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Biography
Starting life in 1977, the band tested several different names, from Shooze to The Generators, before deciding upon Kix. Performing regularly in Baltimore, they established themselves’ as one of the city’s most popular hard rock bands, attracting the attention of Atlantic Records, with whom they signed with in 1981. Featuring frontman Steve Whitman, drummer Kimmy Chalfont, bassist Donnie Purnell (the creative force of the band) and guitarists Ronnie Younkins and Brian Jay Forsythe. Their self-titled debut came out that same year, following which the band toured the east coast extensively. Their second, “Cool Kids,” in 1983, displayed a more mainstream, commercial sound, appearing as an attempt to appease their label.
Kid effectively had their entire stage act stolen from them by the younger band, Poison, who emulated Kix’s glam metal, with their frontman Brett Michaels mimicking the style of Whiteman. Witnessing this younger, more popular act copy their signature sound shocked Kix, although they remained undeterred, returning to the studio in 1988 for “Blow My Fuse.” The album was to be their breakthrough hit, featuring the massively successful single, “Don’t Close Your Eyes,” which peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. The band moved from small venues to arena performances, gaining support slots for the likes of AC/DC, Aerosmith and David Lee Roth. Despite this success, financially, Kix had made no one off the record, finding themselves in debt to Atlantic Records. Returning with their fifth album, “Hot Wire,” in 1991, Kix also found themselves with an ever decreasing audience, due the explosion of grunge and alt. rock dominating the mainstream rock charts. Their brand of hard-rocking glam metal was consigned to antiquity as new acts like Mudhoney, Sonic Youth and Nirvana moved in.
Kid continued to tour and make releases. However, these records continuously failed to live up to expectations, with mediocre sales and decreasing audience sizes. Enthusiasm for the band waned and members embarked on various side projects between 1996 and 2002. Yet in 2003, a new version of Kix returned, albeit without band leader Donnie Purnell. After persistent touring, Kix eventually gained a new recording contract with Frontiers Records in 2012, releasing a live CD/DVD, “Live in Baltimore.” They then returned to the studio for their first full-length album in almost twenty years, releasing “Rock Your Face Off” in 2014.
Live reviews
This band doesn't call themselves the dirty boys of the underground for nothing. Kix may be the name of a cereal, but this Kix isn't for kids. They have a sharp rock sound and after all these years, they have not lost a single step. Their guitars shred and front man Steve Whiteman's vocals have only gotten better with age.
They have some great hits such as "Cold Blood", "Girl Money, "Midnite Dynamite", and their biggest hit "Don't Close Your Eyes". They always put on a great show and have a tremendous rapport with their fans. They like to rock hard and they want you to scream and sing your heart out right along with them. If you like to party with a bit of an edge, then I highly recommend Kix.
judysac
They rocked the house! After some technical difficulties they came out ready to get the crowd going. Steve was on fire last night engaging with the audience. One of the best most energetic concerts I’ve seen in a while! KIX definitely never disappoints! 30 years later still rockin hard! The music was incredible!
sk-49163913482437514
Absolutely kickass show! The sound & atmosphere was great & electric, but most of all the band was absolutely awesome! They had all the energy & enthusiasm you saw from them 20 years ago & could tell they were not just going through the motions but were happy to be here putting on the show. Kix rocks!
sk-26155176771378852
Show was great! Sound was off a bit being front row but if you knew the songs it didn't really matter. Wish they'd come out this way more often. The venue is a bit odd in it's layout; a pool in the middle of the patio make for some lost standing room and difficult viewing angles. Come early.
todd-cook
KIX Always Delivers. They are just an amazing group Live. I highly recommend seeing them Live if you can they're Full of Energy & always gives back 110% back to the audience. Without EVER skipping a beat.
ILOVEREO
All these years, I've never seen them live. Man was I missing out!! They're GREAT live!! They sound fantastic and are super friendly and entertaining for sure!! I'll definitely see them again!
HD150CHIK
Totally awesome they kicked ass kix rocks.... Hope they come back real soon love u guys.. Had the best time in my life... Please come to allentown pa to play... U guys kick ass
dawn-ash-dallas
Saw them first at Rockfest, Miramar FL and they were great! Couldn’t wait to see if their show would be as good but IT WAS EVEN GREATER. Such a fun time the the Rail Club
christy-yates-clark
Always an incredible live band. Lots of energy. I saw these guys on home turf in the late 70s when they were The Shooze, and they still deliver the goods!
robmccleary
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