From: Mark Rossel
The Friday, June 23 show at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto marked the third time that I have seen the classic lineup of Paul, Gene, Ace, and Peter. A very good show.

To begin with, Skid Row was mildly entertaining for the few fans that were there at that time. The difference between Sebastan Bach and his replacement, Johnny Solinger, was negligible.

Next up was Ted Nugent. I was very impressed with his show and his band. The crowd (at this time almost full) really responded to Ted and his music. Tommy Aldridge (ex Whitesnake, ex Ozzy) was absolutely phenomenal on the drums. The Nuge’s bassist, who rounded out the band, was also impressive.

I really enjoyed Gene’s solo/flying/God of Thunder thing, Ace’s solo, and Paul’s solo thing. However, Peter’s drum solo was a bit of a bore. Speaking of Peter, few would argue that Eric Carr, Anton Fig, and Eric Singer are technically superior drummers than Peter Criss. Peter’s playing was solid but lackluster; I just felt he lacked the important element of showmanship. Sure, he was smiling and having a good time, but he just seemed to be towing the line.

The set list was somewhat a disappointment. It was virtually the same set I saw at the Reunion tour and Psycho Circus tour, save for “Shock Me”, and the 80’s tunes (which I thoroughly enjoyed). Paul and Gene have always maintained that there “are some songs that we just have to play”. I disagree. Do they really have to play songs like “Let Me Go”, “Dr. Love”, “Cold Gin”, “Do You Love Me?”, “100,000 years”, and “Firehouse” at every show? Why can’t they introduce some more obscure songs, especially with this being the farewell tour? The fans want it and deserve it. Why not dig out some classic cuts like “Take Me”, “Watchin’ You”, “Let Me Know”, “Hotter than Hell”, “Into the Void”, “Hard Luck Woman”, “Got to Choose”, “Strange Ways”, “Christine Sixteen”, or even some solo material?

Despite the shortcomings of the set list, Gene, Paul, Peter, and Ace were all in fine form and put on a very enjoyable show. Great pyro, great sound, and a great atmosphere. The bottom line? Kiss did what they know best: rock & roll all night and party . . . well, you know the rest.

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