Introduction

Certainly one of the better quality shows from the Animalize Tour.

Background

This show was the 66^th of the 90-date North American leg of the Animalize tour.

Audio Specifics

I hate to use the term soundboard quality since I’m not one hundred percent sure that this show is “ from the soundboard ’’ but this audio quality is pretty darn good. All the instruments are easy to hear although the bass is a little difficult to hear during some songs. The audience of about 6,000 is hard to hear throughout the show, which makes me think it is a soundboard recording

The Show

Detroit Rock City- the show begins after an enthusiastic “ You Wanted the Best ’’ introduction by the announcer. A well played version although the bass seems a bit buried in the mix.

Cold Gin- this version begins with Paul’s standard alcohol rap. This version is as solid as expected, dare I say steamroller ?

Creatures of the Night- certainly a speedy version especially compared to the Revenge lineup, which played it closer to the speed on the album. Paul’s vocals hold up well despite the faster tempo. Prior to the next song, Paul’s rap is about meeting a girl in the hotel who is looking for Gene and her baby has the

“ longest tongue, I’ve ever seen ’’.

Fits Like A Glove- a rollicking little version of this non-makeup standard. Nice vocals by Gene and excellent guitar work by Bruce. Prior to the next song, Paul goes off on the “ people who think Kiss suck…and those people at home listening to Duran Duran and the Thompson Twins ’’ and he does an impression of Michael Jackson as well. It doesn’t get more ’80s then that, folks !

Heaven’s on Fire- they probably played some of the better versions of this song on this tour and this one is no different. Paul’s solo leads into the next song.

Under the Gun- a passable version of this song. Paul’s vocals aren’t too great but the drumming by Eric is good throughout the song.

War Machine- much like Gold Gin, it is nearly impossible for this song to not sound good in a live setting. Eric’s drum solo follows and is always worth a listen or two.

Young and Wasted- Eric’s vocals are absolutely atrocious here. It might be wise to skip this song. It makes me cringe every time I hear it. Gene’s bass solo follows which is nice to listen to with Eric and Gene getting into a little jam session thing near the end of it, before it leads into the next song.

I Love It Loud- a decent version of this concert mainstay. Gene’s vocals are solid and the playing is right on especially the backing vocals and the drumming.

I Still Love You- strong vocals by Paul and nice lead work by Bruce make this offering a cut above the usual non-makeup versions of this song. Prior to the next song, Paul tells a long-winded story about going to the doctor. “ Honey, that ain’t no pistol, that’s my…’’

Love Gun- good vocals by Paul but the drums could have been a little more prominent at times.

Black Diamond- Eric’s vocals aren’t as dreadful I would of guessed after his previous vocal outing during the show. The break down ending of the song is nice and is different then most versions of this song.

Lick It Up- Prior to this song, Paul mentions that they sold out San Bernardino. Apparently a fan came onstage during his introduction (“ Here comes a fan. What’s happening’ buddy ? ’’). A heavier version then most although the backing vocals are a tad abrasive at times. Eric’s drumming at the end of this song helps segue into the next song.

Rock and Roll All Nite- a standard version. Gene doesn’t forget any lyrics, which should be worth noting. During the audience participation part of the song Paul asks the crowd to “ Animalize ’’ then gets them to howl.

Overall

One of the more popular shows from this tour amongst collectors and for good reason. The audio quality is an 8.5 out of the 10 while the performance is on par with most shows from the Animalize tour. This show gets the provable “ thumbs up ’’ from me and should be in most Kiss audio collectors library even if you are not a huge fan of 1980’s Kiss.