Reviews: KISS, Pink, Gary Clark Jr. & More

This week, for your reading enjoyment, we have compiled critical reviews of live performances by KISS in Nashville; Pink in Vancouver; Gary Clark Jr. in Charlotte, N.C.; Mott The Hoople in Glenside, Pa.; and Death Cab For Cutie in New Orleans.

Greg Allen/GregAllenPhotos.com – KISS
KISS makes a stop on their “End of the Road” farewell tour to rock New York City’s Madison Square Garden on March 27.

KISS @ Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., April 9 – “A founding figure in radio shock rock, each of Kiss’ biggest touring hits made an appearance — and that’s not including the music. Prefacing ‘War Machine,’ a slobbery Simmons earned chants of ‘Gene’ as he vomited blood; Stanley kicked off ‘Love Gun’ by flying on a tightrope; Thayer caught his share of shouts by topping a guitar solo with sparks flying from the neck of his instrument.

“A shrill-voiced Stanley played the night’s pithy emcee. He both lauded and tested his audience, jesting for louder cheers at one moment and praising onlookers for decades of support the next.” – Matthew Leimkuehler / The Tennessean

Pink @ Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, April 5 – “There is a lot to be said about her performance; everything from her pitch perfect vocals, her interpretive street style dancing, fabulous outfits, insane acrobatics and strong personality. With over 20 years under her belt of touring, it is clear that she will not be going anywhere soon and is feisty as ever.” – Lukas Holt / BeatRoute

Gary Clark Jr. @ Fillmore Charlotte in Charlotte, N.C., April 6 – “Clark’s soul-rattling two-hour set neared closing after delivering a Prince-esque ode of ‘Pearl Cadillac’ and timid version of his politically-charged song ‘This Land.’ Interestingly, he avoided saying the N-word. It’s possible he didn’t want to cause an uproar for those living Black in a Trump America.” – Antwane Folk / Rated R&B

Mott The Hoople @ Keswick Theatre in Glenside, Penn., April 8 – “The sold-out audience, made up mostly of what appeared to be the band’s contemporaries — reacted to the music as you would expect 45-year devotees would, loudly cheering every high point. And when the band started to close the main set with the same medley that closed its live album (with the addition of ‘Crash Street Kids’ and ‘Cleveland Rocks,’ stretching it to 15 minutes), the crowd was up, dancing and rushing the stage.” – John J. Moser / The Morning Call

Death Cab For Cutie @ Orpheum Theater in New Orleans, La., April 9 – “The chiming guitars, reminiscent at times of the Cure, are still present and accounted for, as are Gibbard’s airy vocals. But he and his four bandmates, including two relatively recent recruits, have grafted more muscle onto their frame. Propulsive tempos anchored by Jason McGerr’s thick kick drum supported sharp, angular guitar riffs courtesy of Dave Depper.” – Keith Spera / The New Orleans Advocate