After more than a month of anticipation, one of the biggest classic rock bands in history has finally confirmed what the Times Colonist had previously reported: KISS is indeed coming to Victoria.
The native New Yorkers are scheduled to kick off their most extensive Canadian tour to date on July 5 at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre.
The band’s first-ever Victoria appearance is long overdue. KISS was scheduled to perform at the Blanshard Street site of the former Memorial Arena in 1977, but the concert was cancelled and never rescheduled, citing unsuitable building infrastructure.
The upcoming Victoria date, which features opening act Shinedown, is part of a 19-date Canadian tour to celebrate the band’s 40th anniversary as an entity. The tour’s other B.C. stops are Vancouver (July 6) and Penticton (July 8).
KISS is touring to support its 20th studio album, Monster, which debuted at No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard charts in 2012. The band’s vast roster of hits includes Beth, Rock and Roll All Nite, Detroit Rock City and Shout it Out Loud.
Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. Reserved seats are $66, $90 and $126.
Tickets are available in person at the Save-on-Foods Memorial box office (1925 Blanshard St.), by phone at 250-220-7777, or online at www.selectyourtickets.com.
A fanclub pre-sale is also being offered by the group. For information, visit kissonline.com.
