By Justin Flynn
There are two cities in Australia that Kisstroyer front man Andrew Kyriacou says “just get” rock ‘n’ roll.
Kyriacou, who plays Ace Frehley in the popular Kiss cover band, says Newcastle and Geelong punters are as knowledgeable as anywhere in the country.
“Geelong is a special market for us,” he says.
“They understand rock music, they just get it. They know their stuff. At other venues it sometimes takes a bit of work for the crowd to get into it, whereas in Geelong they’re into it from the very start.”
Kisstroyer will play at the Sphinx Hotel on 18 November and Kyriacou says the band is showing no signs of slowing down after 16 years in the business.
“It’s a really good release,” Kyriacou says.
“It’s crazy – when we started it was all just a bit of fun. When I get on stage it’s just a release and an adrenaline rush.”
The band has even had the blessing of Paul Stanley after playing in front of the legendary KISS performer in Melbourne.
“We were asked to do a private party at the Mercury Lounge,” Kyriacou says.
“Paul was there and we met him afterwards and he said the show was brilliant.”
With a stack of media attention, Kisstroyer has grown into one of the largest touring rock tribute acts in the country. The band has toured internationally, including the UAE and Bahrain.
“When we started I couldn’t have imagined we’d even leave the state with it,” Kyriacou says.
“It’s pretty amazing – it’s my little baby and something I’m very proud of.”
Kyriacou says the band is constantly evolving.
“We’re always thinking about ways we can change areas of the show,” he says.
“The band is like family. We actually enjoy each other’s company.”
And it’s not surprising that the favourite tracks with crowds all over the world are ‘I Was Made for Lovin’ You’ and ‘Rock and Roll All Nite’.
“In Geelong, they’ll know the words of the obscure songs, though,” Kyriacou says.
“Geelong for us is a very special niche market.”
