Introduction

You might want to build up your video collection a bit before you get this show. Decent but not a “ must have ’’ by any means.

Background

This show is commonly referred to as “ Blazefest ’’. This event was put on by a local Chicago radio station called “ The Blaze ’’. This was the first show of 1994. They ended up playing a total of 12 shows in 1994, with 8 of them taking place in South America.

Video Specifics

Single camera, handheld from the Bruce side of the stage towards the back of the venue. Muffled audio is the one problem that is constant during the show. It’s not a major problem but it is a bit annoying. The staging and pyro are very bare bones as they for were most 1994 shows.

The Show

Deuce- an ok version is marred by slightly muffled vocals. While Gene and Bruce do the chorography, Paul is on the other side of the stage and misses out. Near the end of the song, Gene’s bass gets hit with a towel.

Detroit Rock City- Paul flogs Kiss My Ass during his intro to this song. A high energy playing.

Callin’ Dr. Love- surprisingly spirited vocal outing on this one by Gene.

Strutter- well played but that damn muffled audio monster rises again.

Parasite- a song that is nearly impossible to be played poorly. Gene balances a hat on his nose before the solo.

Got to Choose- “ a song we haven’t played in 15 years ’’ Paul remarks before this song. The song was last played in 1976, which would make it 18 years but who is counting. Rather surprisingly, Paul actually names this song from the correct studio album instead of “ this one’s off Alive ’’.

Goin’ Blind- Paul mentions that they have only played this song once before (the Foundations Forum show; September/93). A decent version but not as good as most Convention versions. Gene seems to play and sing with less confidence then most songs.

Makin’ Love- Paul gets points for naming this off of Rock and Roll Over. Paul’s vocals don’t do much for me in this instance. Gene smiles at some guy crowd surfing near the end of the song.

War Machine- one of the more energetic efforts of the night although the camerawork is a shaky in spots.

Love Gun- prior to the next song, Gene and Paul hold up a banner that says “ Kiss Rocks the Windy City ’’. Paul puts it on Eric’s drum riser. A pedestrian version with uneven audio levels during the song.

I Stole Your Love- prior to the song, Paul makes mention of a curfew. That audio level thing pops up again. Is it just me or are the audio and video out of sync for the first part of the song ?

Black Diamond- a solid version. Gene looks back at Singer constantly during the song for some reason. The Animalize outro ends the song.

Heaven’s on Fire- a tepid version with Paul smashing his guitar at the end.

Overall

I wasn’t expecting this show to be fabulous and it isn’t. A good show to acquire in a trade but I wouldn’t go out of my way. Overall, a 6.5 out of 10.