Local fans of American glam rock legends KISS will gather at The Limelight this week, a year after the sudden passing of Fabio Marchetti, who played Gene Simmons in Belfast-based KISS tribute act Hotter Than Hell.
The 50-year-old was loved by many for taking on the role of the iconic bassist in Hotter Than Hell. The band, formed by Marty McStravick, performed at The Limelight on October 29 last year. Sadly a month later the 50-year-old father-of-three, originally from Italy, died.
Marty, who performs as KISS lead singer Paul Stanley in Hotter Than Hell, says the November 11 show in Belfast will be "particularly tough" on him and the band. He added: “It’s hard to believe a year has passed since we last performed in Belfast. It’s not going to be easy. But so many happy memories with Fabio will get us through what I know will be a particularly tough night for us.
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“He was a much-loved member of the band and popular with Belfast fans. Fabio loved playing in Belfast, it was always an extra special gig for him because he was playing in my home city and the birthplace of Hotter Than Hell.
“It was a devastating blow when I was told that Fabio had died. He was the sweetest and most wonderful person I had ever met. I’m glad he was in my band, and I am glad that I could call him a sincere friend.”
Marty, 45, started Hotter Than Hell in 1996. He said the band has been a labour of love since, but following Fabio's death, he was forced to consider the group's future.
He added: “I honestly didn’t know if we could move forward with the band. We were all just so devastated by Fabio’s passing. We cancelled a few dates that we were due to play, and I asked the guys in the band to take time to think about what we should do next.
“Fabio was such a big character in Hotter Than Hell. He loved performing and we know fans took to him and admired his dedication to playing the role of Gene Simmons. In the end, we felt by continuing to play, we would continue to honour Fabio and keep him close in our thoughts.”
Going back on the road as a band meant finding Fabio's successor but Marty didn't have to look too far. He contacted Davide Liddi, another Italian national, who had previously played KISS' Spaceman, Ace Frehley, in Hotter Than Hell.
Davide wanted to re-join the band as a tribute to close friend Fabio. He has performed in Belfast too, so knew what to expect at The Limelight.
Hotter Than Hell will headline The Limelight alongside AC/DC tribute act Whole Lotta Voltage. Belfast is usually bustling every weekend with live tribute bands performing songs made famous from ABBA to Led Zeppelin, AC/DC to Black Sabbath, or Oasis to The Smiths.
Such bands rarely get recognition for their efforts but for Marty, it’s his love of KISS and "being Paul Stanley for one night" that makes it all worthwhile. He said: “I don’t make any money doing this; it all goes back into the band to pay for promoting our next show dates. I’ve never met anyone in a tribute band who isn’t dedicated to what they do.
“We want to honour the actual bands we are paying tribute to and give fans of the band an enjoyable time. KISS fans are fiercely loyal to the band and would soon let us know if we are doing them a disservice, and that’s why we must be on top of our game always.”
Marty promises the usual full-blown theatrics at The Limelight with fire, blood and pyros and outlandish costumes that are the hallmark of KISS shows dating back to 1973, as well as hits including Crazy Nights, Rock n Roll All Nite, God of Thunder, and God Gave Rock n Roll To You Too.
Hotter Than Hell, a tribute to KISS, and Whole Lotta Rosie, a tribute to AC/DC, will perform at The Limelight on Friday, November 11 from 7pm. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.ie or at the venue.
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