From: Brad Presnall
I am a long time Kiss fan, and a veteran of many Kiss shows since my first one December 14th, 1979 in Huntsville , Alabama. I hate when people say that was the best concert that they have ever seen before really thinking about it and honestly rating the show. I rate Kiss shows on several things; the energy of the band, the sound, set list, pyro, any tech problems, and my overall enjoyment of the show. I'd have to say up front that this has to be in my top 4 , along with my Dynasty show, Hot In The Shade in Nashville, Tn , and Psycho Circus in Indianapolis, Indiana. My friend and I were excited about the show, but honestly I thought it would be good, but not this good. What I'm about to say may not be understood by most who read this. I had a chance to see Kiss again at least 2 more times, but passed because this concert was the perfect ending to my many years and countless concerts. I was so fulfilled after the show, that I didn't want to run the risk of seeing a sub par show. That would have been the one I'd remember the most. So, I figured I'd quit while I was ahead, filled with a wonderful memory. Now, on to the show review. The opening of the concert was cool the way they came down playing Detroit Rock City while still moving on the lowering platform. It was really loud at my 16th row center seat, but when they broke into Deuce it seemed like they turned up the volume. Man, it was brutal. I mean Kiss has always been loud, but never like this. It was almost too loud if there such a thing. I loved it though. If you were there you know what I mean , even people that have seen multiple shows on this tour say that the Birmingham show was especially loud. I usually have ringing ears for a day afer a Kiss show, this time 5 days. Wow. Back to the review, Shout It Out Loud was next, and they sounded great, but I still can't get over the bright light that hit the crowd during it, it was really blinding. This has to be the Farewell Tour, they are going all out, overkill at it's best. I Love It Loud followed, a song that I can do without, however it was more enjoyable this time for some reason. Ace's turn for Shock Me came next, he seemed a little behind the rest of the band at times, but who cares? Firehouse followed next, with the fire actually making me sweat every time they hammered down on the flashpots. Sirens blasting, smoke, fire, vintage Kiss! Do You Love Me was a trip down memory lane, due to the screens showing old Kiss videos, Tv spots, and various fantastic moments from back in the day. Psycho Circus is a great song that comes next, I think it's the best they've done in 15 years, I don't know why so many people blast it. Here is a song I blast: Heavens On Fire; I have always thought it sucked, but I enjoyed it on this magical night. Let Me Go Rock N Roll to me was the low point of the night, the band rarely played together during this song. The only time I've ever heard them sound this bad was when they pl ayed Within last tour. Moving on to 2000 Man, I know that this was a must song to play for obvious reasons, but wouldn't you really rather hear Rocket Ride? Lick It Up was heavier than I'd ever heard it. Have I said how nasty loud this concert was? Huh? But nasty of all nasty was about to happen, God Of Thunder is the moment in a Kiss show that if you aren't enjoying this show, you're not alive. Mr. Simmons can still do it. Cold Gin is a a staple of all Kiss shows and not playing it would be a sin. Dr. Love is the lone rep from my favorite Kiss album Rock And Roll Over, and one of my least favorites, but I can't have everything. 100,000 Years is the song most people sat down during, had a bathroom break or whatever, that's a shame too. Love Gun was outstanding, Paul flew right over me which was cool, and did he have energy on the mini stage or what? You can tell that's his favorite moment of the night. Paul broke into a verse of I Still Love You after Love Gun was over. I could tell by the reaction of the crowd that there was probably 25% Kiss fans in attendance, the rest were there I guess to spend $70.00. All the people were thinking "Is this a new Kiss song". Well if you are a real fan , you won't be offended by me bringing that up. Black Diamond followed with a pyro show like Kiss did under the Brooklyn Bridge. Beth followed with Peter giving out roses, disco ball etc. Rock And Roll All Nite was the ending to a great night of music and fun. 2 hours plus of deafing music that warmed my heart. Of course I would have liked to hear less talk from Paul, and a couple more songs like C'mon And Love Me, I Stole Your Love, All American Man, Got To Choose, or King Of The Night Time World. After a while Paul's thanking us wore thin, but that's fine. Paul Stanley as always sung great. His voice is so powerful, it's amazing after all he's done, he can still do it like he's still 25. He stays in great shape physically too, how many people you know in their 20's that could do what he does every night on stage, must less somebody pushing 50. Gene is still the Demon, in the 80's & 90's I think he missed it a lot. I think he will be the one who misses all of this the most after it's over. Ace is Ace. He still has clinks and clunks on the guitar, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Tonight he was on 95% of the show. Peter hit the drums harder than he did in the 70's. I know some nights are harder for him than others, but tonight evidently he was really feeling good. Paul said not to be sad, but to celebrate what has been accomplished by Kiss and the fans. I am sad, and I will miss the feeling I get right before the curtain drops. No band in the world has done and will ever do what Kiss has done live. They set the standard for what all shows will be measured by for all time. Longevity, perserverance, being loyal to the fans by giving us what we want, thats the mark of a great band; and that band is named Kiss.

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