From: Lorie Petrey
Hi everyone! Here is my review of the Toronto show. Sorry about the delay but I've had modem problems.

After a five hour drive from Toledo and checking into the Sheraton Centre, I was ready for a concert. The entire trip there, my husband, Pat, was constantly griping that the show better be good. (Yes, I'm married to a non-fan) I kept assuring him that he would enjoy himself and not to worry. Well, my enthusiasm and the atmosphere of the crowd worked a miracle on him because when we got to the souvenir stand he bought me a shirt AND bought himself a shirt AND a hat! I couldn't believe it! I've known Pat since 1986 and we'll be celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary in October and I thought I knew him. SURPRISE!

Our seats were side stage. I thought they would be crappy. OH was I wrong! They were fabulous. I'll recommend them to anyone who can't get front section floor. We were able to see backstage and the raised side stage served as a private stage to our section. We also had a great view of the arena. I loved watching the people come in. There were a lot of people in make-up and costume. I forgot my camera but I did have my binoculars and had a blast watching the "circus" of fans as they took their seats. One thing that can be said about KISS fans is we are a creative bunch.

Anyway, On to the show

SKID ROW: Much better show than Toledo. You could understand the lead singer (name?) and the crowd interacted with them very well. I want that red shirt Dave was wearing! It was so cool. They could have played for more than 30 minutes easy.

TED NUGENT: Not as good as Toledo. Pat was kinda disappointed. He thought there would be more substance but what do you expect from an opening act. Ted did his homework before the show. He named some politicians that must have been Canadian (I didn't recognize the names) and the crowed went wild. And his infamous line about not speaking the language caused the loudest pre-KISS scream of the night. Also, when he shot the arrow, it landed in the speaker instead of the back of the guitar.

KISS: In a nutshell, it was Paul's night. He strutted. He posed (and posed and posed). He bounced around the stage like a ping pong ball hyped on caffeine. And to my delight, he spent a lot of time on the side stage almost right in front on me. (I was only 10 rows up) I felt like he was playing (and posing) just for me. Sigh! Hey, I may be married but I ain't dead. His flying rig worked perfectly for Love Gun, but on the way back he almost stepped off the ring too soon and would had fallen into the first few rows in front of the stage. Fortunately, he recovered and landed perfectly on the stage.

Ace acted like he wasn't feeling well. He was kinda reserved and I saw him hitting the water or Gatorade a lot. He didn't jump around as much as he did in Toledo. I noticed Paul changed the foam cover on the mic a couple of times on the side stage so I think Ace is suffering from another cold. He's a 'Rock Soldier' though and did the best he could in spite of it. He was VERY generous with the picks. And I still didn't catch one!

I didn't see much of Gene. He stayed over on his side of the stage for most of the night. I don't think he appreciated the Demon-head-on-a pike that someone had on the floor in front of Ace's side of the stage. What I did see of him, he looked great. He looks like he dropped a few pounds. In fact they all look like they've lost weight. Paul is getting really thin and Ace is a twig.

Peter was really on top of his game and having the time of his life. I swear if his smile were any bigger it would wrap around his head. Pat commented on his gum chewing. My jaw hurts just thinking how Pete was chomping on gum Friday night. After Beth when Pete was walking off stage he kept flashing a light on his belt to find the steps through the fog. I could just read his mind "Where are the **** steps at! Oh, here they are."

At the end when they came out to take their bows, Ace and Pete came out first and Pete laid down at the edge of the stage, reached out and shook hands with the fans while waiting for Paul and Gene to come out on stage. When Pete stood up it looked like Paul tried to playfully push Pete into the audience. Everyone could easily see how happy and grateful all four guys were for everything.

The only downside for me was some moron sitting right in front of me was smoking joints throughout the show. YUCK! I forgot how sick that junk makes me. I was in such desperate need of fresh air that I couldn't get out side fast enough after the show was over. Why do some people have to ruin it for others like that.

Last, but not least, I think I (finally) converted my husband to KISS. He admitted it was the best show he has ever seen and bought KISS Alive! on CD to listen to on the way home. He also said he would like to see them one more time. Dayton, maybe or Indy. Here's hoping!

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