From: Julian

This was Kiss' only UK show on the current leg of the Psycho Circus tour and it showed... they put everything into this concert, more fireworks, more effects and more everything than I've seen since the re-union (and I've seen every UK show they've done since the make-up came back).

Buck Cherry are pretty poor musically, imagine Guns N Roses playing more melodically but heavier (if that makes sense) and you're there. They were endearing though and won the crowd over a little bit with the sheer energy they put into their performance. It was pretty funny when the the Kiss crew started taking their drum kit apart during their final song, the singer made a joke out of it by saying 'We got real close on this tour... stick around for KEN!'.

So, on to Ken, I mean, Kiss. The opening was the same as has been documented, the Psycho Circus 'Tent' curtain drops to reveal the band. Excellent stage set up, really clean and modern looking. The video screens work well and are very easy to see.

Now, here's where I nearly started crying. What is wrong with Ace?? Honestly, the guy looks terrible. I was there in my Frehley's Comet T-shirt waiting to see a guy that has for 15 years been my hero and in my view the Coolest man on Earth (weird title for a space man!). It's sad, it really is.

I don't know if he's ill and is needing medication to get him through the show or whether he's back on the booze (I pray he isn't) but something is badly wrong. He moves even slower than ever and looks totally out of it. He has also put on at least 30 pounds. That kind of weight gain is worrying. Has the personal training/fitness regime been forgotten?

Still he played well, as good as I've ever seen and he sang Shock Me and Into the Void well, although he did miss a few cues during Shock Me. His solo is, to be truthful, embarrassing though.

The rest of the set was as per usual, Paul flew, Gene flew and yep, so did Peter. The band sounded *fairly* tight although there were mistakes, particularly during Let Me Go. The sound was pretty bad, very bass heavy, but then Wembley Arena is notorious for it's appalling acoustics.

The new effects are all stunning, Ace's catherine wheel guitar being a highlight. Amazing amount of pyro towards the end, more than ever I would say.

The 3-D element, contrary to what I had read, working exceptionally well. The high point being Paul 's guitar pick and hearts during Do You Love Me. The footage of Ace only served as a harsh reminder of how he should look (and that film couldn't have been shot more than 10 months ago).

So, a night of sheer Kiss brilliance in many ways but I just can't shake that image of Ace. I felt for the guy. It's just not right and if he can't / won't do something about it then Gene & Paul need to either force him or seriously think about how much longer he can go on like this. I never thought as much of anyone as I think of Ace and I only say this for his sake. Apologies if this review sounds negative, that's definitely NOT the impression I'd want to give about the show itself.

KISS ASYLUM -- KISS Museum News Archive Features Tour Dates Photos