KISS Plays First-Ever Madison Square Garden Concert

The iconic rock band's debut at the legendary New York venue was part of their 1977 Rock and Roll Over tour.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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On February 18, 1977, the iconic rock band KISS headlined Madison Square Garden for the very first time as part of their Rock and Roll Over tour. The show featured opening act Sammy Hagar, who was also making his MSG debut. KISS' setlist included fan favorites like 'Detroit Rock City,' 'Rock and Roll All Nite,' 'Beth,' and 'Black Diamond.' During the concert, lead singer Paul Stanley was injured when he was hit by a beer bottle thrown from the audience.

Why it matters

KISS' first MSG concert was a landmark moment for the band, cementing their status as one of the biggest rock acts of the 1970s. The show was part of their rise to superstardom, and they went on to headline the legendary venue multiple times over the years, including the final shows of their 'End of the Road' farewell tour in 2023.

The details

KISS' debut at Madison Square Garden was part of their Rock and Roll Over tour in 1977. The band's setlist included some of their biggest hits, showcasing their high-energy live performance and theatrical stage show that helped make them one of the most iconic rock groups of the era. However, the concert was marred by an incident where Paul Stanley was injured after being hit by a beer bottle thrown from the audience.

  • KISS played their first-ever concert at Madison Square Garden on February 18, 1977.
  • The show was part of their Rock and Roll Over tour.
  • KISS wrapped their 'End of the Road' farewell tour with two final shows at MSG on December 1 and 2, 2023.

The players

KISS

An American hard rock band formed in New York City in 1973, known for their theatrical live performances, face paint, and hit songs like 'Rock and Roll All Nite' and 'Detroit Rock City'.

Sammy Hagar

An American rock singer-songwriter who was the opening act for KISS' first MSG concert, also making his debut at the legendary venue.

Paul Stanley

The lead singer and rhythm guitarist of KISS, who was injured when he was hit by a beer bottle thrown from the audience during the band's first MSG show.

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The takeaway

KISS' first-ever concert at Madison Square Garden was a landmark moment in the band's rise to superstardom, showcasing their high-energy live performance and theatrical stage show that helped cement their status as one of the biggest rock acts of the 1970s. The show was part of their journey to becoming a legendary live act that would go on to headline the iconic venue multiple times over the years, including their final 'End of the Road' farewell tour in 2023.