Psycho Circus Tour Reviews

From: Jason Tunny

I recently had the privilege of sitting in the first row for the Dec. 13th show in Indianapolis. Having had the pleasure of attending three previous shows (one in 1980 and two on the reunion tour) I have to say the band hasn't lost a step. From the opening chords of Psycho Circus it was quite obvious that this was going to be worth the $250.00 a piece that I had to pay for my two seats. I had sat in the second row on the side at the last reunion show and thought it could get no better. I was quite wrong. The experience of being within fifteen feet of the greatest rock and roll band in history makes you feel as you are a part of the party. The only drawback about being so close was that we did not get to expeirience the true spectacle of the 3-D that everyone has been raving about.

Highlights of the night were Psycho Circus, Within, Into The Void, all three great, great songs off of one of the greatest Kiss albums of all time. Let me say going in that Into The Void was one of my least favorites off of the new album, but after hearing it live I find mysely actually skipping to that track on the disc. Kiss has found themselves three winners for future shows in these gems. As far as the old stuff goes ( not really fair to call it old maybe classic fits better), Deuce, Rock and Roll All Night(of course), God of Thunder, and Black Diamond stand out.

Individually Paul and Gene were, well, Paul and Gene. Consumate, hardworking showman from the beginning to the end. Peter was electrifying in his drumming although I wish he would acknowledge the crowd a little more, not just on his solo and Beth. Hands down the suprise of the evening was Ace Frehley. Having attended the previous two reunion shows I always had the impression that Ace was either tired or bored. Boy was I wrong. He seemed absolutely energized by the crowd. His vocals were absolutely solid. His solos were right on the money. His working the crowd made the show. Who knew Ace could sing that well? Into the Void is the Shock Me of the 90's and the "Spaceman" is back.

Personally, getting acknowledged by Gene twice and catching a couple of picks from Ace were worth the price of admission.

There were, however, dissapointments. First of all was the crowd. Only 10,000 for an Indianapolis show left me in a state of shock. Empty seats for the gods of rock? Are you kidding me? The set list was great with the exception of I Was Made For Loving You and New York Groove are gone. Two of my personal favorites. But by far the biggest suprise and dissapoinment of the show was that the band did not perform Detroit Rock City. Why? They have performed it at the other shows as the second of three encore songs. For some odd reason we were treated to only two. Several people who were in the crowd for the previous nights show in Terre Haute were stunned. Don't know if there was an explanation or not, just a dissapoinment.

All in all a great night. One I wont soon forget and yes when the boys come back my way I'll be there. Front and center I hope. Boy this could get expensive. My rating is 9 out of 10 stars.




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