Introduction

Certainly one of the better audience recorded shows from the tour and well worth tracking down.

Background

The fifth show of the 55-date Revenge arena tour and the first show from the tour not to be videotaped (or at least nothing on video tape is circulating amongst video collectors that I know of at the present time, 2003).

Audio Specifics

I’ve seen Kiss audio traders list this show as “ DAT ’’ recorded but at any rate, the audio is clear with all instruments distinguishable. The only drawback is that Love Gun and the Star Spangled Banner (the last 2 songs of the show) are missing. Every version of this show is like this (that I know of at least). The audio quality is in the neighbourhood of a 9 out of 10.

The Show

Creatures of the Night- a good opener that is well played by all but Paul’s vocals aren’t the best.

Deuce- a solid version with clean vocals by Gene. “ Lemme hear ya Portland ! ’’

I Just Wanna- Paul gives Canada a back handed compliment: “ we came back from playing a couple of shows in Canada (authors note: these shows took place in Toronto- Oct 3/92 and Montreal- Oct 5/92)… it wasn’t half bad but god bless America if you know what I mean ’’. The song itself is decent; Paul’s vocals are controlled and not abrasive.

Unholy- normally this song is a train wreck in a live setting but Gene’s vocals are surprisingly distinguishable, which makes it a step above most versions.

Parasite- this long lost classic is given a solid treatment here although Gene’s vocals seem a little on the high side.

Heaven’s on Fire- during Paul’s intro “ Whoooo ’’. An audience member, perhaps the taper, can be heard saying “ wait for the flames ’’. Very shortly after, we can hear the flames. Paul misses the second verse but his vocals aren’t screechy like some versions of this tune.

Christine Sixteen- Paul introduces this song like this “ this comes off the album Love Gun, I think, this could be off Love Gun, I’m not even sure ’’. A rather pedestrian version, which was dropped from the setlist……………………..

Domino- a straight forward effort although Gene’s vocals are a tad bit buried in the mix.

Watchin’ You- solid version with clean vocals by Gene.

Hotter Then Hell- good vocals by Paul but a tad buried at times during the song.

Firehouse- an energetic version with typically good playing by all members, and presumably ending with Gene’s fire blowing routine.

I Want You- this song begins with the typical audience participation. Paul then promptly flubs the first verse of the song. The song has Bruce’s guitar solo and Eric’s drum solo as well as Paul’s vocal flexing, which I can only listen to once before I make use of the fast forward button on my CD player.

Forever- nothing really special about this version.

War Machine- Gene totally screws up the lyrics to this song. He sings the third (ie. take the reins of power…) and fourth verses (ie. tear down the voice of reason) twice while forgetting the first verse (ie. wanna bit the hand that feeds me) entirely and only singing part of the second verse (ie. strike down the one who leads me). He does sing the song rather convincingly and it did take a few listens before I caught onto the mistake. The song ends with the Statue of Liberty face crumbling (presumably) and the accompanying pyro.

Rock and Roll All Nite- a standard version, nothing special of note.

Lick It Up- see the above comments.

Take It Off- Paul starts into his Gold Gin rap albeit a bit hesitantly then says “ we’ll save this for later. I can smell women. ’’. A faithful playing although Paul’s banter during the breakdown part could have been more imaginative. As the song ends, Paul says “ I wonder where she’ll be in an hour ? ’’.

Cold Gin- Gene’s vocals are clean and clear throughout the song. One of the best versions of this song I’ve heard in a while.

Tears Are Falling- musically this version is good but Paul’s vocals are a bit hard to hear at times throughout the song.

I Love It Loud- Gene’s spoken word, non-vocals, throughout this song are:

“ C’mon Portland ’’

“ I wanna hear ya ’’

“ ya ’’

“ hear we go, c’mon ’’

“ c’mon ’’

“ one more time ’’

“ good ’’

“ one more time ’’

This version is similar to the version on Alive III. The song is slightly extended since the band has a bit of trouble ending the song.

Detroit Rock City- Singers’ drumming is top notch, making it better then most Carr era versions.

Shout It Out Loud- prior to the song, Paul can be heard saying “ look at those ’’. One would assume it would be the endowment of a female fan but after reading Kiss Alive Forever, I’m not so sure.

God Gave Rock and Roll To You II- this song really benefits from the good quality of the audio. The vocal tradeoffs, which are buried in most versions, are clear.

Overall

One of my favourite audio recordings from the Revenge tour. Overall, a 9 out of 10.