Introduction

Worth a look simply based on the fact the show is professionally shot but other then that…

Background

The fifth of six shows in Japan during their brief tour in 1988.

Video Specifics

Pro-shot by Japanese television. As each song begins, the song title is listed on the screen briefly. The band plays with a very bare bones stage with no pyro at all during the show. Also, the names of the band members are listed occasionally on screen as well.

Bruce is wearing his dreadful “ radioactive ’’ suit. Paul is wearing a red “ 53 ’’ jersey with white spandex pants. Gene is clad in leather. Eric is wearing a Led Zeppelin shirt.

The Show

Love Gun- a yawner of an opener.

Cold Gin- a decent version although Paul’s guitar dies halfway through the song, which prompts a quizzical look from Gene.

Bang, Bang, You- not as dreadful as one might think. Paul doesn’t end the song with the usual “ Bang, Bang ’’ call and response, which is a relief.

Callin’ Dr. Love- I can’t help but notice that during Bruce’s solo in this song, Gene and Paul are doing the Deuce chorography. This is done during the previous songs as well. Perhaps an attempt to remind fans of the 1977/78 Japan shows ?

Fits Like A Glove- Paul plays the intro riff to Zeppelin’s Heartbreaker before going into this song. For the first part of the song, there is Japanese writing at the bottom of the screen. Certainly one of the better efforts of the night thus far.

Crazy Nights- a middle of the road version. Bruce’s solo follows so you might want to consider the fast forward button.

No, No, No- some nice guitarwork by Bruce is the highlight in an otherwise ugly version. Gene’s vocals aren’t overly clear or clean.

Reason to Live- a very smooth effort, as close to the studio version as you’ll find.

Heaven’s on Fire- I noticed that Paul is wearing suspenders under his jersey. An energetic version with good vocals by Paul and some good crowd shots. Eric’s drum solo follows and is worth a look.

War Machine- one of Gene’s better efforts during the show. The lack of any type of pyro seems to stand out more on this song then others. Before the next song, Gene says a few words in Japanese before going into his bass solo, which of course leads into…

I Love It Loud- a rather pedestrian version. The vocals aren’t great. One of the weaker versions, I’ve heard in a while.

Lick It Up- played at a decent tempo and not as ponderous as one might think.

Black Diamond- “ would you like to hear Eric sing ? ’’. Well played with Carr’s powerful vocals being the rather surprising highlight.

I Was Made For Lovin’ You- a big crowd response after Paul does the vocal intro. Not as bad as one would think even from the Crazy Nights era of the band.

Shout It Out Loud- a decent enough version although the vocals seemed a tad thin. Paul smashes his guitar at the end of the song. For some reason, the credits roll after this song.

Strutter- a straightforward version although Eric’s backing vocals are a little out of sync with the band. Enough so, Paul cringes near the end of the song.

Rock and Roll All Nite- not much different then the million versions you’ve heard elsewhere. Gene vocals are a bit rough in spots but nothing too objectionable. The audience participation part of this song isn’t too inspiring.

Detroit Rock City- throughout this song, clips from the bands ‘77 Tokyo stop are shown. However, it doesn’t really become too much of a distraction since most of the song is the ’88 performance. In general, a nice effect. Interestingly enough, all the clips from 1977 are of either Gene or Paul. Towards the end of the song, Paul swings the mic a la 100,00 Years but oddly enough doesn’t say anything.

Overall

With the Philadelphia pro-shot already in tow from this tour, I’m not really sure we needed another. One of those shows, you’ll watch once then store away for ages. Positives- it’s pro-shot. Negatives- it’s from the Crazy Nights tour. Overall, a 6.5 out of 10.