John Evans' Blog: Band Review - "Hotter Than Hell"

So, over the course of this last weekend I had the opportunity to get out and watch a live band in action. Something I really enjoy, but don't often manage to do.

This, however was something different for me as I had never before seen a "Tribute" band in action.

"Hotter Than Hell" claim to deliver a classic 1970's style KISS stage show right down to the pyrotechnics and blood. Now, speaking as a life-long fan of KISS, I can tell you, this is quite a claim to make and, in all honesty, I had my doubts. So, did they deliver?

The simple answer is, absolutely, unequivocally, YES!!!

From the moment they stepped onto the stage I knew we were in for something special.

The costumes and make-up were amazingly detailed and incredibly close to the originals, but it was more than that. The personalities were right there. All the mannerisms were absolutely perfect, from the stomping dragon claw boots and snaking tongue of "The Demon", to the evocative pouting and outrageous flirtation of "Starchild" and "Space-Ace" maintaining the perfect balance with his trademark hypnotic, enigmatic presence.

This was only a small venue with a limited stage which obviously impacted on some of the more extreme elements of the show (primarily in the fire-breathing department), but that didn't really matter. The boys used the available space to perfection and, for the next hour and forty minutes the entire audience was caught up in the show completely.

The music itself was absolutely "on point", with perfect vocals from all and some impressive guitar work from "Ace". They played classic tunes such as "Black Diamond", "Strutter" and "Firehouse" flawlessly and with an energy that was truly infectious.

Then, as if all that wasn't enough, the band took the time after the show to come out, still in costume, and mingle with the audience, taking photos and offering autographs (and before anyone asks, no, there was no extra charge for this). You know, I payed only £5 for an advance ticket to see these guys. They are worth a lot more than that.