Kiss play their first-ever sold out headlining concert in an arena

On 7. November, 1974, Kiss played their first-ever sold out headlining concert in an arena, at the 9,300 seat Kiel Auditorium in St. Louis, Missouri, while on their “Hotter Than Hell” Tour. This was the KSHE radio’s “7th Anniversary Party of Real Rock Radio” show, and tickets for the event were only $1.95. Opening acts were Heartsfield, T. Rex, Neil, Merryweather and Space Rangers. Reported audience was 10,586. Kiss was not billed as the headliner; nor was T-Rex mentioned in some print ads. Heartsfield was a country-rock act. The band flew in from New York on the day of the show.

From a local review: “Good Theater — most rock groups do not know the meaning of it. However, a New York quartet called KISS provided the sell-out house at Kiel Auditorium with plenty of it last night. The New Yorkers were one of four groups that entertained at the KSHE-FM promotion, but they were a grotesque head and shoulders above the rest. Their part of the program opened in semi-darkness, illuminated only by several candles. Then flash powder explosions lit each side of the stage as the spotlights revealed the musicians in all their eerie glory. White and black painted faces, weird clothes, tights and high-heeled boots added to the fascinating and well coordinated choreography that smacked of devil dancing” (St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 11/8/1974).

Photo by Bill Parsons.
Info courtesy “KISS Alive Forever-The Book & Magic KISS Kronicles 1973-1983.” and kissconcerthistory.com