From: Mark
I have seen Kiss 5 times in concert and this show by far was the greatest performance of the band I have seen! Honestly! Before any of the bands were ready to perform, and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center was filling up. Kiss fans could be spotted laughing, meeting new friends in the Kiss army, bouncing ballons and beach balls on the lawn, and just having the greatest time they could. There seemed to be a "Kiss family" atmosphere spirit in the air as the fans seemed to come together as one. Each fan respecting the other as if we were all brother's and sisters. It was amazing to witness such kindness. Skid Row performed a short set. They certainly were not jaw dropping. Interesting to watch but, they are just an ordinary hard rock band anyways. I wasn't impressed. Ted Nugent followed right at 7:00 p.m.. I have seen Ted before just once. Opening for Kiss in 1988 on the "Crazy Nights" tour. Ted was really much better this night. Drummer Tommy Aldridge proved why he is called one of the best. Ted raced through his blistering set as dusk started to set in. By the way, Ted's political views were at times funny. His take on Hillary Clinton's run for the senate seat in New York state was especially hilarious. The fans still had a great time and were very polite to both the skids and Nugent. Then it happened..."ALRIGHT SARATOGA! YOU WANTED THE BEST, YOU GOT THE BEST, THE HOTTEST BAND IN THE WORLD......KISS!!!!!" It was mind blowing as the band descended from the rafters of the Center. I can honestly say that it was the loudest Kiss concert I have attended. My ears rang for three days...and my voice is still not all there. here are some highlights:

1. I have never seen or heard Kiss perform this well...they were definatly on fire this night! Tight, and to the point...I heard very, very few mistakes.

2. When gene breathed fire during "Firehouse" the crowd went totally nuts. the fireball was huge!

3. The whole band seemed very loose and honestly happy. The band looked like they were having a ball.

4. Peter's version of "Beth" was incredible...actually sounded better than the "Destroyer" cut. Peter was in great spirits and it was nice to see him interact with us!

5. Ace's guitar and solo were fantastic and ear shattering loud! But, we loved every minute of it. At one point during the smoke routine, there was so much smoke pouring from his guitar that you couldn't tell where he was.

6. During the point where Gene licks Aces neck, instead of Ace keeping his head leaned back, he moves it forward, sticks out his tounge, and touches Genes with it. the look on Gene's face was unforgettable!

7. The lighters that lit up the amplitheater during "I Still Love You" looked amazing. Paul even said so.

8. As the show progressed, the band performed even better. The crowd energy was just incredible. People jumping up and down, to total screams...it was also nice to hear just before the encore..."WE WANT KISS, WE WANT KISS!!"

Well, that is just some of the highlights...Kiss will remain a part of the fans forever. And when they say that they love us...hey guys...."WE LOVE YOU!!!!" Kiss will live forever!!

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