And if you just finished that phrase along with me, you are my new best friend.

...
the hottest band in the world, KISS!!
...
So the evening that almost wasn't. The Alive 35 KISS concert. Let me start by saying that I'm extremely grateful that despite having no money I managed to get tickets three days before the concert. Decent ones, right on the aisle, and very close to Paul's secondary stage.

Buckcherry was the opening act. When I got there they had already started, and I shifted seats about three times during the performance since it was too dark to find the right one. Mostly what I heard was good, but most of the melody was overblown by too-loud amps. So what I hear is lots of static and distortion as my ears nearly implode in frustration. On the plus side, the frontman had lots of energy and charisma and barely stopped moving the entire time, the drummer's hair was blown back by some fan at his feet [it was epic], the lead guitar had some serious talent, and the songs I could hear had substance. More than I can say for some bands.

Moving on.

So after Buckcherry is done, the seats start filling up a bit more. The smell of beer is in the air, and there are mass quantities of unknown liquids (presumably beer...hopefully just beer) coating the floor in a sickly-sweet caress. The tension is tangible. They had some background rock music playing as the stage was being set, and every time a song in the rotation would end, everyone (including myself) stood up, believing it to mean that the time had come to rock.

Personally I think they kept us waiting long after the stage was ready, just for the suspense. But I can't prove it.

Finally came the words every KISS fan knows by heart. And down came the screen emblazoned with the KISS logo, and out came the band, rising from the depths beneath the stage to tower over us all on the floor.

...I wanna see from within, I wanna be where I been, I want a truth not a lie, I wanna live...'fore I die...

Gene was insanely good, as always. So I'll dedicate this part in his honor. Fire-breathing, flying and spitting blood, what?! All in one concert? You can't be serious (but he was). I distinctly did not remember him breathing fire on the Farewell Tour before. Completely threw me off balance, in the best way possible, and I rode some of that high for the entire concert. Got to give you points for all the things you do strictly for the benefit of the fans. You guys didn't honestly think he wears that heavy armored costume for his health? Idontthinkso. The infamous tongue made several appearances. As did both guitars. [And they didn't blast quite like their opening act - bonus points for that] Overall, Gene, I was greatly pleased. Thank you for making the night that much better with your various antics. [What was with you swallowing the mic for a bit? Now that was surely strange] Thank you, you rock.

...I don't want a romance, I don't wanna dance, I just wanna forget you...

Thankfully you didn't forget us, Paul. We may not have been the largest crowd, but we may well have been the loudest [your words, not mine]. Even though I know you probably tell all the cities the same thing, it still feels special coming from you. Paul, you get the award for the best use of the stage and best dance moves for the night {sorry Gene} and I say that with all sincerity.

If you can't already tell, I am obsessed with Paul. Don't judge me. ^_^

Anyway, the movements were en pointe, the guitar playing was insane as always, done invariably between his legs, behind his back, or on his neck. Or for a little variety, he played it with the guitar resting on his abs. Just to spice things up a bit. So his rhythm melodies were epic as always, he guitar-battled Tommy Thayer during the intermission of 100,000 Years, he screamed (freakin love that) and sang well above the range he's known for. Which all impressed me. Doing all of that in platforms (and slightly modified costume) added to the appeal, definitely.

And did I mention Love Gun? I was roughly ten feet from his secondary stage. And now, coming to an arena near you, thestagefreakinrotates! Awesome. And your words will forever be cherished, Paul, you alternately make me laugh, swoon, sing, or scream and burst into fangirl-ish giggles. It's inevitable. It happens. *sigh*

...he's no Ace, but he sure fills out the costume well enough...

So Tommy and the endless guitar solos. He definitely earned my respect from the moment he started playing imitations of Paul's vocals [pre-battle] by ear. Or maybe they rehearsed it. Whatever. I would like to think he's just an awesome enough musician to have decent ear training to match his exceeding large... talent. Some people should say "no" to spandex. Tommy is not among those people. Also I guess his guitar rigged to shoot fireworks bears mentioning. On his solo, he shot from this special guitar several times (again, earning my respect in a major way) and actually managed to hit something. Out of nowhere something from the top of the stage riggings falls down after he shoots fireworks From. His. Guitar. Good night for you Tommy, keep it up and you, too, can be a legend.

...the CATman has nine lives...and several reincarnations...

But Eric Singer is my favorite 'replacement' so far. He had his work cut out for him at the start, at least to impress me. As far as I'm concerned, Peter Criss is the one and only Cat Man that matters, and after he left, the new guys should have changed their personas. So Eric had some definite ground to cover to prove himself. After all, the last time I saw KISS, he was not a part of the lineup. But I digress.

The drum solo rocked. Remniscient of Peter without being carbon-copied. Which was nice. Did I mention that the drum kit not only levitated, but also rotated? Yeah, it did. That's gotta be disorienting, people. For that, and your ridiculously insane and crowd-involved solo, Eric, you have earned my respect. Use it well.

And as far as the rest of the show - live fire that could make you sweat all the way back in row 30, in multiple colors - fireworks of varying rhythms and intensity - amazingly innovative and reflective projection screens - three words: modern day delilah - screaming costumed fans - drunk fans - dancing in the aisles - the opportunity to sing along with KISS, come on, who wouldn't want that? - and the memories to last a lifetime.

[If only there was a Sonic Boom tour to follow. Now that would be something.]

Cpl. Heavener, KISS Army
Battalion '75, Company 3

[wow]