Stadium deal sealed with a Kiss

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FACE THE MUSIC: A Kiss concert promises makeup and outfits to rival the rugby sevens at Westpac Stadium.

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It is time to Kiss and tell.
The veteran rock band - best known for garish make-up, outrageous costumes and pyrotechnic stage effects - is to play Wellington's Westpac Stadium as part of a giant two-day rock festival.
Lip Service

At least three other big-name overseas acts - yet to be announced - will also perform in the Rock2Wgtn festival in the stadium next Easter, March 22 and 23.

It will be the first time the stadium has hosted bands over two days. Promoter Phil Sprey, who brought Sir Elton John to the stadium last year, would not elaborate on the other acts, but said: "They're all big acts. Kiss is just the only one (named) so far."

Music festivals in New Zealand sometimes include artists performing around the same time in Australia. Big names performing across the Tasman in the days before the festival include Ozzy Osbourne and Sinead O'Connor.

Mr Sprey promised the lineup would have broad appeal and would include Kiwi acts.

"This is for baby boomers and their kids alike and will appeal to more than one generation."

He saw Kiss play in Auckland in the 1970s and had always wanted to bring them back to New Zealand.

"That was a great concert."

He is also bringing Sir Elton to New Plymouth next month and Bon Jovi to Christchurch in January. Details about ticket prices for the Wellington event and when they go on sale are yet to announced.

LIP SERVICE

Kiss, formed in 1972, were one of the biggest bands of the 70s and early 80s, especially known for their spectacular stage shows.

The single I Was Made for Loving You was No1 in New Zealand for four weeks in 1979.

Frontman Gene Simmons - known for his long tongue - has featured in reality television shows.

- © Fairfax NZ News