Introduction

Certainly one of the better looking shows from this tour and not a bad choice of you were to only get one show from this era.

Background

This was around the 109^th show of the approximately 127-date HITS tour. An interesting point to note: Paul broke his ribs after running into a railguard on stage at the show prior to this one in Johnstown, PA on October 10/1990. He isn’t favouring his ribs too much during this show (although he does seem a little less active then normal) but a few shows in Eastern Canada had to be cancelled about a week later due to his increasing discomfort.

Video Specifics

This show is shot from a tripod at the back of the venue. The venue is rather small so this is not as distant as in some bigger arenas. The camera is positioned slightly toward Gene’s side of the stage. The filmer does a good job with pans and zooms throughout the show. They’re a few special effects that are frequently used during the show by the filmer. They are the use of slo-mo and a sort of speckling effect (there is probably a more professional term then speckling but I can’t think of it at the moment). The use of the special effects can be a bit annoying but for the most part it is not.

The Show

I Stole Your Love- a good, well-played opener complete with the first use of the special effects (see “ Video Specifics ’’ section above) by the filmer and pyro by the band.

Deuce- a well played version with good vocals and a decent scream at the end by Gene.

Heaven’s on Fire- the usual pyro opening is followed by an energetic version although Paul’s vocals aren’t fabulous by any means.

Crazy, Crazy Nights- Paul introduces this song with the standard HITS rap about a newspaper reporter asking him if its time to quit. Paul mentions that the attendance is about 5,000 people. Decent version but Paul’s vocals aren’t so hot.

Black Diamond- more screen time of Carr singing during this song would have been nice. Musically, the song sounds fine.

Shout It Out Loud- a slightly better then average version helped by Paul’s vocals, which are better then Gene’s, which sound rather growling.

Strutter- not the greatest version, the backing vocals are a tad off and the bass can’t be heard.

Callin’ Dr. Love- a rather surprisingly decent vocal outing by Gene during a song that I normally am not a big fan of, especially on this tour.

Rise To It- this begins with the usual “ blues intro ’’ by Paul and Bruce. Eric Carr actually comes out from behind his drum kit during Bruce’s blues solo and hangs around one of the steps off to the side of his kit.

Fits Like A Glove- this song always seemed to work on this tour and this version is no different. Gene and Paul share a microphone during the last part of the song then Gene takes over and says to the crowd (trying to encourage them) “ that ain’t good, you’re going to have to do better than that ’’. Near the end of the song, Gene makes a high leg kick and the viewer sees that he is wearing white wrestling boots. What was he thinking wearing white wrestling boots with a black leather outfit ?

I Was Made For Lovin’ You- Paul introduces the next song like this, “ this is dedicated to all the girls. (then in a feminine voice) I want to fuck you ’’. This version is rather crunchy with controlled vocals by Paul and nice lighting adding to the effect.

Hide Your Heart- the song begins with the usual audience participation. This version is rather tepid but Paul’s vocals aren’t as screeching as some other versions, which is good.

Lick It Up- a standard version. The video fades out toward the end of the song but since the setlist was set in stone by this point in the tour, it is very safe to assume that nothing is missed.

God of Thunder- good Gene vocals, Eric’s drum solo, Leon and lots of pyro are the highlights of this show centerpiece.

Forever- Paul rants about MuchMusic not playing their videos then ends the rant as such,

“ MuchMusic, you can suck my dick ’’.

Cold Gin- the song begins with no intro rap by Paul (if you’ve heard Alive then you know what I’m talking about). Towards the end of the song, a fan throws a biker hat on stage. Bruce picks it up and puts it on Gene’s head.

Tears Are Falling- not a great version by any means, Paul’s vocals are a little weak. During the guitar solo, Paul stands underneath one of the water exhaust pipes and lets the water splash over his guitar.

I Love It Loud- enthusiastic vocals by Gene but the song is kind of ruined by the overuse of the speckling effect by the filmer.

Love Gun- see above (obviously not sung by Gene).

Detroit Rock City- before the song starts, Paul encourages the fans to have a “ good fuckin’ weekend, man ’’. Towards the second half of the song, all three-band members are together on the side railing on Bruce’s side of the stage. Due to the position of the speakers, only the person at the microphone can be seen clearly, the others are sort of hidden since the filmer is not directly in front of them. A well played version with a pyro ending.

I Want You- a mirror ball drops and Paul plays the guitar intro. He then goes to the microphone and says “ cub scouts, put your fingers up ’’ (he makes a hand gesture). He then says “ what about this ? ’’´(he sticks up his middle finger and directs it toward either Eric or Gene). Gene then says “ what about this ? ’’ (Gene is standing off in the shadows and can’t be seen clearly but is likely making some sort of gesture with his crotch). Paul then says “ do this ’’ (making a three fingered sign that is often linked to devil worship). A rather rare and unscripted moment by the band.

The band plays a passable version that ends with Paul’s requisite vocal flexing. The KISS logo is seen for the first time in the show.

Rock and Roll All Nite- it’s hard to come up with new things to say about this song since it is in every setlist. I’ll summarize this version in six words: average version, audience participation, pyro ending.

Overall

A decent show that has a bit of everything. The first Detroit pro-shot is probably the first stop for most video collectors of this tour, however, this show shouldn’t be too far behind. Overall, an 8 out of 10.