From: George
What I saw at Jones Beach last night was the last of the huge, rock show extravaganzaS from the 1970s. I first saw KISS in 1977 at Nassau Coliseum on Long Island during the original wave of "KISS Mania". Twenty-three years later, the band continues to put out 110% and have added an hour to their show. I took two friends to the show last night - it was their first rock concert of ANY kind! Needless to say, they will never forget it - and neither will I!
This was an outdoor show. Incredibly, the stage is actually built out on the water. The stadium overlooks a large inland bay with marshland. A beautiful place to see a show. As Ted Nugent shot is arrow into his hanging guitar (the guitar now looks like swiss cheese) and was carried off in full indian headress by his band member, the sun had already set and the moon was lighting the sky.
At the begining of the show, Paul promised us one of the best shows KISS ever gave and he was right on the money. Having seen KISS without makeup as well as during the last two reunion tours, this show was incredibly tight musically and theatrically. From the opening of "Detroit Rock City" to the finale, "Rock and Roll All Nite", KISS kept the crowd mesmerized. Even if you hated KISS (and were there for some reason) you could not help not getting drawn to the bands performance.
Paul Stanley was energetic and youthful as always. At nearly 50 years old, the way he can move, sing, and scream every night is amazing. Paul is not just a member of KISS, but a true legend in rock music. Ace was great as always. Some of his solo included brief bits of songs from his solo recordings. Of course his smoking, flying, and shooting guitar is legendary. Anyone who ever points out flaws in his playing or behavior could not do any better. The same holds true about the other band members. What can be said about Gene. The guy is a true performer. He risks serious injury every show. The blood, fire, and flying never get old. His playing and performing is as energetic as ever. Peter, who at 54 and coming off elbow surgery was fantasic. His drumming was right on as always. He was really have a great time.
All of the band members are in great shape. Paul did not have a knee brace on and was jumping around as usual. Ace was very trim. He looks like he did during the 1975 Alive tour!
The Farewell Tour is really not about money. They'll continue to make plenty in the future with or without this tour. It is about four guys who created something very special back in the early 70s who continue to enjoy doing it in the year 2000. The show could have been a half hour shorter and we would have gotten our money's worth. After each show, the band must be exhausted! But they also must be very proud. As the final bombs and smoke clear the stage, they must say to themselves, "wow, I can't believe what we just did!". The audience must be saying, "wow, I can't believe what I just saw!". For 27 years years we were both able to feel this way. But no more. As Paul said at the end of the show, "unlike other bands, KISS gives you a show to remember every night". DO NOT MAKE A HUGE MISTAKE - GO AND SEE THE SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!