From: Ron Ivanjack
This was my second Farewell Tour concert (the first being Anaheim). The show was packed. I had 8th row on Gene’s side so I didn’t miss a thing.

I missed most of Skid Row because the merchandise booths were jammed. As well as picking up my Chicago event shirt, I bought Kisstory II, 2 posters (one of which was a new one with a silver mylar finish like in ’78). They also were selling autographed Ace Frehley guitar strings-a must buy.

Ted was Ted, no more no less.

Kiss played a good set. There were no major miscues. The set list was unchanged except for a slight shift in order from Anaheim-Love Gun was played at the tail end of the set before Black Diamond. Paul still sang “I Still Love You”. Gene and Paul’s flying worked and Ace now shoots two balloons full of confetti during his solo. Ace did not play snippets of some of his earlier work as he did in Anaheim. The new intro is a nice touch as was the addition of Gene and Ace on risers during the end of RARAN.

Ace was on this evening. He hit all his solos and even 2000 Man sounded tighter than I’ve heard previously. Ace looked like he was having a great time. He had a sign taped to the back of his guitar that said “Chicago Rocks”. He must have thrown out 50-75 picks (unfortunately they do not reach the 8th row). He was very animated.

Paul did a great job as well. Vocal were great and he was pretty lively on stage. He may not run around as much, but he is still ten times the front man than any other band has. I did notice that his intros were very short. He did not mention Chicago much. The crowd was fairly mellow and the volume just did not seem to be there. This may have been a factor.

Peter held his own. We all know his has limitations due to his arms and wrists but he did well. The solo in 100,000 Years was short but effective.

Gene…..I was disappointed. Yeah sure his tricks all worked well and he sang the right words but his prescence was just not up to par-unless you were a girl in the front row. He spent way more time than I’ve seen him in the past trying to see girl’s chests. I should have held a sign that said “Hey Gene, I just spent $300 at the merchandise booth”. That might have grabbed his attention a little more.

This was not the best show I have seen but it was still great. I will not complain about how I wish this or that song was played. Gene just needs to focus on EVERYONE.

Four more shows in the next week.

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