From: Scott Ryfun
Since most everyone knows the basics of the tour by now, I'm going to try to keep this review mercifully brief by dividing it into three main headings: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly.
The Good
The entrance was, as many have noted, outstanding. I loved watching them descend from the heavens. I also loved the stage; it was packed with nifty features: banks of lights, flames, sparks.
The set list wasn't horrible as there were no glaring omissions. I didn't think the '80s songs sounded bad (well, Peter didn't sound so hot on I Love it Loud), but I still would have used the time spent playing those songs on a more cohesive makeup era set (I Want You, She, Christine, I Stole Your Love, just to name a few of the omitted tunes that could have strengthened the set). I'm not knocking the '80s materials, please don't misunderstand me; I have every single KISS album ever recorded and I love them all (except Carnival of Souls; I bought it, I just don't get it). There are just other tunes I would RATHER hear if this is, indeed, the last time around for the boys. Frankly, there were other big hits. In fact, if, as Paul said, they were just trying to play all the songs people would know and not necessarily trying to please the hardcore fans, why did they not play Hard Luck Woman, Christine 16, Rocket Ride, New York Groove, I Was Made for Lovin' You, or Forever, all of which were top 40 hits, more than we can say for Heaven's on Fire, Lick it Up, and I Love it Loud?
During Detroit, I thought Paul was going to be a dud. He barely moved, but about midway through Deuce (the second song of the night [I didn't keep a meticulous setlist as I'd planned, but I'm sure someone else will post it]) he started jumping and running about. I breathed a sigh of relief. IMO, Paul Stanley is the greatest rock performer who ever lived, and it would have been a shame to see him not up to snuff towards the end of his run with KISS. Overall, Paul was terrific.
Gene was very active. He seemed to speak and interact with the crowd more than usual. I think we all know he's going to miss this most of all. Between the money and the hero worship (not to mention the broads), this is obviously the love of Gene's life (Nick and Sophie, notwithstanding).
Ace was on. He was less sharp towards the end of the show, but still he played better than I heard him on the reunion tour (and I thought he did well, then, but he made more mistakes). His solo added no new wrinkles, and I was disappointed he didn't play all the various riffs I'd been reading about, but still, he did fine.
The lighting was nice and was very often keyed to each band member's persona. For example, during his between-song raps, the stage would turn a lavender as Paul spoke. When Ace performed Shock Me, the lights went Space-Age blue. Well thought-out lighting.
The pyro was also terrific. They even almost got the whole "timing-the-fireworks-with-the-end-of-Love-Gun" thing right. I remember it going so poorly on Alive/Worldwide that they finally resorted to using strobes.
Overall the show was top-notch, and I was glad to have driven over 6 hours to see the show (my job in radio prohibits me from taking time off in the week during the ratings, so I had to go to shows on Saturdays within driving distance; that's why I'll also be in Atlanta this Saturday).
The Bad
Peter seemed tired. His playing wasn't terrible, but he just seemed either preoccupied or worn out. He had his moments, like Let Me Go and 100,000 Years, but otherwise, he was merely adequate. Thank God for the triggers or this tour might already be over. Speaking of which, since I have the floor here, I've seen enough ragging of Peter for using drum triggers. Show me the pro rock drummer today who isn't using triggers, and I'll show you one who can't afford to.
That, couple with the fact that I really believe that this is it for the boys, is about the only bad I can get into. I thoroughly enjoyed the show.
The Ugly
I arrived shortly before Nugent took the stage. I figured that, for the first time since the reunion took place, I might see a minute of an opening act. The other shows were reserved seating, so I waited 'til the openers were gone before I went in the arena (I still have no desire to see The Verve Pipe). Immediately upon my entry into the amphitheater, I got in line for merchandise. ONE HOUR LATER I began issuing the list of things I wanted. My frustrations mounted as I stood helplessly in line, watching box after box of tour books being emptied. By the time I got to the front of the line (and had to start waving 100 dollar bills at the guy to get his attention), they were sold out of tour books. Six T-shirts (there were FIFTEEN different shirts to choose from!) and a leftover Psycho Circus tour book later (remember PC didn't make its way down here), the guy told me to check out the other merchadise kiosk across the arena. By this time, Nugent had already finished (yes, I was in line for his entire show; I still haven't even had a glimpse of an opening act), and I made my way across the venue to the other kiosk. Of course, the line there was massive, too, so I got the attention of someone at the front and asked that person to buy me a tour book, with the promise of rewarding the person with an extra 10 bucks. Turns out, they were sold out, too, but were expecting some more later (?!?!? From where? he wondered). So right before Beth, I darted out to the kiosk and got a tour book. I ended up missing Beth, but, but, hey, it's Peter singing Karaoke. Big deal. The tour book is outstanding, though I've noted some errors. One show in particular is listed (Savannah, GA 7/31/90) that I know never happened. How do I know? Long story, but needless to say I had to get a refund on my tickets.
After a six-hour drive back the next day, I'm still delighted I was given another opportunity to see the greatest rock and roll band ever play one more time. My final, sad farewell will be Saturday night in Atlanta. I almost got emotional at the end of Rock and Roll All Nite in West Palm. I hope it doesn't happen in Atlanta.
Two final thoughts:
1. Why is every one lashing out at Nugent for voicing his political beliefs during his show. Rosie O'Donnell and Whoopi Goldberg do it every single time there's a camera in their faces, as does the overwhelming majority of the entertainment industry. The difference here is that Ted is a conservative, and liberals are famous for being able to dish it out and then trying to have laws passed to keep from having to take it.
2. After seeing one guy spend 25 bucks at the merchandise counter and no one else (myself included) spend less than $100, I can see now why KISS is calling this the "Farewell Tour." They're certainly faring well.
KISS Museum