When last minute prompted by good mate JR last Saturday night, it was off to the local RSL to witness Kiss Thiss! And it was amazing.
Being an appreciator of lots of varied musical styles but not counting myself as a paying member of the KISS fanclub, I was up for it. After all, its 70's, distorted, and juvenile ... so I have three tick boxes already on my checklist, and dammit, that's enough in my book.
What ensued reminded me why I love live music. A room of 150 - 180 people who were 'in the moment' enjoying music that took them (back) to a place full of memories. A band who played the part, oozed nostalgia, and took the time to engage with their audience in a way that resulted in smiles all round.
Having in my youth played in a cover band who played pub gigs simply to keep myself occupied, and which involved trying to do the best that we could to bring entertainment to our little slice of the world, I can honestly say that there are cover bands, and then there are supremely 'tight' cover bands. Kiss Thiss was the later.
So, when faced with the inevitable choice of spending potentially $1000+ to take all of your now burgeoning family to a show for one of your favourite bands, remember that there is likely somewhere a group of dedicated musicians that will help you achieve that dopamine hit for a lot less, and bring a smile to your face nonetheless!