From: Shawn
I've been reading all of the reviews of the tour so far, and after seeing last nights show I only have one thing to say . . . If you are only going because it's an 'event' then stay home. If you're a fan, you'll love this show. I'll admit I was reluctant to go as I knew the setlist was full of standards, but I'm glad I went. Because when it comes down to it, no one puts on a live show better than KISS.

So, let's address a few of the common complaints cropping up:

Peter isn't banging the drums hard enough: Got news for you, drumming isn't about how hard you hit, it's about timing and finesse and the Catman has still got it. Remember folks, he's had surgery on his arms, he's using specialy made sticks that are balanced for him, you want this tour to last, let Peter play. He didn't miss a beat and he was smiling and having a good time.

Peter doesn't have a drum solo: No he doesn't, but they have added back in the drum heavy piece of 100,000 years while Paul is rappin' with the audience. It works better than an overblown solo.

Ace is looking ragged: He doesn't look any worse for wear than he did on the Reunion Tour. He looked good last night and again, he hit every mark, he hit every note and he was goofing with Gene, Paul and the audience.

Paul is not singing as loud as he used to: That may have been a problem at the beginngin of this tour, not now, he was wailing. He was very up and he was leading the audience along in his own intimitable style.

This song was missing, that song was missing: Yeah, the setlist is pretty static from the Reunion Tour, but we all have our favorites and you cannot expect the band to play just for you. Give them some credit, they know what they're doing, they know what the fans want to hear, and they are playing 'em.

Peter and Ace looked pissed while playing the 80's stuff or it's an insult for them to have to play that stuff: Get a life. The band survived the '80s and they put out some good music. It's not unreasonable to ask Peter and Ace to learn 'em and play 'em. And by the way, they don't look pissed, they were smiling and playing 'em tight. Pete's drums on I Love It Loud were thunderous (yes, he was banging for this one) and Ace owns Lick It Up with a new solo.

Okay enough of this nonsense. If you are going to the show with the expectation that KISS is there to play for you personally, stay home. No one and I mean no one puts on a better live show. These guys worked hard and they put on the best show I've seen them do. I've seen 'em 6 times, in and out of makeup, and this was thier finest show. The sound was crisp and clean, the stage design is the best I've seen. The light show is incredible, have to see it to appreciate it. The smoke waterfalls at the beginning are cool, they use video sparsley but when they do, it works. The video tribute during Do You Love Me works, I can see how it would drag down the beginning of the show, moving it to background for that song works.

Overall, the best show I've seen. Everyone was in fine form musically and they all were a lot more relaxed and playful than I've ever seen them. Do yourself a favor, forget all the griping, go see this show.

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