Pop Music : Kiss Takes the Show Back to Clubs With ‘70s Hits and ‘90s Renewal

Are those dinosaurs still around?

That’s the question the hard-rock quartet Kiss, which formed way back in 1972, has to contend with each time there’s a new album or tour.

The answer, of course, is yes, leading to a more crucial question: Can these guys still rock ‘n’ roll?

The answer demonstrated at the packed Troubadour in West Hollywood on Saturday night: a surprising yes.

To generate some excitement, the band is going through the old back-to-the-clubs routine, putting arenas (where the band has performed for most of its lengthy career) and the usual theatrical excesses on hold until August.

Playing clubs, however, is also a way to break in new drummer Eric Singer, the replacement for Eric Carr, who died last November of complications resulting from heart surgery.

The core of the band is still its founders, Gene Simmons (lead vocals, bass) and Paul Stanley (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), who are ably accompanied by guitarist Bruce Kulick, who has been with the band for about seven years.

Mixing oldies like “Cold Gin” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll All Nite” with songs from the upcoming “Revenge” album, Kiss unleashed a stirring set of old-fashioned ‘70s rock ‘n’ roll. It was so loud the Troubadour is probably still reverberating.

Many would condemn the celebration of the party-all-night ethic and the sexist messages, but you couldn’t quarrel with the band’s tight, dynamic and inspired musical performance.

Kiss, which gave up its ‘70s trademark makeup long ago, had slipped into pallid pop-metal in recent years. They seemed to have burned out. It seemed that each album or tour might be its last. They did have something to prove Saturday night--and the band did.

OK, so there wasn’t any innovation or experimentation. But you don’t really expect that from “fossils.”

A band led by old-timers like Simmons and Stanley deserves credit for still being able to crank out--with some passion and conviction--blistering, fundamental rock ‘n’ roll.