RECAP: Kisstory @ Charles R. Wood Park, 9/14/2024

Written by Staff on October 7, 2024

On Saturday, September 14th, the Rock The Lake Music Festival took place in Lake George, New York, where a stage adorned with KISS ARMY flags fluttered in the wind. Fans gathered in anticipation to witness The Hottest Band in The World perform. However, with KISS announcing their retirement in December 2023, how could this event still occur? The answer lies in the passing of the torch, as the KISS ARMY has welcomed new ranks. You wanted the best, and you got the best: the premier tribute band in the world, KISSTORY!

On what could have been one of the hottest days in September in the Adirondacks of upstate New York, KISSTORY took the stage to a crowd of enthusiastic fans eager to witness their iconic comic book personas come to life, and they certainly delivered. The performance commenced with classic KISS hits, showcasing an electrifying show that felt like a timeless vinyl recording. The band held nothing back, featuring Ace’s captivating guitar solo, Demon’s dramatic blood-spitting and fire-breathing acts, The Fox’s remarkable drum solo, and Star Child’s powerful vocals, culminating in a dramatic guitar smash at the finale. Throughout the concert, band members generously tossed guitar picks into the audience, enhancing the overall concert experience. Following the performance, The Fox distributed roses and drumsticks to as many fans as possible. Despite KISS’s retirement, the KISS ARMY remains vibrant and strong, with fans proudly wearing KISS merchandise, singing along to every song, and showing unwavering support for their beloved band.

The performers behind the makeup invest more than 100% into their roles, creating a truly captivating experience. Dave Bariteau, who embodies Paul Stanley’s character Starchild, exudes the same high energy as the original frontman. As a natural musician, Dave leads the band and emphasizes the importance of crowd engagement, enhancing the overall KISS experience. Vinny Dawson, portraying Ace Frehley’s character The Spaceman, executes all the expected stage antics from the original guitarist’s repertoire, employing creative methods to deliver an arena-style performance. Kevin Conrad, who represents the late Eric Carr, honors the memory of the drummer who joined KISS after Peter Criss’s departure in 1980. By keeping the spirit of The Fox alive, Kevin pays tribute to one of KISS’s beloved members for future generations of fans. Lastly, James Seda, as The Demon, is a striking likeness of Gene Simmons, showcasing impressive stage presence and signature moves. Together, these four performers not only capture the essence of The Hottest Band in the World but also faithfully deliver classic hits like “Cold Gin,” “Shock Me,” “Detroit Rock City,” “Shout It Out Loud,” and the fan-favorite “Love Gun.”

KISSTORY stands out as a remarkable cover and tribute band, dedicated to delivering an extraordinary live experience. For those who had the privilege of witnessing KISS perform before their retirement in 2023, the commitment and passion that KISSTORY brings to their shows will be unmistakable. Conversely, if you have not had the opportunity to see KISS live over the past five decades, KISSTORY is an essential experience for any rock and roll aficionado. They will be performing at the Strand Theater in Hudson Falls, NY, on Friday, November 29th. To stay updated on their future performances, be sure to follow them on Facebook.

Photography by Rachael Skinner.