Osaka '01 video review...

March 22 /2001
Osaka, Japan
Castle Hall


Introduction

Probably the best of the Singer-makeup videos and one of the better Farewell shows.


Background

This was the seventh and last show in Japan (also the second of two nights in Osaka) during the Farewell tour. They also played eight shows in Australia immediately after these Japanese dates.


Video Specifics

This show was shot using a hand held camera from the Ace side of the stage in the stands. The word
“ rozy ’’ appears in various corners (one corner at a time) of the screen on a random basis throughout the show. It was a little bothersome at first but no big deal after the first song or two. Also, the video cuts between most songs. This seems to have been done in order to save tape. The audio can be heard despite the black screen between songs.


The Show

Detroit Rock City- immediately I noticed that the pace of the song was better then most Peter, post-‘96 versions due to the improved quality of drumming. Paul’s vocals are good as well.

Deuce- well played by all with quality vox by Gene. After the song, Paul takes off the top part of his outfit and fakes the crowd out by pretending to throw it into the audience. He never did throw it into the crowd.

Shout It Out Loud- a standard version with crisper drumming then some Peter clunkers.

Talk To Me- a rather rare and surprising performance of this tune. Considering how well this song worked live, it is puzzling as to why the band doesn’t dig out more lost gems.

I Love It Loud- see the “ Shout It Out Loud ’’ comments. The video cuts after the song for the first of numerous times throughout the show.

Firehouse- not the greatest version. Paul’s vocals are a bit difficult to hear. Gene blows 1 fireball at the end, in case you care.

Do You Love Me ?- the video montage appears on the side screens but the filmer zooms in and the viewer ends up missing most of it.

Callin’ Dr. Love- a surprisingly decent version of this Gene standard. Prior to the next song, Paul leads the crowd in a chant/song similar to the one that can be seen on the Nagoya ’95 video. I’m not exactly sure what this is or what is being said but crowd likes it. Throughout this show, Paul says a lot more in Japanese then the usual token word or two (compare this show with Tokyo ’77 show for how much Paul says to the audience).

Heaven’s on Fire- a well sung version with Paul’s vocals more reserved then some of the screeching versions. The video cuts out with about 5 seconds left in the song.

Let Me Go Rock and Roll- Ace and Eric play around a bit before the song starts. One of the best songs of the night. The song ends with Singer saying “ Osaka, Kiss loves you ’’.

Prior to the next song, Paul and Eric do this telephone bit that the crowd just seemed to love but I didn’t get it at all. Paul says a few words in Japanese then “ turns the microphone over to Ace Frehley ’’ and Ace says “ what it is ? ’’.

Shock Me- a rather pedestrian version with lots of screen time for Paul. The song ends with Ace’s solo.

Psycho Circus- not the greatest version with the drumming sounding rather out of sync with the other members of the band.

Lick It Up- a slightly extended version of this song with Paul attempting to get the audience involved.

God of Thunder- Gene’s blood spitting is rather half-hearted. There is a bit of a problem with Gene finding his mark on stage to be lifted to his above stage platform. The fact there is a big “ X ’’ on stage in white tape doesn’t seem to help Gene much.

While on the platform, there is a light that is constantly flashing next to Gene, which is distracting. Eric’s solo follows with Paul ending it by saying “ Eric Singer on drums ’’. The video went black a few times during the drum solo.

Cold Gin- Gene wipes sweat from his eyes during the song, which isn’t seem too much on video.

100,000 Years- the camera work prior to the audience participation isn’t too great. As the audience participation begins, Paul comments about his microphone going off, “ I don’t like it when it goes off ’’. Paul also fires T-shorts into the crowd with gun.

Love Gun- thankfully, no crowd noise meter is used. As Paul “ flies ’’ to his platform in the audience, all kinds of items are thrown at him by the fans (purple boa, bra and a white rose that he puts between his teeth).

Paul’s Medley- this is where the show gets interesting. Paul begins with the part of three songs, I Want You, I Still Love You and Forever. This last song leads into…

Black Diamond- decent vocals but lazy camerawork at times. The song ends with the usual pyro.

I Was Made For Lovin’ You- an average version but no crunchy enough for my liking.

Band Medley- the band plays four songs, three of them almost in the entirety. The three are Got to Choose, Parasite and She. The last song is Makin’ Love, which they play maybe fifty percent of the song.

Rock and Roll All Nite- nothing new about this version. The usual confetti storm and pyro.


Overall

Certainly one of the better Farewell shows. With Singer on drums, the improvement in the show is noticeable. With the Talk To Me being played as well the medleys, this show certainly merits a look. Overall, an 8 out of 10.