KISS/BUCKCHERRY-GREENVILLE,SC. 10/17/09

[RJhog]

As a long time Kiss fan, you would think that I had seen these guys many times, but this was only my 3rd show, the first show in makeup. As we all know, the boys are getting pretty old, but they seemed to be in relatively good shape and gave me 2 hours worth of classics. Ace and Peter are no longer in the band, which is kinda sad, but Tommy and Eric do a very good job. I don't see how anyone could complain about the spectacle that is a Kiss show. Giant video screens, explosions, fire, confetti, a huge curtain drop, Gene flying to the top of the lighting rig, Paul flying out to the back of the venue, Eric's drum riser and 360 degree turning, just a massive show.

As far as the music, the set list is a little stale for someone like me, who would love to hear some obscure stuff, but perfect for a casual fan or someone just coming to the show on a lark. My only real complaint is the lack of new material from Sonic Boom, but being this is still billed as the Alive 35 tour, I can live with it for now. The setlist (I think I got them all written down) was:

Deuce
Strutter
Let Me Go, Rock 'N' Roll
Hotter Than Hell
Shock Me (New Addition)
Modern Day Delilah
Calling Dr. Love (New Addition)
She
Parasite (Tommy Solo)
100,000 Years (Eric Solo)
I Love It Loud (Gene Solo-Flies to lighting rig)
Black Diamond (Paul plays a couple of bars of Stairway To Heaven during intro)
Rock And Roll All Nite (Confetti shower)

Encores:

Shout It Out Loud
Lick It Up (played part of Won't Get Fooled Again in the middle-really cool)
Love Gun (Paul flies to back of arena)
Detroit Rock City (Mega pyro)

I think that's everything. The vocals (especially by Paul), were somewhat spotty. However, it's difficult to notice during the actual show because of everything that's going on. There were a lot of older folks and families with small children there. I am very proud that I was able to take my 14 year old son, and we both had a great time. We had great seats. They were in the upper-bowl, but on the first row, just to Tommy's side of the stage. We didn't have to look over anyone to see.

As far as Buckcherry, I was a little hesitant for my son to see them (vulgarity), but other than their last song (Crazy Bitch), it wasn't bad at all. They put on a very decent quality show, and their drummer seems to be a beast back there. Their front man (I don't know his name), puts on a good show. I will have to listen to the one CD that I have of theirs now, may even pick up some older stuff.

[Peter Jones]

I am going on the 6th of November and taking my 12 year old son. I first saw Kiss on their Destroyer tour in the very same building...so how cool is that!

As far as no Peter and Ace...YAWN...old story..move on! They have been out of the band 3x's longer then they were in it. Tommy and Eric are outstanding! Can't wait!

[RJhog]

I'm sure you know this, but keep an eye on your son at the beginning for that first explosion (for his reaction). I knew it was coming and it still scared the crap out of me! Maybe they will be playing something else from the new album by the time you see them. Enjoy the show.

[Gordon Williams]

I know this is being billed as "Kiss Alive 35" tour, but I am completely surprised that only one song from the new release made the set list. I find that strange. Maybe you are right, RJhog...maybe they will add more new tunes as they go along. Its still great to hear the older classics live, but I would personally like to see at least 3 or 4 new songs in the sets.

[RJhog]

They added "Say Yeah" (my favorite off of Sonic Boom) last night in Atlanta.