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From: Kaori Hashimoto
Freelance Journalist/Photographer (Sydney)
ESP has finally made a long-awaited return to Australia - for the first time since their 1998 tour.
Their first leg in Melbourne (April 19 at the Prince of Wales Hotel) had an additional opening act in very Motley-esque Sebasrockets, who entertained the crowd with their furious paced numbers.
This was followed by newly formed Six Hours. With the majority of the band members formerly known as Stand, who have been regulars at various KISS-related mini tours Down Under, they were greeted enthusiastically by the packed audience. They played several tunes off their self-titled brand-new disc, but the surprise of the night was revealed when BRUCE KULICK joined them on stage for Senorita - a lovely little number with a Spanish touch! (He's also responsible for the song's lead guitar on the disc.)
As for the main act, it was all about the "C"words: Chemistry, and Camaraderie - which many fans may agree have been missing somewhat from the KISS shows proper in recent years. ESP kicked off their show with Union's signature song, Do Your Own Thing, which set the theme of the night. John Corabi on lead vocals and guitar was in his element, savoring every moment as he performed Union's Love [I Don't Need It Anymore], Jungle off KISS' Carnival Of Souls, and Power To The Music by Motley Crue.
Apart from his drumming role, ERIC SINGER also took his share of the lead vocal duty with KISS' Nothin' To Lose and Black Diamond (he just can't get away without singing them at his gigs!!!). His ability to adjust to any drum kit on any given night always amazes me. He was equipped with a simple one on this occasion but, as usual, produced one heck of a powerful performance nevertheless.
Meanwhile, bassist Chuck Garric assumed the role of Mr. GENE SIMMONS throughout the show and belted out some popular KISS tunes such as Watching You, Unholy, Domino, War Machine, and the finale of the night, I Love It Loud - complete with almighty roars and attitude (Man, that's scary!). When Gene finally does decide to hang up his monster boots, he should seriously consider handing the reins over to this guy...
We're An American Band - a classic by legendary Grand Funk Railroad, with whom BRUCE KULICK tours nowadays, also added a nice touch to the gig's encore. I was a bit disappointed that Bruce didn't sing any of his own solo numbers - although they did play one of the instrumental pieces, Jump The Shark, off his second disc Transformer. It's either that he chose not to sing on this occasion, or the joint frontmen John and Chuck put some pressure on him not to steal the spotlights from them...
ESP's repertoire also included some classic rock tunes such as Born To Raise Hell by Motorhead, Man In The Box (Alice In Chains) and Edgar Winter's Free Ride.
The Sydney leg (April 21 at The Marquee) was opened by Six Hours, and ESP followed them with a slightly altered set list from Melbourne. For the Sydney show only, John Corabi pleased the Motley Crue followers with an additional number, very funky Smokin' In The Boys Room.
The Melbourne crowd was just as WILD and CRAZY as can always be expected; there's little wonder why the KISS Symphony was staged in this city. KISS fans generally are a friendly and well-behaved bunch of people, but mix any number of other fans (hey, I'm not going to name names here!) and there's a bit of a risque air added to the whole atmosphere. Quite a few punters jumped up on the stage, only to be grabbed and dragged away by the security guards.
Sydney's fans are somewhat civilized than their southern cousins (no offence intended to the Melbourne counterparts!) but equally passionate about their favorite music. During the concert, just one guy was game enough to make it onto the stage (with the same result as in Melbourne) but otherwise it was relatively incident free.
The band members stayed on for an autograph session after each show. I didn't stay for the Melbourne session, so I have no idea what hell was raised that night. But John Corabi biting an exposed (and ringed) breast of a girl in Sydney was a sight to behold indeed...
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