From: Liz Lara
"They said you wouldn't care or wouldn't come......Irvine, you proved them wrong!!" -Paul Stanely My boys came back stronger than ever! Their performance was a lot better than the Anaheim show back in March. I had 10th row in Anaheim and 11th row at Irvine, my view was unforgettable. I snuck in a camera and got a lot of shots of Uncle Ted and KISS. What a show! My ears are still ringing!

My boyfriend and I got to Irvine early enough to hear KISS do sound check. We heard them practice Love Gun, God of Thunder and Strutter. Too bad for all because Strutter did not make it on the set list that evening. What a tease they are! It would have been great to have heard Strutter one more time...

So, Skid Row warmed up the crowd with the usual favorites- Youth Gone Wild, 18 and Life, and I Remember You. They rocked. Later on, Uncle Ted came out in a classic way- a line from the movie "Blazing Saddles" came on the speakers, "I'd like to extend a warm and hearty handshake to our new......N-----." Very appropriate for Ted (I think). Anyway, as in Anaheim, he totally rocked. He had the crowd going crazy during Cat Scratch Fever and his political song- KISS my Ass (dedicated to our Attorney Gen. Janet Reno). He saw, he aimed, he killed the Buffalo! You rule Ted.

Now for the show..... as soon as the black curtain came down with the huge KISS logo, the crowd went nuts. "Alright Irvine, you wanted the Best, you got the Best. The Hottest Band in the World-- KISS" They opened it up with Detroit Rock City and from then on, the crowd never sat down. They all looked thinner and rested (this was their first show back from a well deserved rest). This time, Paul was able to "join the crowd" and sang Love Gun from the front of the Terrace section. Gene also flew to the top of the set without any mechanical problems like at Anaheim. My favorites were- Cold Gin, God of Thunder, 2000 Man, Let Me Go RocknRoll, and I Still Love You played during Paul's solo. WOW.

I'm 28 years old and have been a KISS fan since the 5th grade. I've been to over 25 KISS concerts, my first KISS concert being the Lick it Up Tour. I've loved them with make-up, without make-up, and reunited. I've never strayed as many fans did. I've had the pleasure of meeting them twice. They are great guys who have managed to overcome their differences to Rock and Roll All Nite and Party Everyday one more time. People at my work often ask why I still love Kiss. The answer is simple-- they are great performers. My boyfriend and I have this debate all the time (his favorite band is Led Zep). KISS is not comprised with the BEST musicians ever, but they are comprised with the BEST performers you will ever witness on stage. And isn't that what it's all about anyway?

Enjoy the show fellow KISS Army Fans! This may be the last time we will see the Hottest Band in the Land- ***KISS***

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