From: Danny Gallucci
June 23rd, 2000 will live in my heart as "THE" night to remember. It was the last night, that the holy grail of rock'n'roll would ever collectively grace our fare city with their presence. Kiss rocked a packed house at the Air Canada Centre yesterday evening, and made sure that a good time was had by all. You could feel an insane energy and anticipation as the crowd anxiously awaited for the concert to begin. Suddenly, the lights went out, and the grand announcement was made....."Alright Toronto!! You wanted the best, you got the best....The Hottest Band in the World.....KISS!!!" And that was it. Everybody lost their minds, as Kiss broke into Detroit Rock City. Paul Stanley teased the crowd with his usual "come hither" antics and Gene was in fine demon form. The first five minutes of the show was a complete assault on the senses. Lights, bombs, smoke, fire, amplifiers turned up to eleven....pure genious! The first song ended, and just like a prize fighter continues to throw bombs at his already punch-drunk opponent, Kiss dealt the crowd with their knock-out punch, in the form of "Deuce." Without a chance to even break the energy, the band went straight into that opening riff and just ripped the song-off. They continued to throw left jabs and knock-out punches all night long. They played such classics as "Firehouse", "Shock Me," "Cold Gin" and "Blcak Diamond." Peter Criss and Ace Frehly were in especially fine form throughout the concert. In fact, I would have to say that Ace pretty much stole the show. He played his heart out and entertained the crowd with his usual half precise, half sloppy playing as he dragged his feet from one side of the stage to the other. His sound cut through the rest of the band and he was especiaally on fire during "100,000 Years." He blazed through those particular solos and then later performed his very special rendidition of "2001" which demonstrated Ace's unique sound, as well as technique.!

Peter Criss was also very energetic yesterday night, and played solidly throughout the two hour-plus show. Gene performed his God of Thunder shtick with grace and poise and had the entire crowd eating out of his hand as we unanimously chanted "Gene, Gene, Gene, Gene, etc." to which he promptly replied "I like it!" The band graciously spoke of their fondness for their fans, and how we had collectively made their dreams a reality. They continued to thank the crowd between songs and praised us for our loyalty and devotion over the years, and their gratitude was exemplified and demonstrated throughout the two hour show as they ripped through a pletora of Kiss classics with pure rock'n'roll sincerity. I have personally seen Kiss a total of seven times, and I could honestly say, without a doubt, that this was the best Kiss that I have ever seen. They had enery, stamina and they played with pure emotion. They frolicked and interacted with one another and they put on a show that Toronto Kiss fans will never forget. As they continued to thank the fans throughout the course of the evening, I could not help but feel extremely grateful for all of the years of pleasure and enjoyment that they have given to me personally. So on behalf of myself and all of the Toronto fans, we would like to bid you a fond farewell, and we too, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. A sincere and hearty thank-you goes out to you, Kiss. Our heroes of rock'n'roll!

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