From: Neko Taikoka
This was my second "farewell" show this week and I was not disappointed. This time around I took my 14 year old son, who is as much a fan as I am. His particular favorite member is ACE, while mine is the CATMAN - Peter Criss.

If you read my previous (Ft. Myers) review, then just think "ditto" when it comes to Skid Row and Ted Nugent.

As for KISS, they just don't stop surprising me. Tonight they changed the into from the usual one that I have seen and heard about since Phoenix; the explosion/curtain drop and then they are lowered down.

Tonight the black curtain with the KISS logo was lowered and stayed in place. Then the familiar "ALRIGHT ORLANDO YWTBYGTB etc" was announced and the opening for DRC started. When it comes time to repeat the measure, the curtain dropped (with explosion) and Ace, Gene and Paul are being lowered down while playing with Peter being lowered down right behind them.

This entrance is by far, without a doubt, the BEST that I have even seen in the last 27 years!!! I kid you not, this beats out anything else done in the past, which proves that KISS just keeps getting better and better.

Oh granted there may have been a couple of mistakes made through out the evening, but hell, these guys are the greatest Rock n' Roll band of all times.

The set list remained the same and even Gene and Paul's flying stunts worked, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Both Gene and Paul seemed to be putting their all into their performances as is Ace and Peter.

Oh and BTW, I am so tired of hearing and reading that every other "critic" out there believes that their dead grandmothers can play better than the CATMAN. As a (KISS) drummer, I believe that I am uniquely qualified in expressing (IMO) that Mr. Criss is not only quite talented and gifted, but that he is in fact one of the best drummers in the business today.

Let me go a step further; as "THE KISS DRUMMER" Mr. Criss is without a doubt second to none when it comes to creating the living heart beat of each and every song played during each and every show. The man is simply without equal.

I admire many drummers, but consider Mr. Criss as not only a drumming role model, but as my single most creative influence and teacher.

So take that you Catman bashers!!!!

Tomorrow it's on to Tampa and I will be sure to submit a review of that show as well.

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