It was the same old song and dance at KISS [ tickets ] and Aerosmith [ tickets ]'s Wednesday (10/9) show at Cricket Pavilion in Phoenix ... but that's exactly what the sold-out crowd expected.

The nearly four-and-a-half-hour concert was an exercise in rock 'n' roll extremes. KISS pounded out enough nonstop pyro to shock and awe the audience, while Aerosmith took the stripped-down route.

After an opening set by Saliva [ tickets ], KISS--backed by a barrage of explosions, two video screens, and "KISS" in flashing lights--launched into the anthem "Detroit Rock City."

"What a hot night we got tonight," the soprano-toned Paul Stanley said. "If you’re ready to kick some a-- tonight, say, 'Yeah.' The wilder you get tonight, the wilder we're gonna get tonight."

The crowd of 20- to 50-year-olds went wild when guitarist Stanley, bassist Gene Simmons and new guitarist Tommy Thayer (replacing Ace Frehley) lined up side-by-side and rocked in unison, and was just as fervent when a blood-drooling Simmons "flew" atop a row of spotlights to perform "God of Thunder."

Stanley performed operatic tricks with his vocals, lifting up his pinky from the mic as he hit the high notes. At one point, an especially emphatic row of KISS fans--costumed and wearing Simmons-style face make-up--yelled "Give it to us!" as Stanley played a guitar solo.

Introducing "Lick It Up," Stanley told the crowd, "Make sure if you put something in your mouth, make sure it tastes really good." Meanwhile, Simmons gratuitously lapped the air with his fabled extra-long tongue.

In comparison, the members of Aerosmith--who opened their set with the 30-year-old hit "Mama Kin"--leveraged their sex appeal more subtly, with guitarist Joe Perry whipping open his shirt and singer Steven Tyler dancing suggestively across the stage.

Wearing a black T-shirt emblazoned with "Damage Addict," Tyler fully utilized the runway that reached into the crowd. "How did so many cool a-- people get in such a hot a-- place," Tyler said.

Joined by a keyboardist, Aerosmith previewed its upcoming, as-yet-untitled blues album with covers of Fleetwood Mac's "Stop Messin' Around" and Muddy Waters' "Baby, Please Don't Go." Neon signs bearing New Orleans-type slogans--"Our pulled pork can't be beat" and "New Orleans Blues"--hung from the rafters.

Tyler's vocals were near-perfect throughout the night, but especially during an a cappella version of "What It Takes," and Perry played with such precision that he even impressed the hardcore KISS fans in the audience.

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