From: Peter Woodyatt
What Can I Say!

Fifteen Hours on a train from Sydney to see "The Hottest Band in The World". Two and a Half hours in a queue with storm clouds threatening to break at any moment. Ninety Australian Dollars for a ticket to the Paradise section plus another Ninety Dollars for a tour shirt and program. Waiting 45 minutes for a cab after the concert. Was it worth it ? You bet your ass it was!

With Kings of the Sun and The Screaming Jets providing more than competent support, the stage was set for one of the great moments in world history. At about 7:30 pm, we heard the introduction that millions have heard for years now - "ALLLLRIIIIIGHTTT GOLD COAST - YOU WANTED THE BEST, YOU GOT THE BEST - THE HOTTEST BAND IN THE WORLD - KIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS ". The crowd goes wild as the black curtain drops and the stage lowers these four legends of rock to the sounds of "Detroit Rock City". Having been reved up by "Deuce", my legs are shaking uncontrolably as I realise that I am finally seeing possibly the best live rock act in history.

Paul was at his best winding the crowd up with his usual showmanship, Gene with his demon-like facial expressions and gutteral growls, Ace as the axe strumming wildman and Eric with his skin-bashing, cymbal thrashing, no-nonsense drumming - It was all there. As well as the fire breathing, the blood spitting, the acrobatics, the smoking guitars, the columns of fire - The shear theatre of the night was there for all to be absorbed. And it still took second place to the music.

From the raw power of "I Love it Loud" and "Black Diamond", to the mellow sounds of Pauls solo work on "Shandi" and "Hard Luck Woman". And everything in between such as the pop/disco sounds of "Talk To Me" and "I Was Made For Lovin You" and the 80s glam rock in "Heavens on Fire" and "Lick it Up". It was made even better by the encores were they did some of their "lesser known" tunes such as "Parasite" and "New York Groove". And what would a KISS concert be without their signature tune "Rock and Roll All Night".

Never mind all the whinning from Pollies and Bible-Bashers about whether a concert should be held on Good Friday. Forget the fact that many people (including some KISS fans) believe it was only a cynical money making exercise for the boys to top up their superannuation fund. Stuff the fact that some thought that it wasn't a "real" Farewell tour as Peter Criss wasn't there. The magic of the night could never be replaced. The music, the theatre, the atmosphere, the crowd - Anyone who asked for more is too hard to please in my book!

Too young to see them in 1980, out of town in '95 and '97, this was it - I had one chance to see these champions of R&R. And I dont regret it one little bit. KISS have always said that they are for the fans. Well people, this is one fan who left Carrara Stadium a happy camper on Friday night.

To Ace, Paul, Gene and Eric - Thank You - Paul asked not to forget them, as they will never forget the audience. Paul, why bother! Its just impossible to forget legends like you four. I love you guys for all the songs, all the memories, and especially last Friday Night. Best Wishes for whatever you do in the future.

Oh - And to the three girls with Ace, Gene and Paul makeup - Thanks for singing along with me. You Rock!

KISS ASYLUM -- KISS Museum News Archive Features Tour Dates Photos