KIX Final Show in Baltimore Sells Out Ram’s Head

Pop Break Live: KIX with SO LOW at Ram’s Head Live in Baltimore, MD on June 10, 2023

Words + Photos by David Weaver

After 45 years of performing live music, KIX announced that they will stop touring this year. Known and beloved by the people of Baltimore for their annual KIXmas concert, in addition to their iconic sound and style, their concert on June 10th would be their final concert in Baltimore. I can think of no better place to play in Baltimore than Rams Head Live. The 1,500-capacity venue quickly sold out of tickets, with KIX fans filling all three levels of the concert venue.

SO LOW Takes Rock to New Heights

SO LOW wasted no time in getting the party started, immediately launching into their set the moment they took the stage. No words were necessary, their music spoke for itself. The Maryland based band is fronted by Dean Cramer, and I can think of no greater opener for KIX. Dean was previously a member of “Funny Money,” along with members of KIX, for 18 years. He’s been in the rock scene, playing covers and original music, for decades and it shows. Dean is an incredibly talented vocalist and guitarist and, alongside the other members of SO LOW, perfectly embodies the golden age of rock.

SO LOW played some great covers, but what really blew my mind was their original music. Their song “So You Like” off their album “Put It On Your Lips,” is quite possibly the most complete song I’ve ever heard. Some songs have a great hook, some an iconic guitar solo, or chorus. This song, however, has it all. From start to finish, it’s less ear candy and more of an ear buffet. It is a standard in what a great song should be and will hook you from the start and never let go. SO LOW proves, without question, how classic rock and 80s grooves still have a much-needed and much-beloved place in the music scene.

SO LOW continued to impress, winning over the crowd with their song “Home Tonight,” whose guitar interludes and solos not only pay homage to past greats but further carve a path. I’ve rarely seen a crowd lose their mind and head bang alongside an opening act than I have with SO LOW. The band is dedicated to sharing their love for music, and the positivity they bring is infectious. During one of the breaks, Dean asked the audience, “Are you having a good time?” to which the 1,500 strong crowd cheered in response. “That’s all we ask,” Dean said, smiling broadly before giving an encore performance.

The band is a bit of a mystery, as their music is strictly available for listening on YouTube, and their webpage says little about the band’s origin. Instead, it offers a fantastic catalog of music to listen to and a bio on each band member. Every single member has a long history in music and it’s clear that they’re passionate about what they do. SO LOW is a band whose music speaks for itself, and it speaks volumes.

SO LOW is taking rock to new heights, and while the sky may be the limit for some, they’re clearly aiming for beyond the stars. I’m looking forward to seeing how SO LOW continues to rise.

SO LOW

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KIX Proves Their Rock is and Will Remain Legendary

For years, up and coming musicians have taken to the stage wearing shirts with the names of their favorite bands, an homage to the musicians who inspired them to pursue their own music-powered path. These hopeful musicians walk in the footsteps of giants as they work to carve their own name into the boulder of timeless rock. Tonight, I had the honor of witnessing one of those giants, KIX, and the path that they tirelessly blazed over 45 years.

KIX was formed in 1978 and is one of the last touring bands from the ’80s rock scene—a time when music was made to be raw, honest, and timeless. They are one of the few remaining greats leading the way towards musical mastery and standing atop the peak of rock stardom. I was originally introduced to KIX through their song “Don’t Close Your Eyes,” a progressive rock ballad which is a veritable dissertation on how rock, classic rock, in all it’s raw, heart-wrenching honesty and glory, should be. It absolutely blew my mind, which is fitting, as it’s off their 1988 album Blow My Fuse.

It’s difficult to put into words just how large of an impact KIX has had, just how powerful their music is, and how dedicated they’ve been to honing their craft. It’s that massive, trust me. Their lyrics are playful yet insightful, blunt yet poetic, and their music can effortlessly range from a head-banging, fist-pumping anthem to a head-nodding, crowd chanting ballad. They’ve been playing for 45 years and, even during a stop on their final tour, they haven’t lost their edge in the least. Quite the opposite. I’d argue that they’ve gotten sharper and have turned their concert into a full-on experience.

KIX opened the night with “Hot Wire,” a high-energy song which opens with deeply resonant, thrumming drums like that of a giant’s slow, purposeful steps. It’s fitting, considering the band’s larger than life reputation, and a perfect way to open the night. Their second song, “Midnite Dynamite,” cemented the tone of the evening: full on, face-melting, fist pumping rock n’ roll was the dish to be served and you’d better be hungry. Baltimore had more than enough of an appetite, singing along to every song and cheering each time a song ended.

“Hot Wire” and “Midnite Dynamite” are the first tracks off their respective, self-titled albums, and choosing them for the opening songs emphasizes how KIX knows how to open off an album as well as a concert. Their reputation for musical excellence hadn’t diminished over the years as, upon the release of their 2014 album Rock Your Face Off, it debuted as #1 on Amazon’s Hard Rock and Metal chart.

The set list was an excellent sample of their music over the years. While the band continues their tour, their final concert will take place on September 17th at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD. According to their website, in addition to the original band members, there’ll be some special guests. If their Columbia concert is anything like what I witnessed in Baltimore, it’ll be a concert you won’t want to miss. Buy tickets to see KIX live. You’ll be witnessing legends at work and understand why their music continues to be so timeless.

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