From: Mike Sangray
I'm from Great Falls, Montana. This was the closest show KISS would be performing.

Boise, ID. 20 years, 650 miles, A Prize Worthy of the Journey

About 20 years ago, when I was four, my two older brothers brought home a KISS 8-track cassette. They and I, listened to it in our families' basement. After it ended, I left the room singing "Christine Sixteen". Our mother was not pleased.

20 years go by and the opportunity comes to buy tickets to a concert featuring all four original members in full costume playing hits spanning their entire career. I bought those tickets and drove with one older brother to a show 650 miles away. Did the time spent driving bore us? No. Did the oppressive heat baking us in a car with no air conditioning get us down? Hell no! We were on our way to see what we knew would be an incredible show!

That show opened with a lacluster performance by Skid Row. They began to get the crowd simmering, but only because their ending meant that KISS grew closer. Ted Nugent put on a decent act...sacrificing his guitar and all. He provided entertainment, not Rock N Roll. The Rock N Roll began when the lights went down and KISS rose through the stage playing "Detroit Rock City".

The sound itself was handled well most of the time. Twice, though, I remember Gene motioning for adjustment to his microphone. The lights, fire, and fireworks were all bombastic, even for the small Idaho Center. The spot-light techs, however, were performing like duds as they drew "sarcastic" remarks, obviously meant to be interpretted as "get your asses together" from Paul.

KISS, as a group however, definitely had it together. The only noticeable down beat to them was Peter. He didn't really react to anything until late in the show. Gene, Paul, and Ace, though, beat the hell out of the crowd. I did my best to give it right back to'em singing, cheering, and sweating as I stood, nay, marched to the beat of the KISS Army Generals on stage.

The opening acts warmed the crowd. KISS erupted! Spewing blood, fire, smoke, and the loudest thunder I have ever heard into their people. There isn't anything left to be said about the show that hasn't been said before except that it was my first, and regrettably last, KISS concert. That is something too many of us are having to say.

20 years, 650 miles, and worth every day, every mile, and every dollar. Thank you KISS, Rock On!

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