From: Rob Birdwell
There comes a point in one's life when they have to admit the obvious about things they probably cannot change. Thinning hair will not grow back, girls in mens magazines will more than likely give you a second look, and Rock and Roll will never be anywhere near as fun now that Kiss is packing it up. The big problem is that the first two things I stated, with hard work and dedication, might just turn around.

OK, enought with an attempt at a great intro, the mood is just not there. The show here in Evansville was not as hyped as I would like to have seen it. The radio stations here should have put just a little bigger effort in to promiting the show since we have trouble getting anyone to play here. Most of the summer shows we had were cancled due to poor ticket sales.

The one station that did try and come out was 107.5. They set up a pre Kiss party at the Fox & Hound. The party was a super success. Phil Varone, Skid Row's new drummer was there and let me just say that he is one super guy. I hope all goes well for him in all he does. Bill, the almighty founder of the Kiss Army was also there. Just another super great guy. We discusses my first show back in 79 and just had a great B.S. Session all around. So onb to Roberts Stadium. I once was told that the first time Ace saw the place way back when he thought it was a school gym. It is a small place but it makes the shou just that much more intimate and "in your face". The usual milling about was going on. There seemed to be a feel of sorrow but that may have been due to the firing of IU head coach Bobbie Knight. Haa Haa.

The show started right on time. Our 8th row seats soon turned to 3rd when some folks did not make it so we were set. Skid Row is super tight live. Much in part because of the excellent drumming provided by Phil. I kiss ass real well huh!?! I have no problem with the new vovcalist but he sure is not nearly as pretty as that skinny chick that sang for them before. Man, enough with the lame Skid jokes. Ted was Ted. I have seen this guy so many times. Scott, my partner in crime, went up to the front and proudly displayed his NRA lifetime membership card. That was kind of a hoot.

Now for what we all came for. This has got to be the best KISS show I have ever seen. Since everyone else has pretty much described the show in detail I will just hit on the "special" moments of the night. There seemed to be a ton more "underwear" items thrown on stage this time than I can ever remember seeing. There was one HUGE green bra that seemed to get passed arround each mic stand. The inside joke stuff was going on as well. I don't know what they say to each other to cause the whole band to crack up but they did it a few times. Probably something about the big bra.

The songs were all tight. I did hate the fact that there was no drum solo. I have always liked Peters spot. Ace was really on top of the game. Gene must have got some cause he was in rare form. And Paul was the pro he always has been. I did get to meet Doc Mcgee. He is looking pretty buff. I guess he has been eating his Subway sandwiches.

So there is a sorry attempt at a review. The rest of the night was nice with an aftershow party that I will never forget. Scott and I have been friends for 25 years so to get to attend our Hero's farewell was not only great, but almost religious in a sence. Kiss did to Evansville what other bands refuse to do, they went that extra mile to make sure we all had one Hell of a time. They will be greatly missed. I feel like I just wrote the obituary of my childhood, wait, I did. How's that for a sobering final thought.

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