From: Shane Penney
I've visited Montreal maybe 8 or 9 times. I've done a tour of the Molson Center (The venue that KISS has played since 96'). Anyhow, this time I wanted another tour of the arena when KISS was in townn.

At 2:45 the day of the show (The 22nd) my girlfriend and I managed to get a tour of the arena with about 20 other people, of whom about 15 were KISS fans. Anyhow, we saw the roadies setting up the KISS stage. There was one roadie who was testing Gene's flying apparatus. He tested it about 10 times while the tour of the arena was going on. Anyhow, I got some pictures of the stage partially set up, as well as the KISS ARMY banners hanging from the ceiling. I hope they come out alright. I also got some pictures of the KISS equipment cases with the logo on it. We were allowed to walk backstage so far, and I saw the "pyro area" and the little areas under the stage where the boys hide during the solos. I know this may be no big deal to some, but I found it cool.

The best part was that the KISS fans in the tour group were obnoxious (and they knew it), and were very excited. We all had a lot of fun talking and getting excited about the show. Anyhow, during the tour someone played a power chord from the stage in what was the very beginning of the soundcheck. We were told KISS were doing their soundcheck about 30 minutes after the tour ended. Too bad the tour wasn't longer. About 15 of the people in the group ran towards areas that were banned from the tour. They were all asking " Is that Ace?" It was like a group of kids entering Disneyland for the first time. Very funny, but also kinda cool. Thank you to the boys from Nova Scotia (there were 4 of them) for providing the comedy and entertainment during the tour. You guys helped pump us up, and made us smile.

Now for the show. I'll pretty much ignore the openers, only to say that they were entertaining. KISS came on, and blew the place apart. They were in good spirits, and played great.The versions of "Psycho Circus", "2000 Man", and "God of Thunder" were among the best versions I had ever heard of the songs. Musically, I thought they were better this time then in 1996, and they were good then as well. A big contribution to this was Paul's voice. His stint at "Phantom" certainly helped improve his voice in my opinion. I was much more into the musical performance this time because 1996 was the first time I had ever seen the originals. I guess I was in awe then, because I had wanted to see the originals in makeup since 1985 when I became a fan. Ace was on, as were Gene and Peter. Amazingly, Gene didn't forget any of the words to the songs :) The only bad thing about the performance was that Ace screwed up the solo to "Shock Me".

The stage was well used, and there was more pyro then I expected. I thought the entrance was much better then in 1996. Gene's blood spitting was incredible. Very disgusting, which is the way it should be. Ace had some technical problems with the guitar flying, and his sound levels (from where I was) during the performance. This probably caused him to screw up the solo to "Shock Me". It looked like he had a problem with his monitor. I loved the little extras on the video screen during "Do You Love Me?", and "2000 Man". The risers at the end were an unexpected treat as well.

However, I preferred the setlist in 1996 to the one this year. I really missed "Strutter", "Rock Bottom", and "Watchin' You". I guess they can't please everyone. The 80's songs seemed to go over well with the crowd. I also found them enjoyable.

In general the show was better this year then in 1996. This says a lot. I thought I'd never see them top the 1996 show. I guess I was wrong. It's too bad this was my last show.

Thanks for the memories Peter, Gene, Ace and Paul. You guys will always be the best!

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