Description
For such an important piece of Kisstory, surprisingly there are no previous audio documents of Kiss first headline appearance at the prestigious Madison Square Garden in New York City on the 18th of February 1977, collectors only real taste of this concert is the pro shot video. While some consider this a somewhat sloppy concert, I find it just a solid performance with the band’s energy level at 110%. Who could blame them, just three years ago they were some up and coming opening band no one wanted to know, now they are one of the biggest hard rock outfits in America. The massive hometown gig, billed as the “Triumphant Return Of The Conquering Heroes” the gig was a complete sell out. I think Peter said it best “In those early days the Garden was my dream. I remember passing the old Garden when I was 10 years old. I was with my Mom, and I said “Ma. I’m gonna play that place someday for you”. And I did. It was the biggest moment of my life.” This is definitely a Peter show, he is on his game the whole night. The band storm through the set like they mean business, there is little time for talking and the whole set is like a one two punch. The set list is typical for the time. The new music from Rock And Roll Over sounds fresh and is strong, especially the duo of Makin’ Love and I Want You. It was reported that Ace spent the day partying and could not even soundcheck, one listen to the ragged beginning of Cold Gin and one could assume the story is true. While the version starts off loose, midway Ace starts going off filling in with some really nice and almost erratic leads. Nothin’ To Lose has some great Peter vocals, God Of Thunder seems to have a bit of swagger in it, Peter may have had some issues as the marching patterns he usually plays is replaced for the first minute by him hitting just his bass drum. While the majority of the show seems almost rushed, the ending is spectacular. While still a little rough around the edges, you will not here a more passionate set of songs in any other Kiss concert. Rock And Roll All Nite features lots of interaction from Paul, Gene, and Peter, while the song is not a personal favourite, this version kicks ass. Beth is great, you can feel Peter’s emotions as it seems like he takes a minute, onstage alone to look around and take it all in. Black Diamond, like Rock And Roll All Nite, just a powerful version where you can just hear the guys locking in and delivering a death blow. There are also a couple of interesting bonus tracks, studio out takes of Calling Dr. Love. From what the diehards say they are mixes taken from the video game Rock Band. Nonetheless the quality is excellent, both versions sound the same except for the first has vocals, the second does not. I personally would love to hear more of the Rock And Roll Over demos, if they ever come to surface. This album comes in a miniature lp style sleeve with pictures of Kiss walking in front of the Madison Square Garden towering over there Manhattan skyline. The cd comes in a printed innersleeve and there is a 4-page booklet included that has old news paper clippings and an expanded view of the MSG structure as well as a picture of a ticket stub. Perhaps the picture that really makes the set perfect is found on the back cover, it is KISS posing with their parents and manager Bill Aucoin pre show to this auspicious occasion. Cool release and certainly one Kiss fans will really enjoy.
Track list:
1. Introduction
2. Detroit Rock City
3. Take Me
4. Let Me Go, Rock ‘n’ Roll
5. Ladies Room
6. Firehouse
7. Makin’ Love
8. I Want You
9. Cold Gin
10. Guitar Solo -Ace Frehley
11. Do You Love Me?
12. Nothin’ To Lose
13. Bass Solo -Gene Simmons
14. God Of Thunder
15. Drum Solo -Peter Criss
16. Rock And Roll All Nite
17. Shout It Out Loud
18. Beth
19. Black Diamond
20. Calling Dr. Love-alternate mix
21. Calling Dr. Love-instrumental