Jersey City '76 video review...

July 10/1976
Jersey City, New Jersey
Roosevelt Stadium


Introduction

When collecting videos, sometimes you have to sacrifice superior video quality for simple visual documentation. Such is the case with this New Jersey show.


Background

Firstly, this show is the fourth show of the thirty-six date North American Destroyer tour. Musically, this show includes Watchin’ You and Flaming Youth which were dropped later in the tour in favour of Hotter Than Hell. Flaming Youth is of particular note since it was only played live during the Alive tour of Europe in May of 1976 and the early dates of the Destroyer tour. Secondly, if one is so inclined, the book Kiss and Sell by C.K. Lendt begins with this show and is a worthwhile purchase for a behind-the-scenes look at the band.


Video Specifics

The Jersey City show is shot entirely in black and white and is missing the first three songs of the show, presumably Detroit Rock City, King of the Night Time World and Let Me Go Rock and Roll. There is a counter at the bottom of the screen. Some copies have this counter in plain view while others have a gray box over it to lessen the distraction.

Sadly, the video quality of this show is not razor sharp. The video has a slight grain to it as well as being bright and washed out at times. When the camera pulls back for any stage shots, it is like trying to look through clouds. On the positive side, the audio is perfect and the camera angles are much better than the Anaheim show, which makes it more watchable.


The Show

Cold Gin- the viewer does not get any grand Kiss entrance but we can’t have everything now, can we ? Nevertheless, the band gives a straightforward performance of this classic.

Shout It Out Loud- this version is a little weak. The guitars seem buried in the mix and Paul screws up the second verse which doesn’t help matters.

Strutter- the band plows right into this setlist mainstay. This version is played with more tempo than usual largely thanks to Peter’s drumming and Gene’s bass work.

Nothin’ To Lose- this song is segued from Strutter after some short audience encouragement by Paul. Peter shines again with good playing and nice, clean vocals.

Do You Love Me ?- is it just me or does Paul’s jaw line seem to have gray shadow makeup on it to give it more definition ? This is particularly noticeable during his spoken word introduction of this song. Paul does not really sing with much conviction and his voice strains throughout parts of the song.

Watchin’ You- a nice version of this song. This song is always worth watching just to see Gene hit the high note on “ tryin’ not to stare “. Peter’s drum solo is good but feels out of place as part of this song. The band was right in moving Peter’s solo to God of Thunder where it is a better fit.

God of Thunder- absolutely killer. This song begins with Gene spitting blood then goes right into the song. Gene’s vocals are fantastic and the song is simply a juggernaut in a live setting. The video quality gets a little rough near the end of the song but it doesn’t take away from a nearly definitive version of this song.

Flaming Youth- this is the only known video performance of this song. Other than Paul screwing up the second verse of the song, the song is surprisingly decent. At the end of the song, Paul says “ Good Night “ and the band leaves the stage. At this time, an audience member is overheard on the audio saying “ good night my ass, get your fucking ass back here “. Sounds like a nice, warm, receptive crowd !

Deuce- an odd place for this long-time opener. The song is played at a little faster pace than usual.

Firehouse- I’ve never been a big fan of this song and this version does nothing to impress. In case you are keeping track at home, Gene blows two fireballs at the end of the song.

Black Diamond-the guitars seem low and the drums are more prominent. However, this is not a bad thing. Peter’s drumming is dynamite and his vocals are at their raspy best. The song concludes with the drum riser and the usual pyrotechnics.

Rock and Roll All Nite- the song starts off fine enough but then it is goes downhill from there. The band, seemingly, gets lost and has trouble ending the song. The song finally ends with Paul smashing his guitar and the band leaving the stage. Certainly not the best version of this song.


Overall

I would give this show an 8 out of 10. Granted, the video quality isn’t perfect and the first three songs are missing but there are more than enough highlights to make it worth tracking down.