On Friday June 18, the hottest KISS tribute band in the land, Cleveland’s MR. Speed returned to J.D. Legends in Franklin for a scaled down but very memorable show. The previously planned outdoor experience was moved inside due to mother-nature’s attitude. Whether you were seeing them for the first or 15th time, a consolidated show was better than a cancellation with refunds offered. Turned out going indoors was a wise choice given Mr. Speed were delayed due to a tornado touching down miles away.
Overall it was a night when ‘unmasked’ had a whole new meaning as the world and music business emerged from the pandemic.
Due to building code, there was no fire, but there was smoke, confetti, lots of sparks and thunder from the blood-dripping demon.
Openers and literal brand new outfit LoveBomb played a set of covers showing good chemistry and stage presence for being their very first show. Not a bad way to be broke in having a trial by fire in front of the KISS Army. It’s not every night you get to play a first show with a huge silver KISS logo behind you.
Vintage tunes came from the speakers as Neil Young, Cheap Trick, J, Geils, and Honeymoon Suite got respect and just due along with some other caretakers of the classics. “New Girl Now” brought the early ’80s to the younger folks in the all-ages crowd while Mr. Young brought a slower, mellow and mature vibe for the ‘older kids’ on “Old Man.” Simon & Garfunkel brought back a decade that maybe half the room experienced with the late ’60s flair of “Mrs. Robinson” as the iconic dapper piano man Sir Elton serenaded the “Tiny Dancer.” “Keep on Rocking in the Free World” had extra special significance as the world began to regain it’s freedom, returning to normalcy and the pursuit of live music.
With the vintage letters hanging above, coiled reptiles on the left and black feline guardians surrounding the drums, there was plenty of bang for the buck. MR. Speed’s world was a worthy tribute to the kabuki-faced rock gods with plenty of props, décor, effects, atmosphere and hits to send the KISS Army home happy.
The weather took one last shot at cancellation but nothing could stop the music that night. As the four members appeared draped and caped in Dynasty era garb, that evening, the crowd had it’s first look at them in full makeup. For the next two hours you could’ve easily drifted into the illusion for a few seconds thinking you were seeing the real thing. Or a time warp back to their early club days.
Gene Simmons has said that Hara Arena in Dayton was one of the first bigger venues that packed fans in for the band in the early days. So the show wasn’t that far from classic KISSTORY.
Rich Kosak does a scary amazing Starchild matching voice, mannerisms, charisma and facials with Quinton Kufahl sporting nine epic lives behind the kit. Mark Hermansen delivers the smoking hot Space Ace with Mike Collins as the new winged, scarlet tonged Thunder God. The performance says, we’re not them but damn near close with nearly three decades under their belts as proof. It makes one wonder, are there any KISS songs they haven’t played? All other tributes can call them sir, or MR.
They broke out the ‘79/’80 setlist playing for the kids to the grandparents, saying, some of you weren’t alive when this song came out. For the seniors and classic models it was music for the elders, not from. Several classics were played but nothing beyond1980. The crowd got “Beth” instead of “Shandi” which they probably wanted anyway. Though no one would of complained if they’d cheated and did something from the ’80s or ’90s.
“King of the Night Time World” started everything as the first tune from a very set heavy amount of Destroyer as live staple “Shout it out Loud” saw the removal of capes, to ‘normal’ gear, “Calling Dr. Love.”
“I was Made for Lovin’ You” brought back memories of the Studio 54 era. Space Ace got mic time on “2000 Man” as “Love Gun” fired things up. It may have been a wise move to stick with the title track as other tunes might’ve raised questions.
Monster stadium sing-along “I Love It Loud” has the same effect regardless of crowd size. The Space Ace smoked some strings on “New York Groove.” The spotlights dimmed green as the swirling, snarling bass prepped the crimson smiling armored Demon to summon the “God of Thunder.” Giving kids up close a visual souvenir not to be forgotten.
Classic opener “Detroit Rock City,” came later in the show. This song is about alcohol The Star Child said, kids close your ears, for “Cold Gin.”
A young man celebrating his birthday was brought up for a crowd sing along. Of course, next year, the family has to top being serenaded by a full venue standing on a KISS tribute stage.
“Black Diamond,” brought the old-school to new faces along with “Deuce.” Roses were tossed by The Catman sitting for solo single “Beth.”
The traditional closer got started as confetti filled the air and the party continued post show.
For some it was a loud, introduction to the KISS kingdom, for others a satisfying night and another show to add to the list. One can only hope that when the originals play their final show, MR. Speed will continue their history and legacy until it’s time for them to retire the makeup. God gave rock n’ roll to you and we called it KISS.
Images by Mike Ritchie
