From: ROCKER119@aol.com

The legendary KISS was back in Portland, and I am so happy that they graced us with their presence.

The Psycho Circus tour has got to be their best yet. From beginning to end, it was non-stop excitement.

Paul, Gene, Ace, and Peter seemed to be much more enthusiastic than the last time they were here. But it was understandable, considering the last time was a tour on top of a grueling tour. This time was just the beginning, and a lot of people have an enourmous thrill coming their way. The concert is not one to be missed.

The show started with none other than "Psycho Circus!" The 3D effects blown onto the huge screen behind the band were a real treat. It's an awesome video, and one that every KISS fan should own.

Next came one of their many rock anthems, "Shout It Out Loud!" Audience participation encouraged by Paul was only just beginning. Bras were already starting to fly to the stage.

"Deuce" continued the show, followed by "Do You Love Me." Then Gene did his infamous flame throwing routine to the tune of "Firehouse." And, yes Paul, it was cold outside in Maine that night, but it was Hotter Than Hell in the Cumberland County Civic Center.

Ace followed with "Shock Me" and shocked everyone when the big guitar solo failed to materialize.

Three popular, tasty morsels followed: "Let Me Go Rock & Roll," "Cold Gin," and "Calling Dr. Love."

Ace finally thrilled everyone there with his enormous guitar solo during the new song, "Into The Void." Ace's voice is sounding stronger than ever, and the new tune ROCKS!

The band rocked on with the sexy sounds of "Makin' Love."

Then it was Gene's turn. This tours rendition of effects for "God Of Thunder" were the best yet. Gene's menacing blood spewing was captured in 3D, and you could almost feel the splattering.

Paul answered back, claiming his title as "King Of The Night Time World."

Then it was time for the chest pounding drum solo of the Cat Man during the new song, "Within." Another great cut off of the Psycho Circus album, this one got the crowd really geared up. Peter's new flying stage has to be seen to be believed.

"I Made For Lovin' You" followed, and Paul started to show his age a little. But the crowd of nearly 8,000 gave their utmost support in helping out with the tricky falsetto vocals.

KISS rocked on with "100,000 Years," and then Paul sent several screaming babes to where I was standing near the little stage in front of the sound board. (Thank you, Paul!) He proceeded out over the audience on his flying trapeze, and the band blasted into "Love Gun." One lucky lady came face to chest with the "King of the Night Time World" and just about melted at his feet.

The initial set came to a rocking end with the legendary rock song, "Rock 'N' Roll All Nite!" I don't think that there was a silenced voice in the building.

The encore kicked ass. It started out with Peter taking center stage with "Beth." His vocals were very tight, and I imagine that there were a lot of wet panties by the time the song came to its melodic end.

That wasn't the end of the show, though. Paul anounced "Detroit Rock City," and there was pandemonium. It doesn't matter what city your in, every place is Detroit Rock City when KISS is in town.

The show rounded out with Paul doing a guitar solo intro complete with some more audience participation for the mega tune, "Black Diamond." Peter blasted out the lyrics with massive enthusiasm.

I want to thank the group with all I've got for giving it their all to the comparitively small audience. We were not let down in the least.

Here's to KISS for keeping rock & roll the way it should be! Keep it up, men. I'm looking forward to the next astounding album.

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