Psycho Circus Tour Reviews

From: Paul G.

One word review: Amazing

Kudos to the entire group but especially Peter who gets the most improved award, he was much better than the last tour. Paul is.... if there is a better frontman at age 46 or 26, a total pro who worked it all night/excellent.

My spot was 11th row floor center, in other words a perfect spot to experience what is truly one of the few "fun" groups still plying their trade on the arena circuit.

What amazed me about the Toronto gig was the disapointing turnout compared to the 96 reunion, it was reminiscent of the Asylum/Revenge turnouts. Big venue/half empty = poor atmosphere. Last nights attendance was maybe 10,000-13,000 far short of the 28,000 last time. The crowd was very supportive although subdued which is typical in Toronto . Also for a change it was the scalpers who got scalped by their own greed/faulty judgement.

If last nights attendance is any indication and it seems that KISS is selling "softly" in most markets. I don't know the cause but here are some theories, a poor album Psycho Circus - most people, fans, critics don't like it. The Circus theme is overused and cliched. The 3-D aspect most people were very skeptical about it - from were I stood it worked amazingly well and I guarantee other groups will incorporate this into their shows. Also word has gotten out about the "set list" and I agree this is the one area that needs immediate work. The $$$$ issue, I discussed this with some fans and they are being turned off because of it, personally I opened the 3-D glasses and there's an AD for the $1.99 call and win. "they are shameless merchandising whores" to quote Gene. I think Gene forgets that Kiss should be a rock band first (a superb kick ass record will reap dividends later). Psycho doesn't cut it in my opinion.

Anyhow despite all this it's a great show which is technically superior to the last tour and it features more/stronger effects. The 3-D was excellent but became repetitive towards the end.

Set List issue: Makin Love/I Was Made.. were not played last night which means the set is 10 minutes shorter

Within: remove it or rework it to bring out the vocals - the song doesn't work live. King of the Nightime: Not one I would consider an "A" list tune could be dropped,based on last night these are the only two I would exchange for something from below.

Suggestions: Strutter, Nothin to Lose, Got to Choose, Coming Home, Hotter than Hell, I Want You, I Stole your Love, Rocket Ride, Love Em-Leave, Mr.Speed, I Love it Loud (the current band can handle this easily), Sure Know Something,

Paul G




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