After seeing Kiss’ concert at Hilton Coliseum Saturday night, it is easy to understand why the group is considered one of the best rock ‘n’ roll groups in the history of music. It is also easy to understand why its concerts are legendary.

“Alive/Worldwide” was far better than Pink Floyd’s classic tour for The Wall. The special effects were all top-notch, ranging from explosions to confetti.

Outhouse delivered a solid opening set that earned the band a standing ovation from the audience. The band’s performances of “Genius Boy,” “Welcome” and “Sleepwalking” proved the band could definitely rock. But it was “Bleed” that was dedicated to Gene Simmons, which blew everyone away.

Kiss opened the set by dropping a gigantic tapestry in front of the stage for its fans to salute. After a long period of screaming and chanting, the band hit the stage amidst explosions, sparks and flames.

Harking back from the ’70s, the band almost seems to have emerged from a time warp. Then there is the sometimes comic aspect of the whole performance. The band’s outfits looked completely ridiculous, especially with their platform boots.

Three big screens graced the front of the stage (one for each direction). The screens were used to show pictures of the crowd and closeups of the band.

The group delivered such classics as “Deuce,” “100,000 Years” and “Let Me Go, Rock ‘n’ Roll” amidst frenetic screaming and constant applause.

“Do You Love Me” had the crowd singing along, “Cold Gin” had them drinking along and “C’mon And Love Me” had them (the women anyway) dancing along. These same women couldn’t help swaying whenever lead singer and bassist Gene Simmons stuck out his reptilian tongue.

“Firehouse” and “Hotter Than Hell” were delivered with a fire-breathing act courtesy of Simmons and several fire alarms ringing out amidst a cacophony of pulsing red lights.

Vocalist and guitarist Paul Stanley was constantly urging the crowd into a frenzy, telling them to scream loud enough for Des Moines to hear. He also eventually declared Ames the rock ‘n’ roll capital of the world.

The band showcased its immense talent by delivering blistering solos. Lead guitarist Ace Frehley showed exactly why he is considered one of the most inspirational guitarists of all time.

His solo set included a guitar that he set on fire and then played, fireworks that he shot from the end of a second guitar and his own version of Beethoven’s “Fifth Symphony.”

Drummer Peter Criss played his solo set amidst flashing lights that pulsed red, green and blue every time he hit his cymbals.

Stanley played guitar amidst the swimming lights of a disco ball. However, it was Simmons’ solo set that brought the audience to its feet and had little children screaming.

Simmons started gurgling blood while he was playing his bass guitar. A crimson flood flowed from his mouth and covered his chest.

Then he pointed up at the ceiling amidst a deafening roar and flew upwards and came to a rest on the upper stage lights. Explosions and flames greeted his arrival.

Shortly after, the group delivered its classic tune, “Black Diamond.” This song ended the regular set, providing closure with the morphing of the members’ heads into each other continuously on the screens.

After a long period of the audience screaming out their names, the band took the stage for the encore.

At this point, everyone knew what to expect. The group’s four biggest hits had not been played yet and the crowd was gearing up for the best.

Unfortunately, the band never did deliver “Strutter.” But they did deliver “Detroit Rock City,” which practically drove the audience into a spontaneous orgasm.

The entire audience had their lighters pulled out for Criss’ solo take of “Beth.”

That was followed by the huge conclusion of “Rock ‘n’ Roll All Nite,” which came complete with pounds of confetti, plenty of explosions and lots of fire.

After all the explosions, the expanding stage (complete with risers that hung out over the crowd) and constant screaming, the audience was able to leave the concert satisfied.