From: Eddie Helms
I attended the Charlotte & Greensboro shows back in April and I really thought that they were my last KISS shows ever. Imagine how I felt when I heard on the radio that KISS was returning to Charlotte once again! I couldn't believe it! I was getting one final chance to say goodbye to my heroes.

My first KISS show ever was on the HITS tour back in 1990. I was 2nd row, center stage. Ever since then, I've been put at the back of the arena. Well, this last show made up for it. I was in row P. Not great seats, but for me, who has been at the back for the last 10 years, they were awesome! I was in awe as the band descended one last time from the top of the arena as they played Detroit Rock City. During Deuce, the boys did the choreography that they always do, yet Gene was off a beat. While Gene went in one direction, Ace and Paul went in the other. I thought this was kinda funny seeing how they have been doing this same move for the past 27 years.

During Shout It Out Loud, Gene's bass died on him. I thought it was also funny to see try to sing his parts while he was trying to unstrap "Monster 1" and hook up "Monster 2."

I was with a friend who had never seen KISS before. He had waited 8 years to see them and I knew it was gonna blow him away. "Wait until you feel the heat of those flames during Heaven's On Fire!" I was right! He couldn't believe how hot it was all the way at where we were sitting.

When Gene flew up to the rafters we had to break our necks just to look at him. It was worth it though. Both of us are pretty sure that Gene looked straight at us and pointed. Especially me, because I was wearing Gene's makeup. During 100,000 Years, we almost fell to the floor when Gene yelled out, "Whassup?!" It was so funny.

During Love Gun, Paul flew out to the middle of the arena and he flew right over us! I'd say he was probably 6-10 feet above us. It was the closest I will EVER get to a member of KISS, unless I see them at the Atlanta expo. On his way back to the stage, Paul also looked straight at us!

During Beth, someone passed up a bouquet of blue roses to Peter, as you have probably already read on KISS Asylum. I knew he would be emotional already but when he got those flowers, he almost couldn't make it through the song. It really sent chills down my back and is a moment that will probably never forget as long as I live.

As we were walking out, we met Doc McGhee at the soundboard. He was very nice and although he was very busy and didn't get a chance to speak, he did shake my hand as if he was thanking me for being there. In a strange way, that made the night that much more special.

I have heard so many things on the internet about how the band members don't get along, and all kinds of other crap, but on Friday, Oct. 6, 2000, I saw four brothers on stage having a ball, and giving the audience everything they had for almost 2 hours. There were a few mistakes, but that's to be expected once in awhile.

Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, Ace Frehley...What can I say? You guys have been my parents, my best friends, my brothers. You've been there for me when no one else has. I will mever be able to give you as much as you have given me. Thank you for everything.

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