The set list was little changed from the reunited band's reunion tour back in 1996, with just three songs from their new album, and only two or three old tunes not in the 1996 tour. Yet the added songs combined with giant production features made for, if not a new experience, a highly entertaining one.

For fans, the show began the moment the stadium was entered, as huge spotlights criss-crossed the skies, and helicopters buzzed overhead, while giant inflatables of the Kiss bandmembers graced the entrance way.

Following a strong set by opening act The Smashing Pumpkins, the crowd was entertained by a circus troupe that featured highwire acts and sideshow oddities. Those performances took place at the back half of the stadium floor.

As the original lords of pyrotechnics and gore, Kiss didn't disappoint. As usual they opened their performance with a bang and kept it up with a steady stream of explosives, flames, fireworks, rising platforms, a flying Paul Stanley and a blood-spewing Gene Simmons.

The most notable new twist was the live 3D camera and the pre-shot images that graced the large video screen behind the band, which came off surprisingly well. Images like Ace Frehley pushing the neck of his guitar into the audience gave concert goers -- at least those on the front half of the floor -- the impression that the tuning pegs were about to make contact.

Frehley himself sang two songs, while drummer Peter Criss again showed off his vocal prowess by taking center stage alone with the backing of a phantom orchestra (karaoke anyone?).

The night finished off with a boom, ending with a lengthy massive fireworks display originating from the parking lot outside. Even the fans who initially complained about the sameness of the set left the stadium happy.

The Kiss arena tour kicks off November 12 at the Fleet Center in Boston. The band is also rumored to be playing the Superbowl in January.

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