From: Matthew Farmer
I have always been one of those fans that no matter how long I have waited in line, I still only get nose bleed seets. Unfortunately, this is not a Cinderalla story. Because this is the Farewell Tour, and wanting to see the band up close just once, I just went straight to a ticket broker and took it up the you know what. However, I was able to purchase second row center seats and though they were a ton of cash, the show was well worth it.

I won't detail the Skid Row and Ted Nugent sets. Both were entertaining in their own right but I just couldn't wait for them to end and get to the main show. I did get a guitar pick from the Nugent set which was a first for me (again, never being that close). Also note, I've slanted this review heavily towards what was "cool for me" instead of providing detailed comments on set list and the like. I am sure someone will post a review containing this information if you are interested.

Once KISS started, it was almost more than I could handle. I have been a fan since the wee age of seven in 1978 (do the math, you now know my age!!) and seeing my hereos up close was to say the least unreal. Seeing KISS from this vantage point ranks right up there with my wedding and the birth of my daughter.

During the show, one of my goals was to get a set of guitar picks. I couldn't believe my luck right out the gate. As KISS was lowered from the rafters, Ace tossed out a guitar pick that I caught. I still can't believe it!! That was a great rush and a tremendous way to start the show!!!

With one down, I needed two more. If I may digress for a moment, it was almost comical to see a zillion fans drop to their feet if a guitar pick hit the arena floor (my brother, who went with me, included). You would have thought hundred dollarbills were being tossed into the crowd. In any event, about midway through the set, I happened to glance down and see a Paul Stanley pick sitting on the chair infront of me. I could not believe my luck! Two down!!!

Before trying to get a Gene pick, during the Ace solo, I had another big moment. At the end of Ace's solo (where he plays the riff faster and faster until completion) Ace through the pick he used to finish the solo into the crowd. As luck (or as I'd like to think, fate!!!) I caught that pick too!!! It was pretty cool to see this pick; he shredded the tip of the darn thing. In any event, because I had an Ace pick already and because my brother had not scored a pick yet, I gave him the pick. Needless to say, he was pumped over this!

By the time it got to RNRAN, I had no Gene pick. I don't know about the other shows, but Gene did not seem to throw hardly any picks into the audience compared to Ace and Paul (who seemed to throw well over a hundred a piece into the audience). This somewhat bummed me out because I really wanted a set. Then I could not believe my eyes. Between my feet, somewhat hidden by the confetti, was what appeared to be the "$immons" signature. I reached down and Yes!!!! a Gene pick! I still can't believe it! Fifteen cents in guitar picks and I feel like I won the lottery!!

On a "weird souvenier" note, when the band came out to play RNRAN, Ace through his cup partially filled with soda into the crowd. I got sticky fingers and my brother got the cup (sounds like some perverted porno, I know!!!) He was thrilled. He is now the proud owner of a red Dixie Cup with the word "Ace" written in silver on black duct tape stuck to the cup. If you want to know further useless trivia, the straw inside the cup is taped so as not to move around. I guess rock stars have everything.......

As a cheap souvenier, you may want to consider picking up a big wad of confetti after the show. I wore a cap to the show and filled the hat up afterwards. I plan on putting the confetti in a pickle jar of somesort with a KISS logo on front together with the concert date. This is not something that will have any monetary value but will be another reminder of the show for me.

I would like to point out that from my seat, the sound was terrible. I don't know if it was the arena I was in, from sitting to close or a combination of the two. The bass dominated from my vantage point and I had a hard time making out vocals and guitar (fortunately, I know the words to the KISS songs). This sucked more during Paul's raps between songs. If I can ever see a tape of this show, I'd like to find out what he was saying!!

Overall, an A+++ experience. If you have never been able to experience the band up close and are a big fan, I would recommend shelling out the bucks (if you have it) in order to get close seats (I wouldn't recommend this for any other band). You feel as if you are a part of the show and having Gene look at you (even though he is probably looking at the girl behind you but you are too pumped up or naive to know the difference) with blood, tongue, etc., looking right at you, it is great. This will truly be a show I will remember dearly for the rest of my life.

If anyone else went to the Reno show, feel free to drop me an e-mail at mefer1917@cs.com

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