07/01/96 - 01:29 PM ET

Kiss seals reputation for lavish effects

Before ending its world tour of 210 cities in 26 countries, Kiss will exhaust 54 pounds of makeup, 358 pints of fake blood and (a detail parents would rather not hear) 6,000 condoms.

The group has invested $7 million in its high-tech rock extravaganza, including $170,000 for costumes and $900,000 for pyrotechnics.

"It's enormous by any standards - and Kiss set those standards," says tour/production manager Tim Rozner. "The band has a lot to live up to. Their attitude was: 'Spare no expense.' "

The show uses state-of-the-art lighting, sound (including a delay system that improves audio quality for distant seats), video effects, props, fiery special effects and magic, all managed by computers.

"A computer can run a light show that 10 men couldn't do, but our crew spent weeks and weeks programming that," Rozner says. The production, linked by 43.24 miles of cable, is a huge power drain. "We're bringing very powerful generators because there isn't a building in this country that can supply us with enough power."

Dazzling tricks include two cherry pickers that rise 66 feet and soar over 20 rows. The players stand on the pickers' open platforms, without railings.

The show's bursts of flame and fireworks also present dangers, but workers with fire extinguishers are hidden throughout the stage and scaffolding.

Cargo (including the 350 guitars Paul Stanley will demolish) is hauled in 14 semi trucks. Another 12 transport the giant stage components. Six tour buses carry a staff of 60, which swells to 300 after local hires in each city.

Pity the temp who has to change the 1,128 tiny bulbs in Ace Frehley's lighted guitar.

By Edna Gundersen, USA TODAY


  • Music index
  • Go to Life front page