From: Chris Middleton
The fans were all decked out in makeup, the beautiful breasts were out and the rock and roll was blaring! Yes folks...it was another KISS concert and this time it was in Erie, Pennsylvania in front of a sold out house of about 7,000 KISS fanatics. This was my 13th time to see my heroes but this time was different, I was 3rd row center. What a way to end my KISS concert going days! Now I wont be able to hear for days (Im married, so that isnt all that bad!) but it was well worth it!

I didnt think Skid Row was that bad. A lot better than I expected. I was a fan of theirs in the 80s but those days faded quickly. I was pleasently surprised. The singer replaces S. Bach quite well. Another surprise. They played what you expect, Riot Act, Piece of me, Makin a mess, 18 and Life, Monkey Business, I Remember You and Youth Gone Wild. Pretty nice opening slot but it must be kind of hard for them to be so huge one day to be an opening act soon after.

"Uncle" Ted Nugent was pretty much what i expected also. Keep in mind, I am 0 for two with Ted. I had the opportunity to see him open for KISS in 88 and then just back in June in Columbus and missed them both. This time I saw it and was .......entertained, I guess. He also played what you would expect him to play. He also had some guy in the front row pretty pissed off at him with his comments before the song "Kiss My Ass" but the guy got over it before the end of ted's set. From what I have heard, it seems like ted has toned down alot of his talking/comments because it seemed to be at a little bit of a minimum but he still had some things to say before "Kiss My Ass". He ended his set with "Great White Buffalo" where he shoots his arrow at his guitar but on this occassion .........he missed. maybe this isnt that uncommon but I did notice alot of holes in the back of his guitar to indicate that he hits alot too but not on this occassion.

Now it's on to the "big boys"!! The breasts were already out before KISS even hit the stage(right next to a boy of about 13 as a matter of fact..boy does he have stories for his buddies today!!) I wont get into many details because....well, we have heard it all before. The show doesnt vary much from the standard KISS show except for the fact that it always kicks ass!! They are the ultimate showmen!! They know what rock and roll is about. They wrote the book and all these new bands need to get that book and read it over and over because KISS "gets it" and they dont have a clue!!

There were no real major miscues very often. I did find it funny that during 100, 000 Years Gene messed up and Ace had to look acrossed the stage and count Gene back on cue! Ace was late getting back on stage a few times especially at the begginning of "God of Thunder". Gene was late getting back on stage to start "Cold Gin". But those are minor and very funny moments.I really loved the moment when Peter was done with his drum solo and gene came back on stage and gave Pete a little "fist in the air" praise for his great solo. This was an awesome show from start to finish and it made matters even more awesome by being in the 3rd row right in the center!

I got lots of confetti, I got one of peter's roses and I got lots of good pictures. I did not get a guitar pick though. Im gonna make a nice little scrap book of this final show. Ive been going to see KISS since July 18th , 1979 at the Cleveland Coliseum..not listed in the tour program for some reason but the 2nd night, July 19th is but trust me......I was there on July 18th!!)I will never forget that day! It was one of those "monumental" days in my life that ranks up there with the birth of my son and my marriage. It was that special and so is/was KISS. As they call it quits, a major part of my childhood closes down also. I love KISS and will always love them for what they have done for me and those millions of fans out there! They were/are the greatest band in the world!! But just like it says on the back of the t-shirt that i purchased last night for my 2 year old son, "Legends Never Die"! Thank you KISS!!

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