From: Michael McAfee
I am a 33 year old KISS nut. This concert marked my 38th time seeing my heroes on stage; and if it must be my last, then what a way to go out! I've seen every tour but "Unmasked" since 1979, so I was expecting something pretty spectacular if KISS were truly here to say goodbye.

Skid Row was great, but I think they are hurting themselves with their set list. To only have 30 minutes, they should dump the wannabe punk tunes & go right for our throats. We know it's not Sebastian, but play the songs that made people notice & love you. Great performances from the Skids & the new singer is a perfect replacement for the seemingly high maintenance Bach.

This made the 3rd time I've seen Ted Nugent, and it was by far the best. As everyone has heard, the core of Tommy Aldridge & Marco Mendoza was outstanding. Their incredible tightness made it easy for Ted to solo & improv like he's famous for, and they really raised the bar for what a rhythm section should actually sound like. If you're tired of hearing that Ted bitches during his show, or don't agree with what he says; leave or don't watch him. If you're there for him you'll love it; if not hang out by the shirt booth.

KISS started from the ceiling & played all the same tunes you've read about 200 times. What they played wasn't nearly as important to me as HOW they played. AMAZING! I've never heard Ace or Peter play better. All the reports that Pete is light touching the drums may be true at every other gig so far, but in Louisville he was hitting & sweating like his life depended on it. Imagine Eric Singer without all the technique & you've got a great image of what we got from Mr. Criss. Ace also went well beyond his norm, both musically & vocally. He really gave us his all, and that made his contributions stellar. He moved, smiled & played with all three of his bandmembers all night, and took the singing of "Happy Birthday" in stride. Paul was without a doubt the star of the evening. Not only does he look like he lives in a gym, but his voice has never been anywhere near this strong or expressive. He may be using this tour as a means to prepare himself for Broadway, but we are certainly benefiting from it, too! I was also blown away by how much Paul spoke to us during the show. Not since the "Anamalize" days have I heard so much commentary from the stage; and it made the night much more personal.I really enjoy when the evening feels like one big conversation with a friend. As much as I'd love to just rave, it's pointless. Gene was the scary, unpleasant monster who would sometimes forget he isn't supposed to smile or laugh; Paul wiggled, twirled & flirted; Ace gigled & stumbled like the character we all love; and Peter reminded us all how exciting KISS really is.

For 2 1/2 hours, I was taken to a place I'll probably never go to again. And as sad as I am that KISS is done; I'm overwhelmed that four people who only see me in a mass of faces before them made me feel cared about, loved & appreciated.

Now stop reading reviews before you see the show & start pulling out your albums & remembering why you started loving KISS in the first place, because after you see this show you'll realize you love them much more than you thought.

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