Introduction

A decent show but not the best from this tour.

Background

The month of August 1990 is probably on of the best documented times in the bands history in terms of video (prior to the Reunion tour). Ten videos are available from shows (Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Jackson, Shreveport, Biloxi, Houston, San Antonio, Little Rock and Oklahoma City) that took place during this month.

Video Specifics

This is an amateur, handheld shot from the upper right (Bruce’s side) balcony of the venue. Due to the location of the filmer, we don’t get to see Leon because of the speakers. Also, the audio is a tad low.

The Show

I Stole Your Love- a solid version that would do the ‘70s lineup proud. The filmer focuses mostly on Paul throughout the song, which is a bit annoying.

Deuce- another good version is sort of marred by the filmer’s continued fascination with Paul.

Heavens on Fire- Paul takes off his jacket prior to this song, which begins with the obligatory pyro opening. There is a brief close-up of Eric Carr, which is nice to see. A few people walk in front of the camera but it is nothing that is distracting.

Crazy, Crazy Nights- Paul gives the usual HITS tour rap about a newspaper guy telling him its time to quit, which is a little hard to hear due to the low audio. The playing of this song is good but nothing great.

Black Diamond- A good energetic version highlighted by Carr’s vocals and Paul’s frolicking on the side railing. This song segues into…

Shout It Out Loud- Gene’s vocals are a bit rough and he also screws up one of his verses. The filmer focuses on Bruce and Paul for the most part, with Gene getting a minor percentage of screen time.

Strutter- a passable version is hurt by weak backing vocals.

Callin’ Dr. Love- the first song in which Gene is actually shown for any length of time. A decent version with lots of dancing by Paul.

I Was Made For Lovin’ You- a good version of this classic. There are a few nice shots of Eric and Bruce on the drum riser. Some Alive III pyro might have helped but I guess we can’t have everything.

Rise To It- the song starts off with a “ blues ’’ jam type of intro by Bruce and Paul. There is a slight video cut just before the chorus but nothing major. Paul’s vocals are rather low throughout the song. During the “ I’m gonna, I’m gonna ’’ part of the chorus, Gene is seen doing pelvic thrusts, which will likely bring a smile to any viewers face.

Fits Like A Glove- an excellent version of this non-makeup standard is highlighted by some surprisingly clear vocals by Gene, which are often mumbled or are totally incoherent. Gene shuffles his feet to the amusement of some audience (likely female) members.

Hide Your Heart- a good audience participation song that is helped, not surprisingly, by the energetic audience sing along (ah, ah, ah, hay, hay, hay…). Prior to the next song, Paul complements Tampa’s girls as being the best on the tour thus far. He also adds “ girls, I appreciate that you have been standing on your feet all night. As long as I have a face, if you get tired, you always have a place to sit ’’.

Lick It Up- there is a towel on the mic stand that Gene normally uses. While singing at this stand, Paul throws the towel away. This happens several times during the show. All three-band members (Gene, Paul and Bruce) stay near the centre of the stage during the last part of the song and have fun with some female fans.

God of Thunder- a decent version but nothing fabulous. The angle of the camera kind of misses some of the pyro.

Forever- since little happens on stage during a ballad, there is not much to mention other then the song is sung cleanly by Paul.

Cold Gin- Paul introduces this song as being written in the “ early days when we didn’t have any money ’’. Gene sings the first verse while Paul sings the second. A decent version but I’ve heard better.

Tears Are Falling- I thought the Revenge era did the best version of this song but this version is decent in its own right.

I Love It Loud- Gene vocals are slightly muffled at times during this song. The audience sing-along is the most enthusiastic part of the song.

Love Gun- Paul’s vocals are a bit over the top but this version is helped by good use of lasers and pyro.

Detroit Rock City- good camerawork by the filmer and good vocals by Paul.

I Want You- there is no audience sing along during the spoken word beginning, which is a positive or a negative depending on which version you like. The KISS logo descends during this song and looks a little cheesy when compared to logos from past tours.

Rock and Roll All Nite- the filmer shows Paul for most of the song. The song is cut during the middle of the audience participation.

Overall

There is something about this show that leaves me cold. The show is decent enough (generally well filmed although the performance is rather average) but there are shows from this tour that are much better (both Detroit shows, Middletown, Biloxi, and London). Overall, a 6-6.5 out of 10.