Hirsch Memorial Coliseum

Introduction

Of the video that exists from the HITS tour, most of it is rather sub-standard in quality. This show, while not pro-shot, is still very enjoyable.

Background

This show was the 66^th show of the 127-date HITS tour. Either number might be off slightly. At any rate, this show took place around the middle of the tour.

Video Specifics

This is an amateur shot, hand-held video shot from the balcony on “ Gene’s side ’’. The biggest problem with this video is that it is only about 90 minutes in length but most HITS shows were about 2 hours in duration. The video cuts out towards the end of Cold Gin. The second problem is Eric Carr cannot be seen at all throughout the show. A speaker column blocks any view of him. This problem is also present in the Tampa video from the same tour. This would seem to be more of a staging problem then anything especially since both shows are shot from the balcony.

For a hand-held video, this show is very well shot. The filmer does a good job focusing on the various members while keeping the “ dead space ’’ (the space where the camera is pointed towards but all the action is taking place off-screen) to a bare minimum. The show is filmed close enough to be able to see the pattern on Paul’s vest.

The Show

I Stole Your Love- the entrance is less than exciting since the speaker column obscures the member’s entrance through the Sphinx head. The video seems to roll a tad for the first two songs but it clears up after that and is not a problem for the remainder of the show. This version of ISYL is not overly inspiring but it gets the show off to a decent start. Although they do get points for adding this song to the set for the first tour since the Alive II tour in 1977/78.

Deuce- the camerawork on this song is very well done with all members getting screen time at the appropriate moments. Gene’s white wrestling boots seem to ruin his black leather clad look.

Generally, well played by all members.

Heaven’s on Fire- this song starts with the usual pyro beginning. The audio is a little warbly at times during this song but nothing too offensive.

Crazy, Crazy Nights- prior to this song, Paul gives his rap about a local newspaper reporter (insert appropriate city name) telling him it is time to quit. Needless to say, the audience strongly disagrees with the reporter’s opinion. I’ve never been a huge fan of this song in a live setting and this version does nothing to change my mind.

Black Diamond- an interesting choice for having this song early in the setlist. Musically this song sounds fine but Carr’s vocals just don’t cut it. The normal coda ending is cut. Instead, the song segues into…

Shout It Out Loud- this version is played rather fast, which is certainly better than some of the slow plodding versions. Gene’s vocals sound rough but overall this is one of the better songs of the night.

Strutter- the guitar and bass are hard to hear especially during the first half of the song. A good version of Strutter, for me, includes some juicy bass work. While it might have been good, if I can’t hear it then the song will suffer and in this case it does.

Callin’ Dr. Love- a standard version with a little growl by Gene at the end of the song.

I Was Made For Lovin’ You- Paul’s vocals are very strong on this song but the backing vocals are weak. A very solid version with good lighting helping to enhance the overall effect.

Rise to It- prior to the song, Paul makes a comment that he likes blues music and even “ digs that zydeco stuff ’’. He and Bruce then proceed with a short jam session. Needless to say, neither one will make anyone forget about Muddy Waters anytime soon. This particularly version isn’t fantastic. The vocals are a little weak especially the backing vocals.

Fits Like A Glove- Gene always seems to have problems with the lyrics, which makes me wonder if this song would sound better in a live setting if it was just the chorus and music. This rollicking version is helped by the audience participation as Gene eggs them on “ Oh Yeah !!! ’’. “ I said, Oh Yeah !!! ’’. A fine version of this non-makeup standard.

Hide Your Heart- like the previous song, this one also has audience participation. Prior to the song, Paul tries to get the audience to sing the chorus, “ ahh, ahh, ahh, hay, hay, hay ’’. As far as the song goes, Paul’s vocals are rather high pitched and are near cracking at times, which is a bit abrasive.

Lick It Up- Paul’s rap prior to this song is about how good the girls in (insert city name) look. He then says, “ as long as I have a face, you have a place to sit ’’. A standard version.

God of Thunder- lots of pyro and lots of Leon. The major drawback is that we can’t see Eric during his solo.

Forever- a nice version of their biggest hit in years. Paul’s vocals are especially good.

Cold Gin- the vocals get screwed up a little bit but this song is played faithfully. This is the first tour where they were able to mesh classic songs with the ‘80s material. I can’t help but notice how the ‘70s stuff holds up a lot better in a live setting. The video cuts off towards the end of the song and that is it. Presumably, Tears Are Falling / I Love It Loud / Love Gun / Detroit Rock City / I Want You / Rock And Roll All Nite are the songs that are missing.

Overall

While this video shouldn’t be your first show from the HITS tour, it might be worth having if you can get it in a trade. Positives- well filmed, and close. Negatives- short show, and can’t see Eric. Overall, I would give this a 7.5/10.