Tokyo 3/12/03 video review...

March 12, 2003
Tokyo, Japan
Budokan Hall


Introduction

This show has a certain car wreck sort of appeal but after watching this performance, I can’t help but think that the band is near death.


Background

The second of three dates at Budokan Hall in March. They played the fourth date in Yokohama on March 15th, 2003.


Video Specifics

Filmed by “ ROZY ’’ the same person who filmed the 2001 Japanese shows. This show is a single cam handheld from the “ Tommy ’’´side of the stage. The audio and video are both as very good in terms of quality. The filmer zooms out too much, which left me thinking this show would have been more enjoyable had the filmer made more use of closeups. Also, the stage lighting is very poor (ie. dark). This is especially so during the first part of the show. At times I had trouble seeing where the band was on stage. The filmer seemed to have this problem as well.


The Show

Deuce- the filmer zooms out for the most part and picture is a tad shaky in spots. The lighting is so bad, who exactly is on stage is anyone’s guess.

Strutter- a rather ponderous version.

Let Me Go Rock and Roll- A decent version. Gene’s bass solo is hard to hear. During Tommy’s solo, Gene says “ Tommy Thayer ’’making this the first mention of Tommy in this show. Tommy is certainly more active then Ace on stage. The song ends with the band choreography.

Shout It Out Loud- again, for the first part of the song, who’s on stage is anyone’s guess. At the end of the song, Paul asks “ Is it good ? Is it loud ? ’’. Too bad he didn’t ask “ Can you see us ?’’.

Firehouse- the most interesting thing about this song is that Gene blows 1 fireball at the end. Prior to the next song, Paul introduces the band. Tommy is the first one announced.

Lick It Up- the crowd sings the intro part of the song. An ugly and uninspired version to say the least.

God of Thunder- Gene’s blood spitting is rushed. When he is lifted to the platform above the stage, a railing partially blocks our view. As a result, the filmer zooms out. For the most part, this is as good as any other Criss version from 1996 onward.

King of the Night Time World- prior to the song, Paul plays a riff of Jumpin’ Jack Flash (the Stones played Budokan Hall on March 10th). A rather standard version of this Destroyer semi-classic.

Callin’ Dr. Love- a white bra is hanging on Gene’s microphone stand. The doctor should of retired years ago.

Psycho Circus- even though Paul’s vocals seem better then most 1998 tour versions, this particular version isn’t overly impressive.

Goin’ Blind- Paul says “ we were gonna put it on the first album but saved it for the second ’’. Although most of the Convention versions sound better, this is a welcome addition to the setlist.

Forever- “ we’re gonna take it down another notch ’’. Is it just me or does this sound like a version that belongs at a soundcheck and not in front of an audience ?

Heaven’s on Fire- one of the better songs of the night. Begins and ends with flamethrowers (the first real use of any pyro in the show).

Do You Love Me?- prior to this song, Paul says “ are you tired ? ’’ then Gene says the same thing. Paul retorts “ I didn’t know he could talk ’’. Gene then adds an “ Oh, ya ! ’’ which gets a smile from Paul. The drumming is what I expect from Peter at this point. Paul vocals aren’t too hot either.

Cold Gin- a song that is nearly impossible to play poorly. Gene tongues Tommy’s neck, which Tommy doesn’t seem too comfortable about.

Medley- the band plays three songs. The first two are La Bamba and Day Tripper. Both are played over half way through each song. The third song is Sunshine of Your Love, which is aborted after about the first verse.

I Was Made For Lovin’ You- the crowd hums the intro. A rather good version, with Paul’s vocals not being too screechy.

Prior to the next song, Paul says “ is it ok if I tie my boot ? ’’ as he sits on the drum riser (gene is holding the microphone). Paul continues “ Kiss, nothing ever goes wrong with Kiss. Kiss are invincible. Just one more minute. Take a look at Gene’s ass for a minute (Gene wags his ass for the crowd). Tommy say something to the audience. ’’

Tommy says “ are you having a good time ? ’’. Gene says something in Japanese. Paul then remarks what about Mr. Roboto ? ’’. (referring to the Styx song).

Love Gun- A middle of the road version with Paul using his flying rig. Thankfully, that crowd noise meter has been dropped.

Black Diamond- Paul plays the intro part of Angie by the Stones and the intro of Stairway to Heaven, which segues into the beginning of Black Diamond. A solid version with good lighting on Peter. Tommy goes to his knees (insert joke here) during the breakdown part of the song. Peter drum riser levitates like the Psycho Circus tour riser. No pyro however.

Beth- Peter sits and sings.

Detroit Rock City- as Paul introduces the song, he says the crowd “ where do you think you’re going ? ’’. He then lists off a bunch of US cities (LA, New York, Washington etc…). A rather pedestrian version.

Rock and Roll All Nite- an anti-war rant (rant is maybe too strong a word) by Paul while introducing the song. A confetti storm as the song begins. The song cuts mid way through the audience participation part of the song. I think I can figure out the rest of the song.


Overall

Solely based on this show alone, I wouldn’t pay to see Kiss this summer with Aerosmith. You’ll hear better versions of most of these songs on other bootlegs. Outside of the car wreck appeal of seeing Tommy in Ace makeup and seeing the new Alive outfits, I can’t think of much else that is worth recommending here (perhaps the medleys). Overall, an 8.5 out of 10 or a 6 out of 10 (depending on you point of view).