Allentown '92 video review...

October 1, 1992
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Stabler Arena


Introduction

A quality show from the Revenge tour and one of the longest setlists in the bands history (26 songs).


Background

The opening night of the 55-date Revenge tour. This was only arena performance of 100,000 Years on this tour; it was dropped after this show. The band played a
“ warm-up ’’ gig for media and record industry weasels the previous night at the same venue.


Video Specifics

Amateur handheld from the “ Gene ’’ side of the stage about half way back. The filmer does a good job with zooms, which are close enough to see the pattern on Paul’s vest.


The Show

Creatures of the Night- the curtain goes down and the show starts. I can’t think of many shows where we get to see the curtain actually come down. At any rate, this version is well filmed and Paul’s vocals are as solid as one might expect for an opening night.

Deuce- there is a reflection from Gene’s bass that is rather annoying. During the song, Gene says “ Bethleham, I can’t hear ya ’’. I often see Allentown and Bethleham used interchangeable when referring to this tour stop. Paul has to run over in order to make the choreography part of the song near the end.

I Just Wanna- Paul says “ Five years ago, we started a tour here and it was one of the best ’’. This is in reference to the Animalize tour but it was seven years ago in 1984 that it began. A decent version, the filmer zooms out during the breakdown part of the song so that we get to see the brief laser show.

Unholy- a surprisingly decent outing by Gene although his microphone gives him trouble. The microphone appears to be too low and a bit loose. The roadie has to come out and fix it in mid-song.

Parasite- Paul introduces this song as coming off the Hotter Then Hell album. Normally, Paul introduces every song from the first three albums as “ coming off Alive ’’. Well played but a tad shaky.

Strutter- one of the nicer versions although a little more bass would of helped. Panties end up on Gene’s bass, Paul plays around with them toward the last part of the song.

Heaven’s on Fire- a pedestrian version. The camerawork is shaky in a few spots but nothing horrendous. The filmer pulls back so we get to see the whole stage for the last part of the song (good lighting and some pyro during the last half of the song).

Christine Sixteen- a bit shaky but good vocals by Gene on this one.

Domino- Paul says “ Revenge is where we are right now ’’. Gene spends a lot of time during the song wagging his finger (as was the case in the previous song to a lesser extent). The spoken word ending goes like this “ same fuckin’ damn thing, that bitch bends over…’’. I can’t remember Gene swearing on stage before.

Watchin’ You- for some reason, Gene is constantly looking back at Eric for the first part of the song then the filmer focuses on Paul for the last part of the song.

Hotter then Hell- a rather standard playing with all members getting screen time, which segues into…

Firehouse- see “ Hotter Then Hell ’’ comments except that Gene blows 1 fireball at the end of this song.

I Want You- begins with the audience participation opening then some pyro as the song starts. Right before Bruce’s solo, Paul holds a water bottle in his hand for an entire verse. As the song concludes, Paul says “ if you don’t know it at least hum ’’. The song ends with Bruce’s guitar solo, Paul’s vocal flexing and Eric’s drum solo.

Forever- Paul seems to justify the success of the song; “ every hit seems to be a ballad… proud of everything we’ve done ’’. A rather standard playing.

War Machine- a solid version with Gene nailing all the lyrics. Eric is wearing an army helmet throughout the song. The Statue of Liberty’s face crumbling at the end of the song is well filmed.

100,000 Years- a tad shaky by the filmer but not too objectionable. Before the “ baby won’t you let me ’’ line, Paul seems to forget the words. Not the best version by any stretch.

Rock and Roll All Nite- a rather pedestrian version. The filmer quickly scans the crowd. A bit shaky but barely worth mentioning.

Lick It Up- an ok version with a lot of zoom outs by the filmer, perhaps to see the lasers or just laziness ?

Take It Off- “ a song about women taking off their clothes and that is a beautiful thing ’’. This song is almost always the highlight of any Revenge show and this is no different. Only 1 stripper (a tall, brunette) comes on stage during the song. She is a little more animated then most strippers on this tour, she actually puts her hand to her ear in an attempt to egg the crowd on, a la Hulk Hogan in wrestling. As the girl leaves the stage at the end of the song, Paul says, “ what do you think she’ll be doing in an hour ? ’’.

Cold Gin- an energetic playing by the band. Gene’s vocals are clean and clear throughout the song. Gene and Bruce clown around a bit right before the breakdown section of the song. Toward the end of the song, Gene does a leg kick and seems to smirk at Paul.

Tears Are Falling- a decent version although the camera work is a bit shaky in places.

I Love It Loud- a solid version that would be right at home on Alive III.

Detroit Rock City- again, Gene does a leg kick. The quality of Eric’s drumming is evident on this song. Minor amount of pyro ends the song.

Shout It Out Loud- Paul’s cracked mirror guitar makes its first appearance of the night.

God Gave Rock and Roll To You II- a surprisingly decent version with better vocals then most versions from this tour. The filmer manages to get Gene and Paul in the same frame throughout the song since panning back and forth would be difficult and make the viewer dizzy.

Love Gun- a rather ordinary version ends the night.

Star Spangled Banner- the filmer zooms out for this so we can see the pyro. The song is cut near the end.


Overall

A welcome addition to any Kiss fans video library. A well filmed show and a great setlist easily makes me recommended this show. Overall, a 8.5 out 10.