From: Rocker461
Well, I don't really know where to begin. I';ve just seen the "Hottest Band In The World" for the last time....for a total of 8 times in my life and I can honestly say that this show was the best of the 8.

Rupp Arena is one of those great places to see a show...not a bad seat in the house, but unfortunately Kentucky rednecks don't know a good show. Only about 7500 showed up for the concert, (the arena holds 23,000 PLUS) but the small crowd that was there was treated as if it were a sold out show by KISS. Kentucky must be a state mostly of teeny boppers because all the new "boy" groups sell out fast. BUt for some reason, KISS has never sold well in Lexington, despite playing 8 shows there and 4 since 1992. At least they always came back for the faithful one's like me!

Skid Row opened as usual on this tour, and I must say I was impressed. They were TIGHT...great guitar work and the vocals were very tight. The new guy doesn't have the range that Sebastian Bach did, and this was especially noted on I Will Remember You. But all in all, Monkey Business, Youth Gone Wild, 18 and Life and the others sounded incredibly smooth. This band is gonna ROCK AGAIN!

Ted Nugent was ok. I'd seen him before a few years back in Michigan with a full band to compliment him...this time just Ted on guitar, a bass player and a drummer so the sound was RAW, but that is when Ted is best. He did all of his big songs and I for one laughed my ass off when we did KISS MY ASS and poked fun at everybody from Jessee Jackson to Janet Reno. I don't know why people on this board get so pissed about that...we live in a free country. Let him say what he wants to say! I bet he really has to restrain himself on his radio show...at least with the obscenities and I bet that is tough on him!

KISS came out to Detroit Rock City....my first impression when the curtain dropped was "What an incredible stage". It is the best looking stage since the Alive 2 inside sleeve. Totally incredible. The guys looked like they were having fun and treated the crowd like a sellout, even though the upper level was pretty much empty and the lower level had lots of holes (empty seats). It seemed like this show featured Gene more than anyone else. I didn't keep count, but seems like he did more songs than Paul. I know for a fact, Deuce, Let Me Go, R&R All Nite, God of Thunder, Cold Gin (with Ace singing second verse), Dr Love. While Paul did Detroit, I Still Love You, Lick It Up, Love Gun, 100,000 Years, Heavens on Fire, Pete did Black Diamond and Beth and Ace did Shock Me and 2000 Man.

There were a few other songs in there as well but it seemed like Gene totally dominated the stage.

Paul was his usual self...he works a crowd better than any frontman! It actually brought tears to my eyes when he thanked everyone ..."You know...27 years ago four guys got together and made some songs, they told us we wouldn't make it...you proved them wrong.....then we took off the make up...and they said we wouldn't make it...you proved them wrong...then we reunited and they said who cares...you proved them wrong...then we said we were saying farewell...and they said so what? You proved them wrong".

"We;ve been coming to Rupp Arena a long time....in fact, we've been staying in Chicago for this leg of the tour and I wanted to stay in Lexington so I got a room at the Hyatt next door..you've always made us feel at home here and for that we thank you"....PAUL.

It was hard to believe it, but it was coming to an end. And as the band walked off a confetti covered stage after the encore of RRAN, amidst all the euphoria and the emotional high of being wowed by another great show, my post concert experience was tinged with some depression that never again will there be a band that will give us a show like KISS. Thanks guys for 27 great years...I've been on board since 1976...it's been 23 great one's for me...I grew up with KISS and will always be a fan...best of luck in everything you do and thanks for the ride!

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