Introduction

The best Unmasked show in terms of quality and one the best quality Kiss shows ever.

Background

The last show of the 41-date Unmasked tour and the last show with Ace in the band until the Reunion tour in 1996.

Audio Specifics

A great soundboard recording. All the vocals and instruments are distinguishably. Kiss audio doesn’t get much better this show.

The Show

Detroit Rock City- Paul’s extra vocal harmonies make this version one of the best that you will hear. Eric’s drumming is top notch and makes one wonder how Kiss would of survived the 1980’s had Peter been behind the drums.

Cold Gin- not the greatest version but pretty good nevertheless. Ace and Gene trade off lead vocal duties throughout the song.

Strutter- strong vocals by Paul and nice bass work by Gene make this a winner. Gene’s aggressive vocals toward the end of the song kind of detract but who’s complaining ?

Shandi- a decent version although the instruments tend to drown out Paul’s vocals.

Callin’ Dr. Love- a decent vocal outing by Gene. Surprisingly good backing vocals by the other members add to the quality of this song.

Firehouse- a nice heavy version with good bass work and again rather aggressive backing vocals by Gene.

Talk to Me- the last time this song would be played live until the Japanese shows in 2001. I’ve never been a huge fan of this song at anytime although this gets a faithful playing.

Is That You ?- “ this one starts the latest album…a little bit of rock and roll. ’’. The last live performance of thisUnmasked tune. I’ve never been a big fan of the Unmasked album but this song holds up rather well in a live setting.

2000 Man- a stellar performance by Ace. The guitar solo ends the song and is worth a listen if you’re a fan of Ace or of guitar solos.

I Was Made For Lovin’ You- Paul introduces this song with the familiar hotel story

“ but baby, I Was Made For Lovin’ You ’’. Saying Paul’s vocals are a bit high in this song would be an understatement. His vocals are venturing into Mariah Carey territory at points during the song.

New York Groove- certainly one of the better versions you’ll ever hear. Good guitar and vocals by Ace and solid drumming by Eric make this a winner.

Love Gun- while introducing this song, Paul promises to be back next year. They didn’t return until January 1997. The drumming makes this version better then some of the late ‘70s Peter efforts.

God of Thunder- a rather average version, Gene’s vocals aren’t overly impressive. The drum solo is certainly worth a listen though.

Rock and Roll All Nite- not the greatest version, Gene’s vocals aren’t overly impressive for the second song in a row but isn’t bad either. During the audience participation section, Paul asks the crowd if they are a better crowd then Wellington, where they had played a few nights earlier.

Shout It Out Loud- a rather standard version, nothing really differentiates this version from any other one that you’ve probably heard.

King of the Night Time World- an odd spot for this Destroyer tune. Pyro is used at the start of the song. Eric’s drumming is crisp.

Black Diamond- a well-played song without Paul’s extended guitar intro, Eric’s vocals are better then one might expect. The song ends with what sounds like copious amounts of pyro.

Overall

One of the best recordings in the bands history. A must have for any collector of Kiss audio. Overall, a 9.5 out of 10.