{"id":5222,"date":"2014-12-22T13:19:39","date_gmt":"2014-12-22T21:19:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/?p=5222"},"modified":"2014-12-22T13:19:39","modified_gmt":"2014-12-22T21:19:39","slug":"christmas-themed-kiss-tribute-band-kissmas-rocks-ventura","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/2014\/12\/22\/christmas-themed-kiss-tribute-band-kissmas-rocks-ventura\/","title":{"rendered":"Christmas-Themed KISS Tribute Band &#8216;Kissmas&#8217; Rocks Ventura"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Review &amp; photos by Andrew Bansal<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_1199.jpg\" rel=\"lightbox[5222]\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-5224\" title=\"IMG_1199\" src=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_1199-1024x782.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"584\" height=\"445\" srcset=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_1199-1024x782.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_1199-300x229.jpg 300w, http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_1199-392x300.jpg 392w, http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_1199.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>December 20th 2014, Bombay Bar &amp; Grill, Ventura CA: <\/strong>Keeping up their annual tradition of Christmas-themed KISS tribute shows, Kissmas played a hefty set of KISS classics in front of a sizable turnout at Ventura&#8217;s Bombay Bar And Grill last Saturday. Featuring in its ranks a quartet of excellent Ventura-based musicians, Kissmas includes Night Demon frontman Jarvis Leatherby in the role of Gene Simmons, and the prospects of a Kisstacular evening were indeed exciting for the local Ventura weekend bar crowd.<!--more--><\/p>\n<p>Heavily decorated with Christmas lights galore, the main stage at Bombay was in readiness, and at 11 PM, the band stepped on it to begin proceedings. The combination of KISS facial makeup and boots and Santa\/Christmas based costumes came across as a hilariously unique scene and certainly sets Kissmas apart from all other KISS tribute bands. Aptly starting off the set with &#8216;Detroit Rock City&#8217;, Kissmas went on to present a good chunk of the KISS repertoire over the next 90 minutes. Just like a typical KISS show, the set allowed all four members their moment in the spotlight and gave each of them equal chance to shine through with their musicianship and stage presence.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_1193.jpg\" rel=\"lightbox[5222]\"><img loading=\"lazy\" title=\"IMG_1193\" src=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_1193-1024x954.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"584\" height=\"544\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The set comprised a solid selection of the hits as well as a few deeper cuts, and most pleasantly surprising of them all was the inclusion of I Was Made For Lovin&#8217; You, representing KISS&#8217; disco era which most tribute bands tend to skip because of its controversial standing among fans. I&#8217;ve never hidden from the fact I thoroughly enjoy that song, and sang my heart out for every word during Kissmas&#8217; excellent rendition of it. Musically, visually and otherwise, the roles of Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, Ace Frehley and Gene Simmons were performed to perfection by members of Kissmas. Those familiar with Night Demon might well have likened Jarvis Leatherby&#8217;s on-stage persona in that band to that of Gene Simmons at least to some extent, and it becomes even more clear upon witnessing the manner in which he revels in the Gene Simmons role.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_0922.jpg\" rel=\"lightbox[5222]\"><img loading=\"lazy\" title=\"IMG_0922\" src=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_0922-1024x830.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"584\" height=\"473\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_1193.jpg\" rel=\"lightbox[5222]\"><br \/>\n<\/a><br \/>\nAll in all, it was an evening of boundless entertainment for KISS fans and casual Bombay-goers alike, and one hopes for the Kissmas tradition to continue on for many years to come.<\/p>\n<p><strong>More photos:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_0802.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"lightbox[5222]\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-5227\" title=\"IMG_0802\" src=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_0802-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_0749.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"lightbox[5222]\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-5228\" title=\"IMG_0749\" src=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_0749-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_0744.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"lightbox[5222]\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-5229\" title=\"IMG_0744\" src=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_0744-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_0873.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"lightbox[5222]\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-5230\" title=\"IMG_0873\" src=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_0873-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_0993.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"lightbox[5222]\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-5231\" title=\"IMG_0993\" src=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_0993-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_0905.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"lightbox[5222]\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-5232\" title=\"IMG_0905\" src=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_0905-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_0998.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"lightbox[5222]\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-5233\" title=\"IMG_0998\" src=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_0998-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_0887.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"lightbox[5222]\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-5234\" title=\"IMG_0887\" src=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_0887-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_0926.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"lightbox[5222]\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-5235\" title=\"IMG_0926\" src=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_0926-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_1031.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"lightbox[5222]\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-5236\" title=\"IMG_1031\" src=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_1031-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_0966.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"lightbox[5222]\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-5237\" title=\"IMG_0966\" src=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_0966-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_1044.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"lightbox[5222]\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-5238\" title=\"IMG_1044\" src=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_1044-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_1051.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"lightbox[5222]\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-5239\" title=\"IMG_1051\" src=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_1051-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_1067.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"lightbox[5222]\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-5240\" title=\"IMG_1067\" src=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_1067-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_1120.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"lightbox[5222]\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-5241\" title=\"IMG_1120\" src=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/IMG_1120-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a>Links: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/kissmasband\" target=\"_blank\">facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Set List:<\/strong><br \/>\n01. Detroit Rock City<br \/>\n02. Strutter<br \/>\n03. Deuce<br \/>\n04. Parasite<br \/>\n05. C&#8217;mon &amp; Love Me<br \/>\n06. I Stole Your Love<br \/>\n07. Cold Gin<br \/>\n08. Shock Me<br \/>\n09. Love Gun<br \/>\n10. She<br \/>\n11. God Of Thunder<br \/>\n12. Beth<br \/>\n13. I Was Made For Loving You<br \/>\n14. Shout It Out Loud<br \/>\n15. 100,000 Years<br \/>\n16. Black Diamond<br \/>\n17. Rock &#8216;N Roll All Night<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Review &amp; photos by Andrew Bansal December 20th 2014, Bombay Bar &amp; Grill, Ventura CA: Keeping up their annual tradition of Christmas-themed KISS tribute shows, Kissmas played a hefty set of KISS classics in front of a sizable turnout at Ventura&#8217;s Bombay Bar And Grill last Saturday. Featuring in its ranks a quartet of excellent &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/2014\/12\/22\/christmas-themed-kiss-tribute-band-kissmas-rocks-ventura\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Christmas-Themed KISS Tribute Band &#8216;Kissmas&#8217; Rocks Ventura&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5222"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5222"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5222\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5255,"href":"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5222\/revisions\/5255"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5222"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5222"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5222"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}