Toledo '86 video review...

March 28/1986
Toledo, Ohio
Sports Arena


Introduction

Certainly one of the better and more enjoyable shows from this tour.


Background

None of the full Asylum shows are exceptional in quality but that does not mean they are not enjoyable. The band only played about 10 more dates after this show (they had already played about 81 shows on the tour).


Video Specifics

This show is an amateur shot, hand-held from the about the 200 level (around half way back) on the Bruce side of the stage. The filmer does a good job of showing the stage and keeps the band members in view throughout the show. However, there are 2 minor cuts in the show (perhaps to save film ?) and also a few heads get in the way but nothing too offensive or bothersome.

The staging is rather sparse. The logo in lights is huge and is obviously behind Eric, whose drum kit is massive. Other than that, the stage is decidedly bare with lots of empty stage space in which the various members have to roam with the stacks of speakers similar to Van Halen’s 1984 tour.


The Show

Detroit Rock City- the first thing the viewer notices is the hideous outfits. Gene, in particular, looks like a drag queen. This version is played with lots of energy. Paul misses some of his cues as he is playing to the crowd but I can’t really blame him for that. A nice beginning.

Fits Like A Glove- Gene vocals are a little rough at the beginning of this song but seem to get better as the song progresses. Bruce’s guitar work is solid but he clearly is out of place in a live setting next to Gene and Paul, in terms of stage presence. The crowd throws a few objects on stage. None hit the band members.

Creatures of the Night- Paul still seems energized and as a result his vocals on this song suffer.

Cold Gin- this version starts with the standard rap. If you have Alive (or have been to almost any Kiss concert) then you know how it goes. Gene spends the first part of the song repeatedly tapping the microphone with his hand (the volume throughout the song sounded fine to me). Eric seems buried behind his drum kit, which is enormous. This version gets a faithful playing here and his followed by a five-minute solo by Bruce.

Uh ! All Night- early on into the song, an audience member throws something small at Paul and in mid-song, he subtly gives the person the finger (if you blink then you might miss it). Paul’s vocals aren’t particularly great but Gene’s backing vocals seem better then the normal token effort he puts forth. Eric’s solo follows and is highlighted by some pyro.

War Machine- Excellent. Gene nails all the lyrics (surprising as that is !), and fine work by Eric and Bruce highlight this version. The song ends with Gene blowing one fireball. I’ll try to resist making a comment that Gene should of set fire to his dreadful looking clothing. Too late.

Love Gun- prior to this song, Paul gives an extended rap about being on an airplane, here is a highlight- “ the stewardess asks me if I’m in a band. I say no. I’m in the band ’’. The story ends with Paul flying the “ friendly skies ’’. The song itself is pedestrian but has some good guitar work by Bruce.

Callin’ Dr. Love- Paul’s memory seems to be faulty because he introduces this song as coming from Love Gun. Paul would be better served by saying that any makeup era song comes from either Alive or Alive II. Most non-makeup versions of this song don’t really do much for me. Watching this song, the viewer would think the band is only a trio since Bruce spends most of his time around Eric. Bruce then magically appears just in time for his solo. A bass solo by Gene (complete with pyro for Gene’s “ guitar gun ’’) follows that really seems to get the crowd going and sets the tone for the rest of the show.

I Love It Loud- Paul comes back on stage wearing a headband ! Needless to say, this is not a good look for him at all. Taking the lead from Gene’s bass solo this version is played very energetically by the band. A few people get in the way of the camera but nothing to detract from the song.

Heaven’s on Fire- there is a small cut prior to this song but seemingly nothing of consequence is missed. This version is well played and doesn’t drag like some versions on later tours. Again, a few heads get in the way.

Rock and Roll All Nite- like before, Bruce spends much of his time hanging around Eric’s drum riser only to come down for his solo. Gene’s vocals are a little hard to hear but all in all a good version complete with the obligatory audience participation, smoke and confetti.

Medley- the band reappears after leaving the stage. They then fool around doing a medley of tunes. The opening riff of Deuce is played before it is aborted. Paul sings the first few words of Beth before it is halted. I Was Made For Lovin’ You is meagerly attempted as well. Oh Susannah is played at greater length.

Tears Are Falling- one of the better versions of this song. Solid vocals by Paul and energetic playing by Bruce highlight this beauty.

Lick It Up- there is a slight cut before this song. Bruce spends the first half of the song by Eric. Good interaction between band members towards the end of the song is fun to see. The song (and show) end with Paul smashing his guitar.


Overall

The Fort Worth show from this tour is generally regarded by most as the best but this Toledo show is very enjoyable in itself. Granted, this is an era in the band’s history that most would like to forget (including the band) but this is a good document of an underrated tour in which not too much video exists. I’ll give this an 8/10.