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KISS to play at closing ceremonies
By Peter Thunell
Deseret News staff writer
Audiences watching the 2002 Winter Games' closing ceremonies Sunday will likely see smiling athletes, fireworks, lots of flag waving — and Gene Simmons' tongue wrapped under the bottom of his chin.
Simmons' band — KISS — announced on its Web site Thursday that the rock band will perform "Rock & Roll All Nite" for the closing ceremonies.
Scoop Marketing, the public relations firm in charge of ceremonies talent, also confirmed the band would be a part of the ceremonies.
The band will join other all-star acts, including Bon Jovi, Christina Aguillera, Gloria Estefan, Moby, Harry Connick Jr. and Earth Wind and Fire, at the closing ceremonies.
The addition of KISS to the lineup is surprising considering the band's controversial nature. Until now, the closing ceremonies lineup has consisted of famous but decidedly noncontroversial performers.
Salt Lake Organizing Committee officials in charge of the ceremonies were not available for comment.
The band began in 1972, rose to fame in the mid-'70s and has experienced a resurgence in popularity in the last few years. The band members are best known for their wild outfits and makeup. The band has also long been criticized as being satanic, a charge the members refute. KISS' live shows gained notoriety for the exploding pyrotechnics, fake blood and loud music.
Some Utahns are less than thrilled by the idea of KISS playing for the closing ceremonies.
"I think a group that has been known as being satanic doesn't represent the values of Utah," said Salt Lake resident Karen Lougy. "They really weren't looking to represent most of the people of this state when they got them to play, that's for sure."
Kathy Curtis echoed Lougy's sentiments. "Maybe if they did a mild performance that would be OK, but that's not likely," Curtis said. "This is really in poor taste."
For Utahn Laurel Cannon, it goes beyond how this makes Utah look. "It doesn't reflect the values of the Games at all," Cannon said. "I think it's tasteless."
Cannon did say, though, that KISS performing will not dissuade her from watching the closing ceremonies.
Not all Utahns are against the idea. Ammon Fackrell, 18, said the Games need to appeal to a wider variety of people and knowing KISS will perform makes him more likely to watch the closing ceremonies.
"They had Smash Mouth and Creed come here, so they need some real rock to come here," Fackrell said.
Other fans reacting to the news on a KISS' Web site chat room said they will now watch the closing ceremonies, but many complained that "Rock & Roll All Nite" is the only song KISS ever plays when invited to perform.
E-mail: pthunell@desnews.com
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February 22, 2002
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