From: JWT
First of all I am a big Ted Nugent fan and when I found out he was done with the tour I was a little disappointed, but then again I was their to see KISS and I know that NO ONE can compare.

For all you people complaining about Ted's language, I have to say that Skid Row used the F Bomb every other word. The singer was trying to be cool but it just made him seem stupid. The Skid's were like a comedian who isn't funny trying to get a response with vulgar language and false craziness. They sucked. Totally boring. I just sat there and wished they would go away. If they are the only opener for the rest of the tour KISS should just boot them and play alone. It would be much better anyway! I have seen Ted a lot of times and I guarentee you that he had to be a heck of a lot better. In fact Ted Nugent just sitting on stage reading a book would have been better.

Now to the real show! I have been to every KISS tour since Destroyer and I have to say that this was the best stage design I have seen. In reading past reviews I guess it did not come across to me but they all started from the top of the light rig with Ace, Gene, and Paul dropping on a suspended platform along with Peter's drum riser also being lowered. The effect was awesome. No big suprises in the set list, but who cares. Being a part time professional musician I know people want to hear certain songs. KISS has just way to many "classic" songs to go and throw in a impromtu version of Strange Ways into the set. I would love to hear some obscure stuff but I am a die-hard fan. KISS is #1 for me with every one else a distant second. KISS has to make sure everyone gets the same or nearly the same quality of a show from city to city. Most people (myself included) can't afford to go from city to city following them around. In fact my wife really enjoyed the show and is no HUGE fan. It was great to her because she knew ALL the songs. I do not believe she would have got a big kick out of them ripping into All the Way! The sound was better and the band was tighter than I have ever heard. PETER most definately playing drums. I had great seats and could see ALL! In fact he played better than I have heard him live before. My son, a drummer, was particularly impressed with Pete's bass to snare chops, he really hammed it up even without a solo. Ace (the BEST KISS member) was on and in fact played his solos very close to the originals with minimal mistakes. Paul and Gene both were professinal as usual. Paul's raps seemed shorter than usual for some reason (see next paragraph maybe?) The show lasted a little over two hours, longer than I remember in the past, but never long enough right!? To sum it up without going into details everything was great with KISS and I can now be happy that I got to see them on this last trip, and not cry about the $$$ it cost me because it was well worth it!!

On the other hand the Columbus crowd SUCKED! I live in mid-northeast OH and I usually go to Cleveland to see concerts, but I could not swing it when they were there. I was in deep despair for a while but ya gotta have the cash! Thank God they came back because I was weeping! Cleveland Rocks!! Every time I have seen the band there, even in lean times the crowds have been loud and responsive. Believe it or not there was near dead silence during Genes solo spot in God of Thunder. I thought he was going to walk off the stage. After band left the stage before the encores I could not believe no one was making a peep. Heck, I would not have been suprised if they did not come back out! KISS rocked hard despite all this and put on a super show. I guess people are just jaded to the big shows anymore since every band, pro sports team, and amusement park on earth has ripped KISS off and put parts or all of KISS's show into their events. So COLUMBUS YOU WANTED THE BEST AND YOU GOT IT BUT YOU GAVE THEM YOUR WORST! As far as I am concerned I will NEVER again go to Columbus, Ohio for a concert, YOU SUCK!

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