The Dogg has never been a fan of KISS as recording artist's, but is a devoted fan of their "Live Performance". KISS practicly reinvented the stage show extravaganza. The blend of pyro, sound, lights, and stage show can be an awesome spectacle. Add in the extra bonus of seeing the last shows at Cobo (last show seen there was Triumph 1983) made for a highly anticipated night. BLT and I have never seen Buckcherry live, so that was an added bonus.
Our group consisted of Ralph, Christine, Karen and Bill, and of course your lovable Dogg's. The evening was bright and clear, people mover jammed with KISS fans and Red Wing fans. Spirits were high and voices were loud. It's going to be a helluva night in the D.
Arrived at Cobo and make quick moves to our seats (second row, tier C) with great sight lines and poor leg room. My hard partying ways of 1973-83 at Cobo had dulled my memories of the lack of creature comforts. Crowded concourses, small bathrooms, few concessions, but who cares, were here to party! Buckcherry is playing to a mostly enthusiastic crowd, but in our section, only 8-10 of us were standing and rocking. Quick note to the sit down crowd- STAY HOME!!! Nothing is ruder than asking a rockin fan to sit down. However this is becoming the norm lately as the classic rock crowd ages. Try to remember, Rock & Roll is an attitude, not just something to listen to! Well.... I digress, anyway, Buckcherry is throwing down with an awesome set, great stage presence, and overall a smoking hot performance. Of course Crazy Bitch even got the sitters up. Heaven forbid when the pungent smell of some mean green floated over our section. These same fans were appalled and seemed to be looking for security. I only wished they had passed it our way. It smelled awesome.
KISS takes the stage about 9:00 to their second home, Detroit Rock City. Many of the fans both young and old were wearing the KISS face paint with pride. I swear I saw the same KISS impersonators that I've seen at all the shows since the late 70's. They still look great and were willing to pose with anyone in the crowd.
Tonight the band they played KISS Alive in all its glory and in correct order for the most part. The only songs I missed were Rock bottom and Firehouse. Bassist, Gene Simmons performed his requisite fire breathing act to Hotter than Hell, rather than Firehouse. I don't think anyone noticed. Paul Stanley was vocally strong and performed with energy that belied his over 60 age. The pyro was there, the lighting strong, the sound superb, and the stage show well done! So why was I under enthused? Mym feelings is it was due to the show being the same as the last 10 KISS shows I've seen. Come on fellas, try to mix it up. Alice Cooper can show you a thing or two about changing shows around! Talk to him, it will make you better.
Within the context of what I just said, you must know the show was really quite excellent. The drum solo on 100,000 years was solid, but not like Kiss Alive. Guitarist Tommy Thayer layed down some mean chops, when allowed to operate outside of the 3 chord confines of KISS music. A 45 minute encore consisted of 6 songs, including, Lick it Up, Shout it out Loud, Detroit Rock City and a new song Modern Day Deliliah. All were received by ravenous fans. When Paul Stanley flew from the stage to the back of the arena to sing Love Gun, it was officially on, KISS loves Detrouit and Detroit loves KISS! Long may the love affair live!
Atmosphere A+
Crowd A+
Sound A
Lights A
Staging A
Pyro A+
Bands A+
Weather B
Overall a strong A performance and a really good time. Anyone that attended their first KISS show, would not have been disappointed.
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