Santiago '94 video review...

September 1/1994
Santiago, Chile
Centro Cultural Estacion


Introduction

While some people really enjoy this show, the performance by the band left me cold.


Background

This was the second of seven shows that the band played in South American during the fall of 1994.


Video Specifics

Pro-shot. Razor sharp audio and video quality. If your looking for a show filled with pyro then look elsewhere because the band plays a very bare bones show in terms of staging


The Show

Creatures of the Night- Strong vocals by Paul highlight this version, which is played better then some of the Carr-era versions.

Deuce- One of the best Gene sung songs of the night. Prior to the next song, Paul says a few words in Portuguese to the crowd. He looks like he has crib notes on the back of his hand.

Parasite- Paul vocals are better then Gene’s, which tend to sound strained at times. Otherwise, this version is a steamroller.

Unholy- musically this version is fine but Gene vocals are an absolute embarrassment. His voice cracks during the “ knockin’ at your door ’’ part of the song. Not a pretty sight at all. Paul introduces the next song as coming off of Rock and Roll Over. The song is…

I Stole Your Love- any fan of the makeup era knows this off the Love Gun album. Songs from either Rock and Roll Over and Love Gun always seem to give Paul trouble when he has to remember which song is from which album.

Cold Gin- Gene’s spirited vocals are helped by a nice heavy sound by the band.

Watchin’ You- a decent version. It is almost impossible for this song to be played badly short of Gene forgetting the lyrics.

Firehouse- with all respect to Rock and Roll All Nite, this song my vote as the most overplayed song in the band’s catalogue. Gene blows 1 fireball at the end.

Callin’ Dr. Love- an average version. The band (especially Gene and Paul) seems to spend a lot of time mugging for the cameras.

Makin’ Love- Paul’s vocals are not sung with much conviction. He also screws up the second verse, which doesn’t help. Eric’s playing is top-notch though.

War Machine- this has a slower pace then normal, which helps Gene vocally. A solid effort by all involved.

I Was Made For Lovin’ You- non-North American crowds seem to go wild for this song and this audience is no different. While not as “ crunchy ’’ as the 1992 club tour, this version is still miles better then the album version.

I Want You- the crowd helps sing the spoken word intro, much to Paul’s pleasure. Some good guitar work by Bruce highlights this version.

Domino- Low vocals and Gene screwing up the lyrics, again. Overall, a sloppy outing on this one.

Love Gun- Paul introduces this song as “ from around 1976 ’’. I believe Paul has stated in interviews that this was written during the band’s tour of Japan in 1977. At any rate, this version is generally well played with Paul strong vocals being the highlight.

Lick It Up- a decent version with some lasers near the end adding to the effect.

God of Thunder- one of the best non-makeup versions of this song. Gene’s growling vocals and Eric’s sledgehammer playing make this song worth the price of the tape alone.

I Love It Loud- Gene’s sub-par vocals hold back an otherwise well played tune.

Detroit Rock City- Paul introduces this song by saying “ Detroit has rock and roll in its heart, Santiago has rock and roll in its soul ’’.

Black Diamond- a solid version despite Singer’s voice, which seems out of place in this setting.

Heaven’s on Fire- I’m so use to seeing pyro with this song that not seeing it is odd.

Rock and Roll All Nite- Bruce and Paul hold a banner that reads “ We Love You Forever ’’ before the last song of the night. A good version with the usual audience participation towards the end of the song. Paul lights his guitar on fire and smashes it.


Overall

The video quality was great but the performance wasn’t. Having listened to the Buenos Aries performance on audio from September 14/94 show, I can’t help but think this Santiago date is musically inferior. Overall, a 6.5 out of 10.