Aerosmith, Kiss know how to rock 'n' roll all night long

AEROSMITH, KISS, PORCH GHOULS, Delta Center, Wednesday.

Aerosmith doesn't need make-up and pyrotechnics to rock its audience. All it took Wednesday for the Boston-based quintet was a set of songs that spanned its 30-year career.

The curtain parted to reveal the band — drummer Joey Kramer, bassist Tom Hamilton, guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford, and frontman Steven Tyler — as it cranked out the classic "Mama Kin."

Tyler, also known as the biological father of Liv Tyler (Arwen to fans of "The Lord of the Rings" movies), swaggered and strutted on the stage, which included two side ramps and another that jutted out to the middle of the Delta Center. Tyler even launched himself over the audience via a scarf-laden trapeze.

"Love in an Elevator," "Livin' on the Edge" and "Jaded" were played alongside the band's classic 1970s tunes "Toys in the Attic," "Train Kept a Rollin' " and "Draw the Line."

Armed with a revolving stage, the band stuck to the basics and just played music. Audience members couldn't keep their eyes off of the flamboyant Tyler — except when Perry was treating them to a bluesy guitar solo.

Whitford and Hamilton balanced the act, staying in the shadows and to themselves — until "Sweet Emotion." That's when Hamilton peppered out a bass solo before dipping into the song's groovy intro. Just before that, the band played the obligatory but essential "Walk This Way."

"Dream On," "Last Child" and "What It Takes" were the three ballads played Wednesday night. The band also offered two blues-based tunes that will appear on the new Aerosmith album due out in February or March.

After opening-act Porch Ghouls' punk-noir set, Kiss took the stage. Guitarist Tommy Thayer, formerly of Black & Blue, took Ace Frehley's spot, even to the point of wearing his make-up. Singer/guitarist Paul Stanley, bassist Gene Simmons and drummer Peter Criss rounded out the lineup.

Flashpots, fireworks and black-powder bombs were set off every other song. But that didn't bother the crowd. Fans heard "Detroit Rock City," "Deuce," "I Love It Loud" and "Lick It Up."

Simmons fire-spitting gimmick during "Firehouse" and his blood-spewing flying demon act during "God of Thunder" were what the audience wanted. "Love Gun" and "Shout It Out Loud" added to the set.

But there were a couple of surprises. The band played the progressive ballad/rocker "I Want You" and Criss not only sang his trademark love song "Beth," but also sang the heavy blast of "Black Diamond."

As expected, "Rock 'n' Roll All Nite" wrapped up the show.

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E-MAIL: scott@desnews.com