A big KISS for Everett fans

With huge flames shooting up from stage, the iconic heavy-metal band KISS opened its Thursday night concert.

The crowd of more than 5,500 at Comcast Arena Everett roared with approval.

“We don’t have to go to Seattle to rock out,” said Paul Stanley, the rhythm guitarist.

Bassist Gene Simmons delighted the audience with his thundering bass and long, red tongue.

At the end of “Firehouse,” Simmons spit fire from the stage, his signature move for nearly 40 years.

The crowd ate it up, and many fans played air guitar along with Stanley and Tommy Thayer. Some people played air drums in time with Eric Singer.

KISS played the guitar-heavy songs from their first album through to their latest, “Sonic Boom,” the 2009 album that has inspired new life in the act.

The band wore its trademark outfits: platform shoes, black, silver-studded skin-tight outfits and, of course, painted faces.

Throughout the show, pyrotechnics lit the stage, smoke billowed out and the heat of the flames could be felt rows from the front.

Several fans painted their faces to match the comic-booklike characters on stage.

“It’s Halloween in the middle of the summer,” Michelle Russell, 40, said.

She came to the show with her best friend since grade school, Stephanie Walker, wearing matching vintage KISS T-shirts and faces like Stanley and Thayer.

“I just want to rock it,” said Walker, also 40.

Rich Frien brought his daughters, Melissa, 10, and Fiona, 12, from Anacortes.

The girls, both metal heads, wore big black wigs and carefully painted faces.

“KISS is a family thing,” he said.

Brian Thiel of Auburn first saw KISS in 1979, and hasn’t stopped worshiping the band.

“As long as the band keeps playing, I want to keep seeing them,” he said.

The Spandex and spikes of his outfit, a replica of Simmons’ “Alive” costume from 1975, took him three weeks to put together.

Other fans posed for photos, as he towered high on platform shoes.

“It’s an experience,” Thiel said. “I can’t really describe it in words.”

Thursday night’s show was the first rock concert for 11-year-old Bryce Carabello of Everett.

He came to the arena with his face painted like the characters in the band.

“They’re great,” he said. “And, they’re really fun to watch.”

Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3447; jholtz@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Snohomish County Health Department Director Dennis Worsham on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Health Department director tapped as WA health secretary

Dennis Worsham became the first director of the county health department in January 2023. His last day will be July 3.

Lily Lamoureux stacks Weebly Funko toys in preparation for Funko Friday at Funko Field in Everett on July 12, 2019.  Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Everett-based Funko ousts its CEO after 14 months

The company, known for its toy figures based on pop culture, named Michael Lunsford as its interim CEO.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Teen dives into Silver Lake to rescue 11-year-old

A 13-year-old boy brought the child to the surface, authorities said. The 11-year-old is in stable but critical condition.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Mukilteo in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
On second go, Mukilteo City Council votes against sales tax hike

A veto from Mayor Joe Marine forced the council to bring the potential 0.1% sales tax increase back for another vote Monday.

Two visitors comb the beach at Kayak Point Regional County Park on Friday, June 14, 2024, in Tulalip, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Nate Nehring and WSU Beach Watchers to host beach cleanup at Kayak Point

Children and families are especially encouraged to attend the event at Kayak Point Regional County Park.

One person dead in single-vehicle fatal crash near Stanwood

A 33-year-old male was found dead at the scene Monday evening with his vehicle partially wrapped around a tree.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.