturbing.
We now know him as a father and an entrepreneur; we've seen him cry, laugh, learn, love, and make a killing off KISS merchandise. Expect that drool to be on eBay right now.
Like their Woodlands performance last year, KISS took a break to honor two soldiers onstage. Stanley urged the crowd to stand up and recite the Pledge of Allegiance for the two men in uniform and the rest of the soldiers who were not in attendance. He added, "they won't hear it, but they'll hear about it."
A dollar from every ticket sold at the Rodeo went to the Wounded Warriors Care Project. After the pledge was over, Stanley spoke briefly about the American soldiers overseas and foreign relations to cleverly segue into their final song. You know the one: "Pray that we all get together...to rock and roll all nite and party every day!"
