From: Bill Gutierrez
What an evening to remember as a KISS fan! Growing up with the boy’s since 1977, I have witnessed a lot of good music and amazing stage shows! However, when the original line up came back into existence, it made me realize what a powerful influence they truly were in the music industry. Sure, they never received all the musical recognition and awards, but without a doubt, they showed everyone, no matter what style of music, how to really put on a show. Well last night was no exception, and all they managed to do was leave every rabid KISS fan in that sold out arena, wanting more!!

First of all, hats off to the sound crew, for doing the best mix I ever heard out of a KISS show! Once they got the volume right on Ace’s guitar, KISS sounded awesome!! Even though they were louder than a fleet of 747’s in a hanger, they sounded crystal clear. Especially the vocals, which always seem to be a problem for most bands and their crew’s to get right.

The boys looked great, they played great, and a special congrats to Peter, who has really been unfairly criticized of late, for not playing well. Well let’s see you 52 year-olds out there, try to do what he is trying to do, with his arms and wrists so messed up. I thought he played great, and he seems like he has loosened up a little, and not afraid to let it rip. I do miss his drum solo’s but, I’d rather see him not do those than screw himself up any further. He played well and he played tight with the band. Good for you Pete, you’re still my drum hero.

Ace played exceptionally well, and his solo was great, because he really threw some variety in there. Paul was Paul, and showed that he still is the ultimate front man. Gene was absolutely his best, when it came to God of Thunder. You could tell he was really having fun out there, doing his bit, and he played his demon character to the hilt. The audience just loved it!!

One absolutely hysterical moment came up, when Paul decided to go into a little rap about if the fan’s in Oakland really liked the Grateful Dead or not. You could tell the band was a little perplexed with this, and Peter chimed in “Well, I like them, with a sheepish chuckle. When Paul asked Gene what he thought, at first he refused to comment, then he kind of pointed towards himself, as to what type of music he likes. But then, he couldn’t refuse any longer and went up to the mic where Paul was standing. He looked Paul in the eye, and he said “Are you f-ing nuts tonight? With that you could hear Peter cackle with laughter, and they all laughed out loud. I still really don’t know what Paul was trying to do there, but it sure was a funny moment.

What really made this evening so special was to see that the band was really having fun up there, and they were giving it their all for their loyal fans. You could tell they were really enjoying themselves and not just going through the motions. And it was really nice of them to mention how many times they thanked the audience for being there for them and making them the success they really are. You could tell that was meant from the heart.

My only minor complaint?? Where were all the girls in the T/A front row??? Except for two small-breasted girls, that were wearing some latex-looking pasties, there was no side-show entertainment. What’s up with that?? I remember the San Jose show, during the reunion tour, they had a porn star named Tiffany Million up there front and center.what a treat that was, the whole audience went insane when they put her on the screens. Oh well, we can’t everything can we??

I only wish I could be there for the final concert, wherever that may be, because that will truly be a special and emotional show. I sure am gonna miss Gene, Ace, Peter, and Paul, but I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart, for such an amazing 27 plus years! No true KISS fan will ever forget you guys, and KISS will forever be etched into Rock and Roll history. God bless you guys!! Thanks for the wonderful memories!!!

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