From: Bill Flynn
It was my anniversary and it was nice. The only problem was the drive to and from Ames. My wife and I saw KISS in Fargo and it was great (see my review). This show was also great. Here goes:

Skid Row? Good, suprisingly good. My wife and I met the (new) drummer (who told me that he was at the Fargo gig but just watched) and the Bassist. They both were very cordial and my wife got her shirt she received from the local radio station autographed. I got my Ticketmaster envelope autographed. They were cool. I noticed that this new drummer rocked a little harder than the drummer in Fargo. The band was well received and my wife even thought they were right on in this venue. College towns are good for bands like Skid Row. Anyhow, the rocked well.

Ted was Ted. But I have to admit that he didn't do it for me like he did in Fargo. His microphone was downed out by the guitar. His dialogue was awesome just as always, but his vocals were drowned out. Tommy Aldridge was the best thing in that gig. He rocks like he did 20 years ago when he was with OZZY. It was great to watch him work!

Now for the good part.....KISS......I mentioned in my Fargo review (see Fargo review)that they were about the best I've seen them since the Reunion Tour and I was even watching them from the side. In Ames I watched them from the back, but in the lower area and right in the middle, and I got to see the WORKS. The place wasn't packed to the rafters, though the lower levels were packed and KISS played like they were playing to 30,000 people. It isn't a fabrication, they ROCKED! I believe this was the gig before a little break so my fear was they may be running on empty a little, but NO....They ROCKED!! There was nothing new from the Fargo gig in terms of songs except 'Shout it out Loud' and 'Deuce' were switched. The whole band was ON!! For those who have seen KISS before, you can relate. For those who haven't, you may want to read a review that explains what they did during the gig. Of course I was privalige to witness Ace hit EVERY note in the 'Love Gun' solo. He did that in Fargo also. During the Reunion and Psyco Circus tours, he missed each time. That was a good feeling seeing and hearing Ace nail that solo. The only down side was Paul doing 'I Still Love You' solo. I think the band should be included. That tune is a sleeper. A great upside was Peter hammering on the cow bell. He didn't do that in Fargo, but he hit the cow bell tons in this gig. Great Rhythm. It really added something. I don't know what, but it added something. It was very refreshing. Pete once again did great! The only technical flaw I saw was on Gene's platform when it rose. The left side didn't shoot out smoke. Oh well, you can't have everything!!

Thanks KISS!! We'll miss you!

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