A Week of Kix (and Friends)

It's high time I did another special series around here - and this go 'round we're focusing on Kix - and all the affiliated bands such as Funny Money, The Blues Vultures and Rhino Bucket.

It's interesting how I came to fall in love with Kix. I was always aware of Kix and that "Don't Close Your Eyes" was the band's biggest single. I also knew a few other tunes, but since I'm not from the east coast and the band never got really huge, I was largely in the dark to their sheer brilliance. Then came Rocklahoma 2008.

Rocklahoma 2008 had a whole lot of mishaps, but one very positive outcome: the world learned to love Kix. It's about time.

Since that hot July night when I stood in the pouring rain with thousands of other rock fans watching Baltimore's finest on stage, I've taken the time to really get to know Kix. Since that initial Rocklahoma performance, I've had the chance to see Kix again at Rock the Bayou. The second performance was just as special as the first. As we all know, this is rare: usually your first time at anything is the most memorable.

As I truly discover this classic Glam band all over again, I can't help but be reminded of when I was learning to love music in the first place. It's so bizarre: at 29 years old, I feel like I'm in grade school again. I went from feeling a little musically empty right before Rocklahoma to fulfilled at finally finding another band I can truly relate to on a very personal level. Sure some of the lyrics are misogynistic and I'm about as radical feminist as you can get - but this is a barrier that doesn't seem to matter when looking at the bigger picture.

I'm a writer at my core. I've always used written words to express how I really feel, but in this instance I fear my skills my fail me. Learning to love Kix has been an exercise in peaceful happiness. In a lot of ways, the band's music has kept me alive the past few weeks. Do not take what I just wrote lightly. I mean everything I write here to the fullest extent of my being.

I get a lot of criticism, both online and in life for being so passionate about certain bands. I feel for people who have not experienced the calm that a favorite song can provide. I'll be honest: I get tired of Aerosmith and Motley Crue, but they are still my favorites. In those rotations of angst, I allow myself some time to explore. This time I explored Kix. In the interim I discovered a new favorite band. Please believe, bands do not simply become my "favorite."

When we exercise, laugh, touch a loved one or even do drugs - our brains go through a chemical explosion to create the feeling of bliss. This "bliss" explodes in most of us when we watch a favorite band perform. Go to enough shows (or festivals) and this reaction can be 100% intoxicating. The musical overload can also numb your sensory perception, leaving you bored - or worse - burned out.

I was burned out for awhile. Exhausted with life really. Kix sort of helped me through a rough time and now I want to thank them for their music and for keeping me almost sane.

I hope you will join me in the week ahead as we explore classic albums, side projects and live performances. The week will cap with my live review of the Kix show in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday.

For now, we'll watch a couple of live Kix videos. One thing everyone should agree upon is that Kix are a great live act. Poison may have stolen their moves - but not their thunder.

Here is "Don't Close Your Eyes" at Rock the Bayou:

Here is "Sex" from a live show in 2007:

...And just for grins, here's the jumbotron opening no one got to see at Rocklahoma because of the rain:

Comments

[Christian]

I agree - I love these guys, I always have. SUCH a shame I will be in Baltimore on Tuesday and not on Saturday ( although it's sold out anyhow, right ? )

[lesh]

I know exactly what you're talking about, that chemical release. Music is so crucial - what would we be without it?

Steve still sounds great, I see! I'm going to the Baltimore show as well. I'm really looking forward to it! Seeing them in their hometown will no doubt heighten the excitement and energy level. Being a Canadian, I've found American crowds to be more rowdy anyway :) Really looking forward to it!

[lesh]

P.S. If they don't play "Body Talk" I will be very sad.

[aXe mAn]

Very cool Allyson, lookin' forward to the week of Kix!
Good write up too...

[kari]

After Rocklahoma, I have to say my eyes and ears were OPENED to a new love for this band. Getting to see them again at RTB was another huge highlight of the final day for me. Thanks Allyson for asking me to go up on stage with ya to watch 'em. A very very cool memory. Nothing will ever top watching them while it was pouring rain at Rocklahoma though. Any thoughts on them going out on the road with Cinderella next year? I think it would be a kick ass tour.

[lajustice77]

Kix are incredible!

[Donnie Purnell]

Kix' hometown is Hagerstown, MD not Baltimore.

The show at Jaxx will be better than Rams Head. It is more intimate.

[Jack]

Been a big KIX fan for quite since Hot Wire came out. I've only seen them once though, the only time they played in upstate NY for some reason (that I know of), which was opening for RATT (they actually were on BEFORE Britny Fox (who were touring for their debut), if you can believe that). They were the best band of the night, and that is what actually prompted me to buy the album (cassette), and then to pick up all the others eventually. I do have a bootleg video of a headline show in Baltimore from about 1990ish, and it is pretty damn killer.

For some odd reason, even though they are from only a few hours away, KIX or Funny Money (who I also like) never make it to NY. Would love to see either band.

[Allyson B. Crawford]

To the faux Donnie -

I'm well aware where the band Kix formed. The band earned a name in Baltimore at Hammerjacks - hence why I refer to it as a "hometown show."

Jack -

Kix are playing Farmingdale, New York on December 13.

[KiXRules]

Allyson...this is a wonderful idea!! LOL...I am also glad I will be with you at the hometown show...btw donnie purnell (lol) I have been to jax, just because it hold 1,200 people less than Rams Head Live doesn't mean it will be any better or more intimate...As Ally said, it likes Hammerjacks all over again when KIX plays in Baltimore at Ram's Head!

[gucci]

Thanks Allyson for your honesty. Music, indeed, is a release or an escape from the unfortunate things that occur in this world- whether it's an argument with your spouse/significant other or remembering 9/11. I think most of us have felt like giving up at one time or another, but something deep down makes us keep going. I wish I knew what it is.

[pede]

I used to live in Delaware and Baltimore was only a little more than an hour drive down the road , so me and a few friends were lucky(and Imean really lucky) that we got to see KIX gig about 25 to 30 times. Some of the best shows ever.Iron Maiden is my favorite band, and a different style of metal than KIX, but seeing those guys in thier home area was amazing. Thier passion was incredible.

[Jodi]

The band did earn their name and played their biggest shows at Hammerjacks in B-more. They have been claimed by Baltimore fans as their band in the late 80's. Noone was as big in Baltimore, not at the time and probably noone packed them in ever since. Kix has every right to claim B-more as their hometown. All members at one point lived in or around Hagerstown, some liked it there, some didn't. Two members still live in H., but the heart and spirit of the band was never to be found there. (Sorry Hagerstown!)

Baltimore's Ram's Head will be the official Hammerjacks Reunion this year.
Ram's Head is a natural successor to Hammerjacks for the band and the reunion shows at RH have just been incredible for the past years. Kix is best playing to the hometown crowd, the vibe and feedback of the audience is insane. If you'd go to all the local shows - after this one you will know where Kix is at home!