From: Chris Stompanato
Well, who was the wise guy who wrote that long message regarding all the strippers getting front row seats and bearing it all at the shows?! Well let me tell you, that message must have somehow got to the boys because for the two nights in Chicago, I did not see a single bare breast. None. There seemed to be plenty of talent sitting up front, but I saw nada displayed on the big screens. You know what? It wasn't missed...

Anyway, the final Chicago show (did I really say that?)was even better than night #1 as the band sounded even better. I'm telling you, they played the greatest version of Cold Gin I've ever heard. Every note sounded like Alive!, maybe better! Ace was even on time to the stage for EVERY song! Seriously, Ace was again in fine form.

The Allstate Arena was about 4/5 full this night. Paul announced about 25,000 total for the two nights. Thankfully, it was not nearly as stifling hot as it was the first night. I guess some thunderstorms and a cold front will do that for you.

Ted added a couple interesting twists to his performance. First, he played a riff from that hit from the Amboy Dukes days (damn, I can't remember the name of the song). That was cool. He also mentioned he was 51 years "clean and sober" all these years. He also had his young son bring a guitar out to him at one point. The kid appeared to be about 12 years old or so. As he walked off stage, Ted said "I need to buy him a few more guns!" Despite all the recent school shootings, I still thought this was funny tongue in cheek stuff. We know how Ted loves his guns.

What else can be said about KISS? Paul was a dancin', prancin' machine. Ace was all over the stage, which is very cool. He really uses the stairs and various levels of the stage. His playing was razor sharp.

Peter was totally into it. Gene was Gene, menacingly stalking the stage looking for his next victim.

Then in a giant confetti storm, they said good-bye to Chicago. They will be missed immensely. At least my 7 and 11 year olds got to see the Greatest Band in the World! Chicago says THANK YOU KISS!

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