IT seems these days a lot easier to see a tribute band rather than the original group and it is worth it as they are about as close to the real thing and just as entertaining.
First up are no-nonsense west Cumbrian rockers Damaged Goods who kicked off proceedings with the crowd pleaser Need For Speed.
They also showcased new material, including We Don’t Wanna Fight, all of which was well received as they had a good connection with the Saturday night crowd.
They finished their set with a cracking impromptu cover version of Gay Bar which seemed appropriate as Electric Six performed the original in the city a few months earlier.
I was never really a fan of Kiss until recently when I bought a couple of albums including Destroyer, which opens with the classic track Detroit Rock City.
So it was a nice coincidence that the band chose that very same track to open their show after tottering down the stairs on to the stage weighed down under their bulky stage costumes on platform soles.
Dressed To Kill must have been spoiled for choice deciding on the setlist, given Kiss’ extensive back catalogue, but they definitely hit the mark with a collection of classics including Shout It Out Loud, Cold Gin, Lick It Up, Heaven’s On Fire and Love Gun.
They even included the more divisive commercial tracks such as Crazy Crazy Nights, which reached number four in the UK charts back in 1987, so it is considered rather commercial.
Having said that the singer suggests that, if people don’t like it, they know where the door is.
It is hardly surprising that the band are so tight as they have been doing this for the past 30 years, and it is a faithful representation of a Kiss stage show, even down to the blood capsules. Having said that I was disappointed there were no pyrotechnics.
Things were rounded off nicely with a cracking version of Rock n Roll All Nite and, if people had not got their Kiss fix, they were treated to a recorded version of God Gave Rock and Roll to You while the band mixed with the crowd and happily posed for photos.
I am fairly sure Carlisle wanted the best and Dressed To Kill made sure it got the best.
Having said that it will be good to compare them with fellow Kiss tribute act Hotter Than Hell when they play the city next year.
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