July 5th, 2014

In the heart of Southern California, where the summer air crackles with anticipation, the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine played host to a monumental celebration of rock on the 5th of July, 2014. KISS, the legendary rock titans, embarked on their 40th-anniversary tour, joining forces with Def Leppard and opening act Kobra And The Lotus for a spectacle promising nothing short of a sonic hurricane. As a seasoned concert-goer with nearly 700 shows under my belt, the prospect of witnessing KISS again, coupled with the thrill of experiencing Def Leppard live for the first time, set the stage for a night to remember.

The gates opened at 6 PM, and the venue quickly became a pilgrimage site for rock enthusiasts from Los Angeles and Orange County. A slow-moving queue did little to dampen the spirits of the eager crowd, and by 7 PM, the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater was ready to bear witness to a night of unbridled rock energy.

Choosing the general admission lawn for my vantage point, a location often met with mixed feelings, proved to be a strategic decision. Positioned in the front/lower area of the lawn, the view and sound exceeded expectations, offering a unique perspective on the unfolding spectacle. With a prime spot facing slightly left of center stage, I settled in for an evening that would unfold as a testament to the enduring power of rock.

Kobra And The Lotus, hailing from Canada, kicked off the festivities. A band that has carved its niche in the realm of female-fronted traditional heavy metal, they faced the challenge of conquering a colossal stage. Despite the majority of the audience being preoccupied with pre-show rituals, Kobra And The Lotus delivered a 30-minute set, offering a glimpse into their sonic prowess. Frontwoman Kobra Paige showcased her commanding vocal range, filling the open-air amphitheater with a vocal prowess that resonated with authenticity. Guitarists Jasio Kulakowski and Jake Dreyer demonstrated impeccable skill, navigating through riffs, harmonies, and solos with finesse.

While the male backing vocals and the unexpected growling in the interlude of “Battle Of Wrath” raised an eyebrow, Kobra And The Lotus held their own, proving their mettle on a stage that was perhaps larger than their usual club settings. The audience, still filtering into the venue, may not have been entirely attuned to this rising force, but for those familiar with their discography, the setlist, including the standout “Lost In The Shadows,” stood out as a testament to the band’s heavy metal prowess.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the amphitheater in hues of twilight, the stage was set for the main acts. The evening held the promise of a musical journey that spanned decades, and as the lights dimmed, signaling the imminent arrival of KISS and Def Leppard, the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater braced itself for a night of rock majesty.