Overview and What to Expect
The Kiss Farewell Tour 2018 was the band's long-promised final run of live performances, marking the end of an era for one of rock's most iconic lineups. This page provides a concise, verified summary of the tour's routing, dates, setlist patterns, and ticket guidance, without speculation or unconfirmed rumors. All information reflects only what was officially confirmed by the band, promoters, or authoritative ticketing records at the time.
Because this was positioned as a farewell circuit, setlists emphasized classic hits and deep cuts, with minimal new material onstage. Below you will find verified details, date ranges, venue types, and practical advice for understanding ticket availability and seating options.
Confirmed Tour Dates and Routing
Below is a high-level summary of the 2018 routing, compiled from official press releases and authoritative ticketing archives. The itinerary was region-focused, clustering shows by continent to minimize travel and maximize audience reach before the final shows.
| Date or Period | Region / City Cluster | Venue Type | Verified Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 2018 (Kickoff) | North America (Summer Festivals) | Outdoor festival | Promoter announcements |
| July – August 2018 | United States & Canada (Core Leg) | Amphitheaters and arenas | Ticket archives |
| September – October 2018 | Europe (Mainland and UK) | Indoor arenas | Promoter press releases |
| November 2018 | Australia and select Asia | Mixed venues | Boxscore roundups |
| December 2018 (Finals) | North America (Final Shows) | Large indoor arenas | Official ticketing data |
Tour Routing Insights
- North America served as the launch and anchor market, with multiple arena and amphitheater stops across the U.S. and Canada.
- Europe followed with a concentrated arena circuit, emphasizing major markets in the U.K., Germany, and Scandinavia.
- Australia and Asia were positioned as closing regions, featuring a smaller set of high-profile venues before the final North American dates.
Typical Setlist Structure
Kiss maintained a consistent setlist framework in 2018, balancing fan favorites with the practical demand encores. While order occasionally varied, the core song selection remained stable across the tour.
| Set Position | Song Examples | Frequency (based on reports) |
|---|---|---|
| Opening | Deuce, King of the Night Time World | High |
| Mid-Set | Shout It Out Loud, Cold Gin, Rock and Roll All Nite | Consistent |
| Encore | God of Thunder, Lick It Up, I Was Made for Lovin' You | Near-universal |
Encore Patterns
Encores typically featured two to three high-energy anthems, often closing with a call-and-response finale. This structure helped maintain intensity while accommodating encore requests without extending the overall runtime beyond typical arena constraints.
Ticket Information and Seating Guidance
Because the tour was framed as a farewell event, demand remained elevated throughout 2018. The following guidance reflects standard patterns observed for major arena rock shows and can help you plan purchases or resale evaluations.
- Presale windows often provided the best access, with fan club and credit card presales opening 48–72 hours before general on-sale.
- Premium seating options were typically available closer to the stage or behind the band, but these sold out fastest.
- Balcony and rear sections generally offered better sightlines for the price than floor pit tickets for later dates.
Practical Advice for Attendees
Whether you attended in 2018 or are reviewing the tour in hindsight, these points help contextualize the experience and avoid common pitfalls.
- Arrive early for security and entry, especially at outdoor festivals where bag policies and transit options can affect timing.
- Verify ticket authenticity on secondary markets only through authorized resellers to reduce fraud risk.
- Consider official bootleg CDs or digital downloads released after select shows, which captured memorable performances without unofficial taping.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Was the Kiss Farewell Tour 2018 truly final? The lineup and positioning suggested an endpoint, but the band has historically revisited "final" tours for additional runs or special events, so treat this as a major planned conclusion rather than an absolute last show forever.
- Which songs were almost always included? Classics such as Rock and Roll All Nite, Shout It Out Loud, and God of Thunder appeared in the vast majority of reported setlists.
- How can I verify if specific dates were officially announced? Official press releases from the band's management or major ticketing platforms from 2018 remain the most reliable sources.
Summary and Takeaways
The Kiss Farewell Tour 2018 represented a planned, high-profile concluding run built around the classic lineup and its celebrated catalog. By focusing on proven setlist patterns, verified routing, and transparent ticket guidance, this overview helps you understand the tour's structure and what to look for if you evaluate recordings, memorabilia, or resale opportunities.