From: S.R.Jones
Like many I must admit that I have mixed feelings about the London show. i shall start with the positive aspects.
I don't see what the problem is with the setlist. It contains almost all of the classics. The guys did play for around two hours, how much more can you ask? If there are going to be changes, I suggest (like 90% of the reviewers) dropping "Within". "Parasite" really rocks live, maybe that could be included. I'm really pleased that "I was Made for Loving You" was included for the European leg of the tour.
Peter's voice sounded fabulous. I saw the reunion tour in Calgary and to be blunt, "Beth" sucked. I think that in Calgary there was a problem with the tape, it sounded like it kept changing speed. Other than the solo during "Into the Void" Ace's playing was spot on. There were a couple of points where he was not in synch with the rest of the band. I don't think that this was necessarily sloppy playing, but a bit of artistic license.
The 3D was really cool. Especially Ace's floating guitar. I had a look around a couple of times while the 3D was on, and it was quite funny. It looked like crowds of zombies staring off into a single point in space. The audience was transfixed.
The opening band was not as bad as the previous reviewers had led me to believe. Though the high point of their set was when the roadies started to sweep up and take down their set before the band had finished playing. Kiss does have a reputation for playing practical jokes on their opening acts during the last show that they play together.
Now for some of the downsides:
Ace, I have every intention of seeing you perform with KISS for a few more tours. Please take care of your health, weight gain that quick can lead to serious health problems. My sons want to see a KISS concert, but I'm not going to let them for a couple of years yet. Don't let them down.
Gene, turn down you ego, I mean bass. It was drowning out the sound of the guitars. Particularly during " Let Me Go Rock And Roll", the second guitar adds a lot to the song.
In General the guys are looking their age. Peter's drumming was not up to much. He looked exhausted (though he did get it together for a pretty jazzy solo). Paul's voice sounded weak and strained at points, particularly during "I Was Made..."
Suggestions:
(1) Let Ace have more than two songs. The show would have been so much better if he had played "New York Groove" and "Rocket Ride"
(2) How about choosing 12-15 songs from the in-between years, and playing one a night. Release a CD of those songs done live by the original members. Then, when you have made them your own, there is no reason why you can't include songs like "I", "I Love It Loud", "Lick it Up", or "God Gave Rock and Roll to You".