KIX – Walkin’ Away, Final Show In Maryland

September 20, 2023, a year ago

By Rich Catino

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Yes, that's right, Maryland hard rockers Kix have called it a day September 17, 2023 after 40 years, playing to basically a sold-out show in their home state of Maryland at the Merriweather Pavilion. I think out of all the bands that are retiring, have booked a "farewell tour", or show, Kix are sticking to it.  

Not just because they are almost all in 60s, but three members have health issues, drummer Jimmy Chalfant had a heart attack in 2022, guitarist Ronnie Younkins who hasn't played with the band in a couple years due to dealing with substance abuse, and singer Steve Whiteman also has said his voice is not what it used to be and wants to call it a day still singing his best. 

Tonight's lineup was singer Steve Whiteman, guitarist Brian "Damage" Forsythe with Bob Pare filling in for Younkins, Mark Schenker on bass who has been in Kix since they reformed in 2003 replacing original member Donnie Purnell (he did not attend this last show), and Jimmy Chalfant on drums. Four fifths original members, with Brad Diven who played on the album Cool Kids and came out for several songs. 

Kix ended their career with a bang, literally in sound and sights. They put an arena show in an amphitheater with ramps up behind the drums, giant video screen with graphics and album art, and pyro ("Midnight Dynamite" was so heavy). I've seen Kix several times on the east coast in the NJ clubs and Whiteman still brings the energy, the sense of humor and jokes in between songs, and story during "Yeah Yeah Yeah". 

And unfortunately to put the final nail in the coffin after the last song all members and crew were brought on stage for a thanks and the last goodbye. 
I will miss seeing them. If you have never seen Kix before, you sure missed out. 

Setlist: 
“Atomic Bombs” (Ronnie Younkins on guitar)
“The Kid” (Ronnie Younkins on guitar)
“Midnite Dynamite”
“No Ring Around Rosie”
“Fireballs” / “Body Talk” / “Ball Baby” / “Luv-A-Holic” / “Love At First Sight” / “Love Pollution” (instrumental)
“Red Lite, Green Lite, TNT”
“Scarlet Fever”
“Don't Close Your Eyes”
“Girl Money”
“Book To Hypnotize” / “Cool Kids” / “Cold Chills” / “Bang Bang (Balls Of Fire)” (instrumental)
“The Itch”
“For Shame” (Brad Divens on guitar; Steve walks thru the crowd)
“Mighty Mouth” (Brad Divens on guitar)
“Cold Shower”
“Cold Blood” (Ronnie Younkins guitar solo)
“Blow My Fuse” (Ronnie Younkins on guitar)
“Tear Down The Walls” / Walkin' Away (Ronnie Younkins and Brad Divens on guitar)
“Yeah, Yeah, Yeah” (Ronnie Younkins and Brad Divens on guitar)

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