From: Tom Buck
After spending four days of agony and anticipation at work, listening to Alive Monday, Alive II on Tuesday, Alive III on Wednesday, and you guessed it, You Wanted the Best on Thursday. Friday finally arrived. It was like waiting for a long overdue vacation. But I had the day off and was blazing my way to San Antonio from Houston for the first of two shows I would be attending. And there would have to be a death in the immediate family to keep me from gettin' to S.A.

On the road with my wife Kristin, the 10 disk changer randomly picking tracks from the plethora of KISS music on tap, the skies grew overcast and cold, but nothing was going to take from the excitement of seeing The Hottest Band In The World. We pull into S.A. a few hours early. Drive by the dome, just to check it out, since neither of us have ever been in it. Then go find a room for the night.

Once 5:30 rolls around, we are on our way to the show. Pick up a bite to eat accross the street and we're there. It was pretty cool mixing with fans from another city. But I believe KISS fans would get along in any situation, but it was nice talking to Mom's & Dad's as they put grease paint on their kids faces and enjoyed a quick meal....Showtime! Skid Row & Sweaty Teddy were both alright. The croud cheared and the bands rocked. It was nice to see Tommy Aldridge again after seeing him in 84 with OZZY and 87 with WHITESNAKE. Nugent was himself, same as in the 70's and I guess that was what he was going for opening for KISS in there Destroyer era get ups. So I kind of feel like I got to see something I was too young to see in it's hayday. Kind of like the whole KISS thing. Oh, and the new vocalist for the Skids is no Mr. Bach. But he did alright. Enough. On to why we're really here.

KISS once again proved why they are The Hottest Band In The World. I thought I had seen it all in 96, but can one rock & roll fan really ever get enough fire breathing, rocket launching, blood spitting, bombs booming, sparks flying, drums rising and pillars of fire? I think not. Plus four of the most charismatic guys ever to step on stage? No wonder the're the the Kings of Rock. Lots of other band incorporate one or two or maybe even three of these specticals into their shows. But KISS has always overwhealmed it's fans with great sights and sounds. Making their show absolutely unforgetable. Not to mention Paul flew right over my head and as I jumped from my seat, I knicked his boot with my fingers. He was that close. My wife says "look at his little butt, he's so little" A lot of truth to that statement, especially since I'm 20 years younger than Paul and about 30 pounds heavier and two inches shorter. The guy looked great. They all looked great. I had my doubts after seeing them seventh row in 96. I thought they could never look that good again. But when KISS does something, they go full force and the guys all looked like they really got in shape for this tour again. Considering the're all 50 something. 'cept Ace, think he's 49. But I dare say I'd look so good in 20 years. I hope so.

It's been said time and time again by the members of KISS that they give the fans what they want and give them the're monies worth. Well I must say, it was worth every penny I spent on tickets, gas, food, concert shirts, tour book and the room. They absolutely blew San Antonio away. After the show, while taking a well deserved restroom break. There were quite a few fans in the room also waiting for relief. It got quiet for a moment and I said, quite loudly "I want you all to know (as 50 or so heads turned to look at me) that every band in the world will have to measure up to what you all just saw... And none of they will even come close." The restroom roared. I wanted everyone there to realize what they hat just witnessed. And appreciate what KISS has done for so many people. In 96 I got to relive my childhood and go back in time to when I was 7 years old. At least 7 years before my first real concert. And witness something I had waited my whole life to see. To see the guys that I had built up in my mind as gods of rock. My heros as a child. To be Ace Frehley or Luke Skywalker was the coolest thing in the world. To see they in makeup is almost a religious experience for those true KISS ARMY fans. And to have gotten to see it all again, this time being 6 years old, I can't put into word how awsome they were. I just remember having an uncontrolable smile on my face during the whole show. Now I feel I've seen the Love Gun and Destroyer tours. My childhood is complete. KISS truley are the undisputed Kings of Rock and Roll. They have pemanently stained the face of this planet with their music, spectical and personalities. God bless Ace, Gene, Peter & Paul and long live the KING. I will never forget you guys. Now on to Houston to see 'em again!!! WooHoo!

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