From: Ken Gullic
This being my FOURTH show on this tour (Phoenix, Houston & Dallas having taken place over TWO MONTHS ago) I was certainly looking forward to some changes in the set... and yes there have been some, but I would consider them minor. Though the show is still a good one, the reunion tour was full of mid-show set list changes (I Stole Your Love, Take Me, Rock Bottom) but alas- there's none of that this time around.

For starters, the intro is tighter (them coming down from the ceiling while playing is pretty cool!) which means they should BRING BACK THE INTRO FILM FROM VANCOUVER & PHOENIX- a way to jazz up the crowd more than TED can with his campy right wing hunter crap. Funny the first time you see it... ANYWAY: They're still starting the show with the two "D" songs, DETROIT ROCK CITY and DEUCE. And I must say Peter seems much more lively now. Going out of his way to look at the camera and smile- and bash that kit too!! The "D" songs are followed by the two "LOUD" songs... SHOUT IT OUT LOUD (great camera work, with a "tri-edit" of Ace, Paul and Gene at their respective mics!) and I LOVE IT LOUD (this goes over BIG time). They crank the drum mix (mega reverb on Petey's snare) and this song belongs to classic KISS now. From there, it's pretty much what you'd expect. The other consistent highlight is DO YOU LOVE ME! With the retro footage (from the Vancouver intro documentary) this works SO well. From the Mike Douglas footage to a nice pan from UNPLUGGED (with all 6 members) it's pretty cool. Maybe THE highlight in the show. Other minor changes: Petey's doing more of a traditional solo in 100,000 YEARS. They play this song pretty well... all four of them. LICK IT UP seems tight and fluid, even with Mr. Frehley updating BRUCE's ALIVE III riffs... all on a Vinnie song no less!

This show, however, seemed slightly rushed- maybe 'cause it started a little late (9:10). Most notably: Gene puked blookd faster than I have ever seen him do it. Houston's puke-a-thon was drawn out and eerie. This was a drive thru blood bath. The only other thing that might qualify as a MAJOR change would be during LOVE GUN. Paul STAYS out on his stage even AFTER the song is over. One might believe there was a problem but he asked: "Ya don't mind if ah stay out heeah a little longuh dew ya!?!" Then he goes into I STILL LOVE YOU by himself... pretty cool! A little distracting 'cause he keeps turning to face different parts of the crowd, and the song is too mellow for that. I'd say return to the stage, Pauly, and use a mirror ball too. That would go over mega. I'm not sure if everyone knows this song at this point, which is what makes it cool for him to do. I hope it sticks, and at some point I hope THE WHOLE BAND PLAYS IT... Petey and Ace could handle that, and DOMINO too!! PLAY IT!! No real "merch" news other than Peter's sticks are now available for $50 a pair. For the most part, I find that the show is still good- but w/o any major changes I can't imagine that I will have the urge to go to 14 shows on this tour, like I did on the reunion... so be it. THANKS GUYS!! Even if it's just for the money, they do work their asses off.

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