From: Brian
How do you possibly describe 27 years of history in one review? It's hard to believe so much time has passed, that KISS has been a part of our lives for so long, and now it's over (at least until the next time they need a paycheck).

Skid Row kicked off the show at the E-Centre Friday night with a powerful, tight, high energy set. Heavy on the hits, Sebastian Bach and the gang delivered a huge punch that set the stage for what was to follow. Ted Nugent then brought the house to its feet with his own brand of rock and roll and humor. Among the highlights were a new song asking Janet Reno, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and others to "kiss my ass" and Ted freaking out about the sound operators screwing up his guitar, which was cutting in and out. "Hey New Jersey, did one of you union guys touch my f*ckin' guitar?!" he screamed at one point, to the delight of the audience.

And then, it was time for KISS. What can I tell you? Every time I hear those magical words "you wanted the best..." (delivered by Sebastian Bach of all people) I'm a little kid again. These guys aren't human, they really are four superheroes. The show opened with "Detroit Rock City" (with Gene, Paul, and Ace descending the stage on a huge platform) and from the first second, you could tell the band was in fine form. Paul's vocals were in great shape and the band looked and sounded great. I admit I was not impressed with the Psycho Circus tour and, frankly, was a little worried that KISS wouldn't deliver. Those fears were put to rest immediately.

The band played a very tight set, with interjections from Paul thanking the fans for all their dedication over the years and to remember that this tour was a time of celebration, not sadness. The band ripped through alot of the old favorites (I wish I had written down the order) including: "Do You Love Me", "Let Me Go Rock N Roll", "Cold Gin", "Shout It Out Loud", "Deuce", and "Dr. Love". "Psycho Circus" was the only selection from their last album to make the grade, and it was incredible to hear "I Love It Loud" (audience was really in to this one), "Heaven's On Fire" and "Lick It Up" done with the original four. "Love Gun" saw Paul again "fly" into the audience and deliver the best one man show money can by. Ace delivered a great guitar solo during "2,000 Man" (I still miss that this doesn't happen during "Shock Me" anymore). Peter's short drum solo came during "100,000 Years" and, of course, Gene's bass was center stage for a blood spitting, high rise version of "God O! f Thunder". The set closed with Paul solo on stage singing the first verse and chorus of "I Still Love You" from Creatures and then breaking in to the familiar notes of "Black Diamond".

The encore featured Peter doing "Beth" ("It's great to be back home, Jersey" he said at one point) and "Rock And Roll All Nite" during which Paul kept pointing out "Sing with us people, it's the last time". At one point towards the end Paul also remarked "Never Forget Us".

So, an amazing show, and I now want to get tickets to say goodbye one more time. I was surprised to not hear "Strutter", "King Of The Night Time World" or "Makin' Love" but we can't have everything. And I liked the encore better when it had three songs instead of two, but again that's just being picky. And, lest you worry, the area was full with $30 programs, $20 T-Shirts, and other KISS merchandise to pick up.

So, KISS, thank you for a magical evening, and for 27 years of the greatest rock and roll in the world.

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