From: Chance Smith

The set list was pretty much the same as I had expected. Being a fan, I had already read the previous reviews from the show's prior to their arrival in Columbus, so I pretty much knew it was THE SAME set as the ReunioN tour...+3 PC songs.

[Real disapointment for me that Makin' Love had been dropped a few shows back]

The venue itself was pretty cool. I had never been to the NEW Schottenstein Center in Columbus before. During the concert, PAUL had the comment that "This show is the FIRST ROCK SHOW, as well as the FIRST SOLD-OUT SHOW to appear in this place!!" Very Cool of Paul to recognize the new building.

The fans/army were in true form. Lots of costumes and MANY MANY painted faces. On top of the entrance to the venue, KISS had erected 4 huge ass balloons that were the FAB-4 looking out over the square mileage of parking lot and interstate that surrounded the place. It was a really nice effect and set the atmosphere outside the pavillion into a KISS ARMY heaven. The night was clear and warm. Very nice 'HOT night' in December.

A few things that stood out for me at this show....

ACE! Man, he sounds great. Much more in control than on the REUNION tour. They all have a tighter sound this time around. The lead guitar in every song seemed to wail. Very nice job.

The confetti during Rock & Roll ALL Nite was unbelievable. Even way up high in the balcony, the stuff was drifting. Truly amazing effect on Ace's guitar during his solo in that song as well. How does he not get burned with that thing spinning one way throwing sparks, and then the other way? wow. It has to be seen to be fully described.

The crowd was great and PAUL seemed to have a really good time at this show. He told the crowd how KISS would be in Cleveland on the following night... "and we would love to have Columbus still ringing in our ears!!" Too Cool!! Columbus Rocks and WE LOVE KISS!! Central Ohio missed KISS when they failed to stop here during their ReunioN Tour in '96.

Psycho Circus the song is a KILLER opener to this show. PAUL's voice is better than ever! I like Black Diamond as the closer as well. Again CHANGE is GOOD and I cannot count how many KISS show's I have seen that has ended with R&RAN.

As for PETER's turn in the spot-light, I would have liked to see the drum solo being performed on the big-screen DURING his solo instead of showing that 'psycho' background during the launch and landing of the drum-set, and then showing PETER hailing the crowd on the big-screens only AFTER the solo was completed. The solo itself sounded great! There was plenty of energy and rhythm. This is something sorely missed from other drum players in ROCK who have solo's that resemble the sounds of machine gun blasts and explosions. PETER's solo has heart... 'nuff said here.

Gene is GENE....

Kneel before the God of Thunder, and Get The FireHouse babee! wow

My only request of the band::

Let's mix it up some, eh boyz? Can we not recognize the work done by Paul and Gene in the 80's and/or 90's? [ala Heavens On Fire, Tears are Falling, Domino. Lick It Up, and soooo many others] I can envision KISS with NO make-up in the future 'cranking' out tunes from not only the 70's, but from the 80's and 90's as well.

Maybe even a song or two from COMET? :-) Only in a perfect world I guess....

Orrrr if we have to stick to DESTROYER and ALIVE era, can we not try Hotter Than Hell? Two Timer? Rocket Ride? Ladies Room? Love It Loud? etc. & etc. & etc. & etc......

We wanted the Best,
We got the Best,

Thank You Peter, Paul, Ace and Gene. You are the greatest!

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