From: Ante
From the moment the curtain rose to cover the stage, expectation was in the air.

In a largely untried venue for rock concerts (the Sydney Superdome was specifically built for the 2000 Olympics), KISS proved that not only was the venue a perfect setting but the band is making a final curtain call at the peak of their career.

With no disrespect intended for Peter Criss (who I did not have the chance to see at his peak), this is certainly the best KISS line up since 1980.

I say this because Eric Singer is one hell of a drummer who looks like a kid in a lolly shop. The resemblance to Peter Criss in makeup is very obvious, however his mannerisms are also Criss like, whether it is intentional or not, I am not sure. However he beats those drums with such enjoyment that it is a pleasure to watch. Even without the flaming drum sticks he played a hot solo and runs a tight ship when playing.

Paul Stanley's stint as the Phantom in Phantom Of The Opera has improved his vocal abilities even at this late stage of his career. I wish that he wasn't swapping the rock stage for the theatre but all good things must come to an end. He will go down as one of the greatest front men in the history of rock n roll.

Like a fine wine Gene's growl keep getting better with age. His musical contribution peaked in 1992 with the release of Revenge however 28 years on he is still the most haunting figure on stage, placing the current crop of Gene Simmons try hards to shame. If Paul can sing Lick It Up and Heaven's On Fire with makeup on then there should be room for an Unholy or a Domino on the final tour.

Which brings me to Ace Frehley. Space Ace is enjoying himself. He appreciates that it is rare for anyone to have two bites of a cherry, however he has. Maybe not as technically proficient as the KISS guitarists that followed his depature from the band, Ace's persona and his ability to perfectly fit a riff, a lick or a solo to the first decade of KISS has made him the most popular.

Watching Ace hop onstage like a kangaroo when Paul Stanley described what they first thought they would find in Australia the first time they toured our country was hilarious. Watching Ace stop himself from laughing while Gene tickled Ace's neck with his tongue while Ace was in full musical motion was great as well. Ace is having the time of his life and when you go back to your solo career please come to visit a country that is loyal to you Ace.

Also what is fantastic about this show is that it is a combination of 28 years of theatrics all rolled into one. Two and half hours of entertainment worth every cent of the $175.00 tickets.

When you consider that the three core members left in the band are around the 50 mark they don't seem to mind the physically demanding aspects of the show. The heat generated on stage from the lights, flares and fireworks can be felt on the floor but it must be at least 10 degrees hotter on stage and even with those costumes on these guys don't seem to be bothered by it.

I have been fortunate to see the band live in 1995 (unmasked), 1997 (makeup) and now 2001 (makeup). Of those that I have witnessed live, this was most certainly the best show that combined music an theatrics.

All four members were firing on all cylinders and from where I was sitting in row 10 centre dancefloor.

The Sydney squadron of the KISS ARMY, some 17,000 of them were in full force from beginning to the bittersweet end.

What KISS proved tonight is that they are leaving the stage whilst still in peak form.

From the stunning opening of Detroit Rock City to the confetti spewing end of Rock n Roll All Nite, this band are entertainers (my personal musical highlights were a song I never expected to hear live, Talk To Me, Stanley alone on stage singing Hard Luck Woman, 100,000 Years even though Paul did not catch the mike the second time he threw it in the air and dived on the floor to retrieve it, the medley of She, Parasite, New York Groove etc. was fantastic even though it was a bit messy with Paul seeing the funny side of Gene not being on cue).

Everyone knows, the stunts within the show, so there is no point in elaborating and no matter how many times you see it on video, the show is always better live.

However video is all that we will have as a momento of this unique band. Those of us lucky enough to have seen KISS and who have been swept up in the euphoria of purchasing muliple copies of albums on record, tape, CD, video, bootlegs, dolls etc. will be able to describe to future generations the impact of this great band not only in the music industry, but how they affected people's lives.

Thank you KISS for leaving an imprint on everyone's lives. Not only everyone at the Superdome, but the way that the music industry entertains and entertainment in general. Whether you like KISS or not another musical act that you like would have definitely been influenced either directly or indirectly by this amazing band.

No one has come close to KISS since their inception and nor will they ever.

Thank you for giving us in Australia a chance to salute and thank you for the music one last time.

Thank you for allowing Sydney to witness the greatest ever concert by the greatest ever band.

Now if only 2,000 Man, Strutter, I Stole Your Love, Everytime I Look At You, Charisma, I Just Wanna, Hide Your Heart, C'Mon And Love Me, Flaming Youth, Is That You, Tomorrow, Crazy Nights etc. were included in the set it would have been even better.

It was one of those concerts that you wish would never end.

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