From: Chris Ashenberg
Got to the hall approx 15 minutes before Skid Row took the stage. Not many people in the Marcus Amphitheater for their set. My only comment on Skid Row is that I never liked them when they were at their peak, liked them even less now. How did they get on the bill with 2 great icons of rock and roll?

Ted Nugent, The Nuge, The Motor City Madman, Sweaty Uncle Teddy. What can be said about Ted. The attitude hasnt lightened up any and neither has his playing style. Very tight set. If you saw the VH1 opening night special maybe you thought the 3 piece setup sounded empty, I know I did. Have to admit that my initial impression was wrong. Sounded great and the 3 of them were tight, on cue. Tommy Aldridge was an animal on the drums. I didnt find his political rantings as obnoxious as most of the other reviews have pointed out. I have to admit that I even agree with him on a couple points but that was the only low point to his performance.

Than the lights dimmed, and the infamous "You Wanted the best....." came from the PA. According to news reports the concert was a sellout and the place was jam packed to watch the original masters of mayhem take the stage. Another point from the VH1 opening night special. Paul seems to have lost some weight since opening night, looking more trim. His voice was at peak performance and as always he seems to literally survive off the energy of the crowd, non stop motion. Peter seemed very loose/relaxed and appeared to be genuinely having a hell of a time up there, he was smiling a lot. He also threw in many new/different accent notes to his drum patterns instead of the same old-same old patterns that we've heard on the albums for years. Gene was Gene, no suprises, his act is to be menacing and he lived it up for the crowd. Ace's face makeup and spaceman alter ego must be based on the fact that he plays an entire concert and seems to forget there is a crowd out there. Other than when he took the mic for Shock Me/2000 man and playing his solo, he acted like the four of them were alone in a studio just practicing. This is not a criticism of Ace it is just son in character for him. His playing was a little sloppy in his solo spot but overall tight on the music. A great example of his aloof stage persona, Paul pointed out a girl near the front that had brought in the license plate from her car-ACE FRLY-Paul had to mention it and point probably 3 times before it registered with the Spaceman and he waved to her. HELLO-ACE-crowd is this way, remember us, we pay your salary.

If you've read other reviews you know the songlist so I wont bore you with it. The crowd went nuts on the non-makeup era tunes. The band recognized an opportunity to utilize crowd response and they took full advantage of it. The video montage during "Do you love me" is a great accent to an old song. Lights, pyro, effects all looked sleek and fantastic for the show.

Now time to point out a couple bloopers during the show. During the 3rd song, the large video monitor that stands behind Peter started to malfunction and went out completely, never to come on again. This is doubly disappointing since that screen has the brightest and sharpest picture. Our seats were directly in front of Peter so the side screens just arent as great. And once again Paul had trouble with his flying machine for "Love Gun" After they began the song he stepped into the harness and nothing, the band stretched the intro and he waited but finally gave up. He said into the mic before starting the lyrics "Hey, I tried" and tried to act like it was all in stride but he looked pissed/frustrated. The road crew just cant seem to get the flying effects in great shape this time out. I have read of a couple nights where Gene was stranded in his as well. Now for the last blooper I noticed. During Ace's guitar solo he was getting ready for the rocket shooting from the neck of the guitar bit when suddenly it appeared that one of the rockets shot out into the crowd. There seemed to be a commotion in the area it landed but it was never mentioned. Again, Ace-HELLO-we're down here. No idea if anyone took it in the head or what.

All in all it was a great show despite the weather. The Marcus is right on the shore of Lake Michigan and by the end of the show the temp must have been 40-44 degrees, cold. Total performance time for the band was 2hr 40 minutes, not bad for 50 year old guys in costumes/platform boots and makeup. Just another example of their dedication. Every member of the band mentioned a "Thank You for Supporting Us" at some time in the show, and all sounded sincere. The worst time of whole night was the house lights coming up at the end. Knowing that for me 22 years of waiting for the next release and tour were coming to an end. I had seen them for the last time. As sad as that is it is great to see them selling out concerts and being in great form til the end. Knowing when to quit is just as important as knowing when not to. Someone should let the Stones in on this bit of advice before Keith just up and dies on stage.

KISS, THANX FOR A GREAT TIME, YOUR MUSIC HAS ALWAYS BEEN THERE FOR ME AND I WILL NEVER STOP ROCKIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone trying to decide whether to go when KISS is near your town, do it and you will not be disappointed.

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