Bootleg Betty
This Day In History: Bette Midler Starts Her Kiss My Brass Tour In Chicago 22 Years Ago (Video)
By Mister D
Dec. 10, 2025
Bette Midler’s “Kiss My Brass” Tour Overview
Bette Midler’s “Kiss My Brass” concert tour was her first major road outing in four years, running from 2003 to 2005. It supported her album Bette Midler Sings the Rosemary Clooney Songbook (2003), featuring a mix of her hits, comedic characters, and big-band tributes to Rosemary Clooney. The tour’s cheeky name was a playful twist on “kiss my ass,” reflecting Midler’s irreverent style, with brass-heavy arrangements and high-energy performances.
Opening Date and Venue
The tour officially opened on December 10, 2003, at the Rosemont Theatre in Chicago, Illinois. This kicked off the North American leg, which included more than 40 dates across major U.S. cities (including New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas) and one Canadian stop in Toronto. Tickets sold out quickly, highlighting Midler’s enduring draw.
Key Tour Highlights
- North American Leg (2003–2004): Ran through mid-February 2004, with additional dates added later. Notable stops included Radio City Music Hall (New York) and Madison Square Garden.
- Australian Leg (2005): Titled “Kiss My Brass Down Under,” it began on April 8, 2005, in Brisbane and wrapped on May 1, 2005, in Sydney—Midler’s first Aussie tour in 26 years. It featured 10 dates and was a massive hit.
- Setlist Staples: Shows opened with brass blasts like “Kiss My Brass / Big Noise from Winnetka” and included tracks such as “Stuff Like That There,” “Skylark,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” and Clooney covers. Midler brought her signature humor, the Divine Miss M persona, and the Harlettes as backup singers.
- Merch and Legacy: Tour books and programs captured the glitzy vibe with photos, lyrics, and Midler’s quips. No official live album or DVD was released, but bootlegs from shows such as the 2004 New York concert are available online.
The tour grossed millions and reinforced Midler’s status as a live powerhouse. If you’re looking for footage, check YouTube clips from the 2004 Radio City or MSG performances—they capture the brass-fueled fun. For modern vibes, note that “Kiss My Brass” is also a Sydney music venue, but that’s unrelated to the tour.
