On September 24th, 2016, people of all ages lined up at Malden High School’s Jenkins auditorium to see KISS Forever take over the stage with passion and dedication to the rock and roll scene.
The band, forming in late 2009 with a goal to give a real KISS concert experience, performed a great show at the Malden High auditorium with all profits being used to benefit the Malden Teen Enrichment Center and Malden High School.
The event was the brainchild of Paul Hammersley, founder of Malden-based media company, 3MG Boston. With the help of promotion by the Malden Teen Enrichment Center and support from the mayor Gary Christenson, the concert was able to be given birth to.
After seeing KISS Forever perform in North Reading, impressed, Paul Hammersley decided he would like to help get the band to play in Jenkins Auditorium. Hammersley and Rob Smith, who performs as “Space Ace,” took the idea into discussion and after both of them coming to an agreement, they decided to set up a concert at Malden High to help the Teen Enrichment Center.
KISS Forever has done many concerts for charity in the past. In 2011, they were able to raise $1300 dollars for the Jon Davies Children Fund. In addition, they donated an autographed Washburn Iceman guitar. The guitar was autographed by all of the members of KISS. $5500 was made auctioning the guitar and was also given to the Jon Davies Children Fund.
Cathy Macmullin, MTEC Coordinator, explains just how well the concert went, “The event went better than we thought it would, we raised over $4000, I think when it’s all said and done we’ll be closer to $5000.” The money from the event is to be used for programming for the teen center.
The concert was a huge success for all involved. KISS Forever has proved to us that they are not just an ordinary tribute band you see everyday. They gave the audience all of the energy they had with non-stop rock and roll for almost 3 whole hours. “It was probably the best and the biggest night in the history of KISS Forever.” Smith, explained.
After performing an amazing show, the band took the time to greet spirited fans and have pictures taken. The band is enthusiastic about music and were thrilled to see that same enthusiasm be mirrored by the crowd filled with people from 6 years old to 60.
“I’m living out a dream that I’ve had since I was 8.” Smith stated.
“One of the best things about the event was being able to give back to my city; I’ve lived here all of my life,” he explained.
“It was amazing watching [Rob Smith] on stage, I was so proud of him. I’ve always danced on the stage, but to see him up there so happy, it made me proud.” Brooke Smith, current MHS junior and daughter of Rob Smith stated.
Due to the passionate fans at Malden High, the band hopes to be shown the same love and affection yet again at another concert here in Malden. Another concert in the auditorium is a wish, but the band’s greatest desire is to perform in MacDonald Stadium.
“It was everything I wanted it to be and then some,” Rob Smith proudly said.
