World-famous rock band KISS are coming to Dubai for New Year’s Eve, and if you’re ready to welcome 2021 in with bang, it’s time to tune into what’s going to be an absolutely massive show.
“To be able to come to Dubai to play on New Year’s Eve under these circumstances, in a year that for most of us at the very least has been disruptive, but for some has been devastating, to have KISS kiss 2020 goodbye, in our fashion, is something I couldn’t have imagined,” KISS star Paul Stanley tells Time Out, ahead of the legendary band’s appearance in Dubai this week.
And in a year where the word unprecedented has been used more frequently than ever before, what we can be sure of is that millions of fans will have their eyes on Dubai on New Year’s Eve, as the world-famous band take to what will be a ginormous stage at Atlantis The Palm. In a time where Zoom interviews and live-streamed shows are the new normal, KISS are going to bring “the biggest, baddest celebration of the year” to Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah on Thursday (December 31).
“We will have the largest stage ever, it’s absolutely massive – plus a million dollars’ worth of pyro. It’s not going to be for the faint of heart, but it will be a celebration to kick 2020 in the rear – and we’re going to do it with eight-inch platform boots,” says Stanley.
Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons founded KISS in 1973, with former members Peter Criss and Ace Frehley, and the line-up is now completed by Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer. The band is famed for their high-energy live shows, make-up, pyrotechnics and more. And, so Simmons and Stanley tell Time Out, the Dubai show is set to take this to the next level.
A record-breaking Dubai show
“It’s been a very sad year for everyone and we can’t think of a better way to bring in the new year, it’s going to be the biggest show on the planet,” says Simmons.
“It’s certainly going to be bombastic,” adds Stanley, noting that going with the intention of breaking world records makes it “even more fun”.
New Year’s Eve is a divisive night, but Simmons even goes as far to say that he wishes every evening was New Year’s Eve. “It’s a time when everyone takes stock,” he says. “People, by and large, are friendlier – people celebrate life.”
And it’s a time to look forward, says Stanley, who’s not one for New Year’s resolutions. “You shouldn’t be waiting for a certain day to turn over a new leaf – I like the celebration of looking where we’ve been and where we’re going,” he says.
The show has been in the pipeline for six months, and the band are aiming to smash several Guinness World Records with the behemoth production. It will be filmed with more than 50 cameras and 360-degree views to ensure fans will catch every minute of the huge show, and safety is a major factor during the pandemic.
“We couldn’t do this anywhere else, the set couldn’t be broken down and taken to another city,” says Stanley. “Bigger is always better, as long as the heart is beating, and that heart is music.”
What to expect from the show
The Rock & Roll Hall of famers never do anything small, so we’re all set for what’s going to be a huge night with all the classics, so expect bangers including I was Made For Loving You, Nothing to Lose and, of course, Rock and Roll All Nite.
“Before the very first chord there will be explosions that will rock you out of your seat,” says Simmons. “We won’t even be on stage – we’ll descend from the sky. We literally fly over your head.”
We’re promised all the songs we know and love, too.
“We don’t shy away from making sure our fans get the hits, and getting them some extra stuff,” says Simmons. “There are some songs I don’t enjoy playing as much as I’ve played them a million times, but you soon get over that as soon as you see 100,000 people screaming their heads off.”
But do they have a favourite song? For Stanley it’s Rock and Roll All Nite.
“It resonates so much with people,” he says. “Initially people might have seen it as vapid or shallow, but many songs that were meant to be deep become obsolete, but it’s a song that has been embraced by millions of people over the world. We’re in an enviable position that we have so many songs that are considered a classic that it’s hard to change the set list – can’t leave out Detroit Rock City, Fire House, Black Diamond, Love Gun – I have a lot of favourite songs and thankfully a lot of people have a lot of the same favourite songs.”
Two hours of make-up and the famous on-stage personas
Famed for their massive on stage presence, make up and larger-than-life costumes, bar a stint from 1983 to 1995 when they were make-up-free, both compare going on stage to being like a boxer about to enter the ring.
But as bandmates for nearly five decades, their pre-show routines are very different – though both are partial to a post-show Jaffa Cake, they say.
“Before every show we gather in our dressing room,” says Simmons. “It takes me about two hours to put on the make-up, so that’s lots of time to play music, to talk, we hear the fans. We hype ourselves up.”
Meanwhile Stanley, The Starchild, keeps himself separate, preferring the peace and quiet, prepping for the show with ab crunches and free weights.
But while all bands get psyched up before coming out to perform, it’s a physical transformation for KISS too.
“I wear seven-inch dragon boots that make you taller, the studs in the armour weigh about 40lbs. I look different, I walk differently and I feel different,” says Simmons, of his on stage persona.
“What do fans always ask me? How long is your tongue? Right away – can I see your tongue? It’s always about the tongue. I respond nicely – I say, I would stick my tongue out but the floor is dirty,” he deadpans.
Stanley adds: “Do I take on a persona? I rise to the occasion – it becomes a way to communicate on a larger scale. Am I the same person? Yeah I’m the same person but we all dress differently at different times, it’s a natural thing –KISS just takes it to a different level. Whether you’re in the front row, back row or at home, you’re essential, you’re the reason that KISS exists, and because of that I’m not playing to a faceless crowd, I’m playing for you.”
A busy 2021 planned for KISS
The pair have been keeping busy over the past few months, Simmons has been in “the wilds of Canada”, hiking and spending time with family, and Stanley has been working on a new album with his 15-piece soul band Soul Station, which is due to come out next year.
Meanwhile 2021 looks set to be huge for KISS – as they aim to continue their final “End of the Road” tour, as well as an animated series, a documentary and more.
The tour, when it starts back up, will kick off in Europe, going to 150 cities around the world, including headlining Download festival in the UK. It’s the last tour they will do preferring to “quit while we’re on top”.
“We don’t want to stay on stage longer than we should,” says Simmons, who’s 71. “You want to get off the stage while you’re still a champion.”
Stanley, 68, adds: “We know we can’t maintain this level forever. If we were performing in trainers and jeans, but when you’re wearing 40lbs of gear and running around on stage – you can play beat the clock, but the clock wins ultimately. We’re not getting any younger – although we’re in awesome shape – we wanted to go out and do a victory lap.”
Tuning in on New Year’s Eve
Live stream packages start at US$39.99 (Dhs147) and includes the live stream on the night, as well as one replay over a 24-hour period. A deluxe package is available for US$49.99 (Dhs184) and has unlimited replays for over 72 hours. Meanwhile you can also get a VIP package for US$999.99 (Dhs3,673) that includes unlimited replays for 30 days, digital video download, a limited-edition vinyl record, and a range of memorabilia. Guests staying at Atlantis The Palm on New Year’s eve will be able to watch the performance from their balconies.
“We’ve always been committed to putting on the biggest, baddest show, no holds barred,” says Simmons. “I remember as a kid going to see my favourite bands, someone just strumming or looking down their feet. I mean it sounds good, but… If you close your eyes at our show we’re insulted – we spend millions of dollars giving a visual and audio treat. I’m glad I’m in KISS – it’s loads more fun.”
For everything you need to know about New Year’s Eve 2020-21 in Dubai click.
From US$39.99 (live streaming). Room packages prices vary, minimum nights apply. Residents package: From Dhs2,500 per person, five people minimum per table on Royal Beach to include bubbly from 8pm to midnight (obstructed and partially obstructed seating). Dec 31, 9pm. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, www.kiss2020goodbye.com (04 426 2626).
