KISS – “Detroit Rock City”

Published Jun 25, 2015 By Vincent Lopez

KISS Responds To A Tragedy

When a fan was tragically killed on his way to a KISS concert, the band responded with fan favorite ‘Detroit Rock City’ as part of their 1976 album Destroyer. It’s a fast, upbeat song whose driving rhythm betrays the somber lyrics. ‘Detroit Rock City’ is told from the perspective of the young man who was killed, driving a little too quickly to his favorite KISS songs which ultimately leads to a fatal crash. The song even inspired the 1999 film of the same title, produced by KISS’ bass player Gene Simmons!

Paul Stanley of KISS said: “On a previous tour somebody had gotten hit by a car and killed outside the arena. I remember thinking how weird it is that people can be on their way to something that’s really a party and a celebration of being alive, and die in the process of doing it.”

It’s a shame that it took a tragedy to create one of the greatest songs in classic rock history, until you realize that it’s actually a way of celebrating life. We’re here for a good time, not a long time – songs like ‘Detroit Rock City’ serve as a reminder of that fact and it’s virtually impossible to not have a great time when KISS is involved!

+ Detroit Rock City lyrics +

I feel uptight on a Saturday night
Nine o’ clock, the radio’s the only light
I hear my song and it pulls me through
Comes on strong, tell me what I got to do
I got to

Get up
Everybody’s gonna move their feet
Get down
Everybody’s gonna leave their seat

You gotta lose your mind in Detroit Rock City

Get up
Everybody’s gonna move their feet
Get down
Everybody’s gonna leave their seat

Getting late, I just can’t wait
Ten o’clock and I know I gotta hit the road
First I drink, then I smoke
Start up the car, and I try to make the midnight show

Get up
Everybody’s gonna move their feet
Get down
Everybody’s gonna leave their seat

Movin’ fast, doin’ 95
Hit top speed but I’m still movin’ much too slow
I feel so good, I’m so alive
I hear my song playin’ on the radio
It goes

Get up
Everybody’s gonna move their feet
Get down
Everybody’s gonna leave their seat

You gotta lose your mind in Detroit Rock City

Twelve o’clock, I gotta rock
There’s a truck ahead, lights starin’ at my eyes
Oh my God, no time to turn
I got to laugh ’cause I know I’m gonna die
Why