From: Francesco Gucciardo

December 2, 1998
Skydome
Toronto, Ontario

Darkness fell on the city and throughout the numerous subway tunnels and streetcars a common trend was emerging. T-shirts, backpacks, jackets, and even faces carried the most popular insignias of that goulish and outrageous rock band KISS. It could only mean one thing - Toronto was about to get rocked; blown into oblivion by the spectacle, carried away into the land without worry by that man of 1000 faces. Leading the pilgrimege was the Starchild, who without reservation invited his followers to join in chorus after chorus, asking frequently whether or not they were ready to move on to the next stage engaging in chants and hollers of unsurrendering adherence. Pounding the warbeat was the Catman and providing the creative direction into the 'other' world was the Spaceman with his numerous solo routines. Beyond all that, however, was the necessary initiation of the followers into the camp; and who better to lead the way than the Demon, who with raw grunts and proclivity led us to the other world.

You may be asking yourself, what the hell is this guy saying?!? I just wanna hear about the concert. Well, if that's the case, then you have certainly missed the point. However, if it's a review ye want, then it is a review ye shall get - You want it, you got it.

The show opened up with Psycho Circuis, as per usual. Unfortunately, the Skydome isn't the most acoustically sound building in the world and the vocals in nearly all the songs were usually clouded out by the reverberation effect and sheer space of the dome. Nevertheless, I can't hold variables beyond the band's control against them. What followed was 'Shout it Out Loud' - I think a bit too early for this classic, a lame Toronto crowd needs time to warm up and get involved in the concert and the use of SIOL in the beginning was a waste of the songs interactive element. They played it well, though... Amongst the notables were Firehouse, which was performed at such a slow tempo that it became rather nauseating. It wasn't until God of Thunder that the concert really got started. If a crowd isn't going to be enthralled by the blood-spewing antics of a high-flying demon, pounding drums and bass licks, and the blazing fireballs in the background, then I would surely advise that pulses be checked. From this point on the concert was nothing short of awesome, breathtaking, and marvellous. LoveGun was spectacular, the idea of Paul in the middle of the crowd (something that hadn't yet been developed by Aug 6/96 (the last KISS concert at Toronto) was really a pleasure. Perhaps the greatest technological marvel, from my perspective at least, was a flying drum platform. Not a rising platform, but instead one that rose, spun, and moved from one part of the stage to the other... imagery of floating on a cloud came to mind with the dry-ice effects under the platform. But how can I wrap up a KISS concert review without talking about Rock and Roll all Nite? Going overboard on confetti, fire, lights, and sound is the trademark of KISS; and I am glad it is! WOW! What a spectacle - I mean I knew exactly what was coming... I could almost tell you the pyro and light cues, but sitting back and just watching and hearing it all unfold is quite unbelievable.

Overall, although there were some slow points the show was fabulous. I guess I should sign off and leave it at that...

What's that, 'you don't wanna go home yet?' You wanna hear some more?

Well then, I'll tell you about the encore if that's the case. Peter came out and did one of the best renditions (music aside) of Beth that I have heard. Interestingly, he said "God Bless You All" at the end of the song, which kind of made me feel real good... not in a spiritual sense, but it put into perspective what KISS has been about... how can the church groups possibly oppose these guys when their purpose is to provide about two hours of 'fun' entertainment - ennuendo's aside. They tell us not to drink and drive, to go about our daily lives the best we can, to stand up for what we believe in, and put it all in such an innocent and humble context... Baffling. I digress, though. Next came Detroit Rock City, I have got to tell you - I am so very impressed by the guitar solo and harmonizing done between the band during. WOW! Nothing short of breathtaking, really. Black Diamond and Paul's solo were last. The crowd sang along to 'out on the streets for a living' and joined in the band's finale.

The measure of a good concert, I think, is not what a person says about it in a review... Don't ask someone how they liked the show or what they thought... I've given you that - but to know whether or not KISS put on a good show last night can be narrowed down to one simple question. A question I advise you all ask yourselves and others after seeing the show.

"Would you (or I) go see them again?"

In the spirit of the Demon I'll just have to end by answering the question like this:

OH... YEAH!!! I Said - OH YEAH!

Thanks for putting up with my ramblings

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