From: Tim Beckham
In comparison to the two times I saw them on the Reunion Tour (Little Rock and Memphis), I gotta say that collectively they sounded much sharper. Peter has definitely pick up the pace, not only in keeping time but with the quality of his playing. I couldn't believe that I didn't notice that he was sick. I notice Beth wasn't performed, but the fact that Paul sang Black Diamond in its entirety totally went by me. It was only later when I heard on the radio that Peter was rushed to the ER after the show that I put two and two together.

There were only a couple of minor technical problems. Gene, as he threw his arms up (which I assume is his cue to the technician to lift him up) to go up for God of Thunder, just hung there, floating for about two seconds. He regained his footing, and gave it another go...it worked. Paul, as he was being returned to the stage at the end of Love Gun, was almost dropped about twenty feet short of the stage. He went down to almost three feet from people's head, then shot back up very abruptly, which really jarred him. Besides those minor glitches and one giant torch (I don't know what you call them)not shooting properly, everything went very well for their part of the show. My complaints, however, are reserved for later in the review.

Skid Row was not bad considering Sab is no longer with them. They definitely had the most energy of any of the acts (and they should considering the other two are in their fifties!!!). Sabo was still wabbling around on a broke foot...gotta appreciate the dedication. Skid actually had a club gig in Hot Springs just this past Wednesday (April 26). From what I hear they got about 20 people to pay $20 a head to see them.

Before I begin, let me just say the Uncle Ted put on a kick ass show. His three piece sounded top notch (Old Man Tommy Aldridge is a GOD!!!). My complaint is not what he said or how he behaved. That's just Ted. I expected it and more importantly, I wasn't offended by it (opinions are like assholes, right?). My complaint comes from trying to figure out why Kiss would have Ted as there opening act, along with Skid Row. I know, I know, they toured something like 23,000 times together!!! But it still doesn't make sense, and here's why.

Kiss, during there Hey Day and really throughout there career, seemed to pride themselves on putting out a kickass rock and roll party without having to resort to things that would alienate them certain people. They were already alienated by their costumes, music, or reviews, so once someone took the time to get to a show, it seemed like the band was going to do their damndest to put on a great show without hurting anybody or their feelings.

This conscience decision resulted in no cursing, no references to drugs, and definitely no politics! So tell me, (oh Kiss God, with your enlightened wisdom), why would Kiss allow Skid Row to open the night with "We're Skid Fucking Row" and have Ted curse, scratch, and try to piss off every non-gunowning person within 50 miles of Little Rock? This is doubly puzzling considering that this is the Farewell Tour and it should be expected that die-hard fans are bringing their kids to see the greatest live act in the history of rock and roll (as my brother did with his kids)?

This is not a rip at the band for their choice in opening acts. Believe me, Uncle Ted and Skid are worlds better than Big Toed Frank and Mop Buckets or whoever they had opening for them on the Reunion Tour. I am just thinking out loud. Let me know what you think...just don't yell.

KISS ASYLUM -- KISS Museum News Archive Features Tour Dates Photos