Generation KISS

...The second set, of course, belonged to Generation KISS. This KISS tribute was born from the ashes of the former Sin City KISS tribute band, featuring late vocalist/bassist/Gene Simmons portrayer Louis Reyes. Generation KISS features that band’s classic frontman Steve Mitchell (or “Chippen-Paul” as much of Vegas has dubbed him for his physique) portraying Paul Stanley. The group, of course, also features musicians in the other roles, namely the Spaceman/Ace Frehley and the Catman/Peter Criss, played by Jeremy Varao and Daniel Margasa, respectively. Mike Campion portrayes Gene Simmons.

I’ve seen a lot of tribute bands in Vegas, but KISS is the band who has had the most tributes. Off the top of my head, I can probably count about four that I’ve seen. Generation KISS (who I’d previously seen once before back in September 2022) has their work cut out for them, because the late Louis Reyes has some big shoes to fill (or should I say Demon boots?)

I’m happy to say that Generation KISS delivers, giving the audience classic KISS hits, but also being willing to dig into the vault for some slightly deeper stuff as well. That’s a nice set that’ll appeal to the die-hards and the more casual fans alike. Obviously a venue like Vamp’d doesn’t really allow for much in the way of the pyrotechnics, theatrical displays, and harness flights they could do in a theater or an arena, but the band makes do with what they have, including a lighted sign of the KISS logo, and some of those “tube men” you see in front of used car lots, decorated in a fashion befitting the PSYCHO CIRCUS theme. I’ll never pass up an opportunity to see KISS music live, and fully-costumed musicians who bring it in terms of production, musicianship, and setlist choices alike will always win me over. - ZRockR Magazine