From: Mark Sugiyama
I've finally turned on my computer for the first time this new year and the first site I headed to was the KISS Asylum! I haven't taken the time to review the other fan's perspectives on the NYE show so I may be covering old ground. Anyway, on to the review! I saw KISS in 1979, 1984, 1996 (twice) and 1997 so this was my 6th show. I was really looking forward to a great night, I mean, c'mon, KISS on New Year's Eve?! What could be better?! I was one of those who bought GA tix for the show which proved just fine (floor and seats to go between). I skipped the first opening band and only heard part of the last one (ran into other friends from WA at the merchandise table). We went to the right side, looking at the stage, (Ace's side) as it got close to 11:15pm. The lights dimmed, the crowd roared, the usual intro came over the PA, and then the opening notes of Psycho Circus came out as the scrim dropped to reveal Gene, Paul, Peter, and Ace! The vibe around my area was REALLY cool .. . no BS. .everyone there to have a good time. Young kids, their parents, teens, 20-something's, just every demographic was represented at the show, not to mention all the different areas of the country (and world (!)) people came from to rock in the new millenium with KISS. As listed on the site, the set list didn't deviate much from the Psycho Circus tour (aside from adding the 3 non-makeup tunes and dropping a few others in the process- 2,000 Man being the lone exception for obvious New Year's reasons). While it was cool hearing the non makeup tunes, I would of loved to have heard a tune that they haven't played live in years (consensus in our area was Flaming Youth). The only problem during the show were the mics. They cut in and out during a few songs, most notably Black Diamond (Peter's vocals didn't kick in for a line or two into the first verse). Also, Gene was way off key on Into The Void during the chorus (even Paul was making faces at him like "what the heck are ya doin"). One comedic moment happened when Paul was ready to "fly" out into the audience at the start of Love Gun, however Ace wasn't on stage yet. Paul nodded to Gene, ready to count off 1-2-3-4, then fly off but Gene shook his head as they had to wait a second for Ace. Paul even said something to the effect, "Mr Frehley .. to the stage please". Pretty funny yet cool at the same time. For the most part, the show was great as expected, and it was well worth the trip up from WA. I feel like I've come full circle with the band, ending a millenium with them, yet getting ready for a new one. Cheers!

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