From: Bryan W.
Most people believe in a place called heaven, but no one knows exactly what it is since no one has lived to see it. However, if I were to define paradise, though, it would have to be Saturday night, July 8, in Hartford, Connecticut. From the time KISS took the stage at 9:15 and opened with a pounding version of Detroit Rock City, to the ultimate encore of Beth and then Rock N' Roll All Nite, there was an energy at the Meadows so thick that it could be felt all around. This is the first real concert I've ever been (sad, being I'm 17 years old) to so I can't exactly compare this to anything. In fact, what happened in Hartford, I can't compare to anything I've ever felt before. No emotional or physical sensation could be used to describe the adrenaline rush I got seeing KISS take the stage and play for the crowd. Paul Stanley described on the inside cover in ALIVE! that he got off on watching the fans enjoy his show. If that still holds true for Paul, then there was one big rock and roll orgasm in the Meadows that night. You could see the crowd cheered, the more KISS got off, and the more KISS got off, the more the fans did. I'd spend the time doing a set by set review, but it would cheapen the value of the concert. However, I'll admit, KISS outdid themselves on many songs. Ace's 10 minutes of guitar soloing was absolutely incredible, erasing any doubts in my mind that Frehely was no longer fast enough to play anything more than simple riffs. Peter Criss' solo in 100,000 Years was worthy of being recorded for the ages. Paul's voice sounded just like it did 25 years ago on the Alive! Album. Gene's performance in God of Thunder was so heavy that you could almost feel the bass pulsing through the stadium. Our four heroes really lived up to their "Hottest Band in the World" reputation. I also wanna thank Peter Criss for coming out and doing Beth... gave me the perfect opportunity to slow dance with a VERY attractive young woman. Finally, the finale of Rock N' Roll All Nite was the most amazing display of pure energy I have ever seen. The ENTIRE crowd sung, even my friend who was with me, who hadn't listened to KISS for any more than 10 minutes before, got into that song. If all KISS' performances were this good, then I'm truly sorry I didn't see a KISS show until just this now. Also, I was amazed to see KISS manager Doc McGee (sorry if thats spelled wrong) walking the crowd. He was nice enough to shake my hand and smile for a photo, something I was amazed that a man who was so busy would do. Ya know, right after the finale ended, Paul Stanley said something. "Goodbye Hartford, don't forget us, we'll never forget you!" Paul, Gene, Ace, Peter, if you ever, for some strange reason, get to read this review, let me say this... Thank you, guys, for the years of memories, and no matter what may come in this world, I will NEVER forget this night, and will never forget what you gave to the fans who came to see you. Your touring days might be winding to a close, but your legacy will always live on.

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