Today In KISStory 1980

Today In KISStory: August 29, 1980: First European show of the 'Unmasked' tour takes place in Rome, Italy.


Set list:

Detroit Rock City
Cold Gin
Strutter
Calling Dr. Love
Is That You?
Firehouse
Talk to Me
You're All That I Want
2,000 Man
Ace Frehley Guitar Solo
I Was Made for Lovin' You
New York Groove
Love Gun
Gene Simmons Bass Solo
God of Thunder
Eric Carr Drum Solo - reprise
Rock and Roll All Nite
Shout It Out Loud
King of the Night Time World
Black Diamond

Bill McManus of McManus Enterprises: "When we did the outdoor show at Castel Sant'Angelo, we were testing the sound system and the pyro during "God of Thunder." I remember a figure in white robes coming out on a third floor balcony about 150 yards away and looking at us and listening, seeing the columns of flames and shaking his head before finally going inside. Later that night, I mentioned this to one of the local interpreters, and he said that it was the Pope's residence and that it was probably the Pope looking at our rehearsal. I thought that was pretty heavy."

Wardrobe Manger Pixie Esmonde: "There is an escape route from the Vatican to Castel Sant'Angelo so if the Vatican was ever stormed, the Pope could escape through an underground route. There is a giant stone wall behind the stage, and the way the lights were set up, it projected KISS's figures in giant shadow on the wall. The shadow effect was dramatic because it was dark, it was outdoors, and it was stark with the only lights being whatever little lights the audience might have had. When Gene went up to do his blood routine, his figure was cast upon the wall, and it looked like the devil was reflected on the walls of Castel Sant'Angelo and the surrounding rock. In the background, you could see the Vatican and it was as if 'the devil takes the Vatican.' You can't buy that kind of effect; it was the coolest thing I've ever seen. The show was just electric."

The beginning of "New York Groove" was extended much longer than usual, due to difficulties with Ace's guitar.

Show: Roma, Italy
Venue: Castel Sant'Angelo
Opening Act: Iron Maiden
Attendance: 15,500
Promoters: Francesco Sanavo, David Zard
Archived: Audio

*Info from 'KISS Alive Forever'