From: Shridurga@yahoo.com
KISS are at best average musicians - but they are first rate entertainers.

At first I thought the tickets were a bit overpriced at 9500yen (about US$80), but was willing to pay that amount to see my childhood icons once more before they retired. But after last night's show, I can honestly say that the 9500yen was worth it, and I'd be happy to pay that much again. A Japanese friend who attended last night's show and who was never really a KISS fan said the same thing to me this morning.

I don't have a set list to post, but last night's show in Fukuoka - as best as I can recall - was the same as the preceding shows in Yokohama and Tokyo. The show started right on time at 7:00pm and finished at around 9:30.

Spotted in the audience was the female half of Japanese unit Pizzicato Five, as well as an incredibly diverse mix of people, everything from greasy haired, pimply geeks who knew all the lyrics to all the songs (but who in all likelihood couldn't hold a conversation in English); leather clad, long-haired rockers; crew-cut, tatoo-sporting, US navy personnel from the nearby base of Sasebo; young ladies dressed in lingerie; business men who rushed to the show right after work in their suits and ties; and parents who grew up with KISS and brought their children.

A couple of low moments were when Ace had to take the microphone. Next to Gene and Paul, who are so overly dramatic, Ace's moves and presence are so pedestrian that they just suck the fantasy right out of the show. You suddenly realize you're watching a 50year old guy in make-up. Song choice didn't help him either. Talk To Me is just not a good song.

A couple of anecdotes about Eric. Once or twice during the show Gene was giving hand signals to Eric. At one time he seemed to be trying to communicate that he wanted a quick roll at the end of a song.

After the band did their final bow before Rock N Roll All Night, Eric had to exit off the side of the stage and run around back to get to the drums. Paul chatted with the audience a bit then looked around at the drums, ready to start the last song, and said something like, "Uh oh, where's Eric? We've lost another one."

Finally, if you haven't seem them yet on this tour and you have a chance - go!

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