While some rock bands are singing the holiday blues this Christmas season, Kix singer Steve Whiteman says he's perfectly content to be resting comfortably at home awaiting a pair of upcoming shows, especially Tuesday's New Year's Eve show at Hammerjacks.

For many bands in Kix's genre, the passing of 1991 won't come a minute too soon.

It was, according to most promoters and bands, the worst concert year in history.

"Everybody is just waiting for the situation to get better," said Whiteman, whose band has been doing national club touring in support of its latest album, "Hot Wire."

"Everybody is afraid of being embarrassed after what happened to some bands this summer," he said. "No one wants to go out on the road and have no one show to see them play. It kills a band."

According to Whiteman, the only ones who have benefited from the poor economy are the club owners, who have been able to lure previously successful but now hungry bands into their smaller venues.

"But the ticket prices are high and some of the owners are raping the public," Whiteman said. "No one can afford to get into the shows."

But Kix has been saved in the best way possible: album sales.

Kix teetered with platinum in 1989 with "Blow My Fuse" and its hit single "Don't Close Your Eyes."

"Hot Wire," released in August and kicked off with the single "Girl Money," has sold 400,000 copies.

Kix will also perform at the Patriot Center Saturday with Britny Fox and the Kirk McEwen Band.

The concert calendar:

Hammerjacks welcomes White Trash (tomorrow), The Ramones

(Saturday) and Joan Jett (Jan. 3).

The Towson Center hosts Little Feat on Feb. 3.