Description
Double cd in digipak cover. Limited 100 numbered copies
When Kiss made the decision to remove the make up, their plan of it re inventing the group in the publics eye was a calculated move that paid off in spades. While their previous effort, Creatures Of The Night was an extremely strong record, the band could not buy publicity, the album released sans make up went gold, the first one since 1980’s Unmasked and proving what Paul Stanley said on numerous occasions, people hear with their eyes. While the media exposure was positive, the band was on MTV and a strong new album in Lick It Up but this did not equate to ticket sales and surprisingly the tour was one of the band’s poorest in terms of attendance. In some ways the Lick It Up Tour was simply a repeat of the previous tour, sans make-up. The battle-tank drum riser and staging was recycled, which particularly for the European market made sense since they’d not seen the show previously. Simple walls of amplifiers were placed to either side with the tank-treads remaining in use on either side of the stage. The lighted Kiss logo remained the primary background object. While pyro was limited for much of the tour, the sparkling-wall of flame effect was still used. Pyro was also limited throughout the show, replaced with non-stop high-energy movement of the band members. It’s hardly surprising that the song tempos increased. Following dates in Spain and France the U.K. segment of the tour ran from October 21 to the 29 with Helix and Heavy Pettin’ in support. At least two shows, those in Newcastle (29th of October) and at Wembley (23rd of October) were sold out, but venue attendances for the other five shows were hit and miss like elsewhere, even though the band were playing venues with capacities running from 2,300 to 8,000. This album captures the band at the sold out Wembley Arena which means 8000 Kiss fans. The band hit the stage with a stunning salvo of Creatures into Detroit Rock City. Kiss Mark III was a power house, the enthusiasm of the new blood help bring the 8 year old classic from Destroyer to a metallic life it had not know prior. Paul speaks a bit to introduce Cold Gin. The band then cranks through blistering versions of Fits Like A Glove and Firehouse. Paul takes his solo first, and does a bit of improvised audience participation to the willing fan base. Vinnie takes his solo during Gimme More. I am a huge fan of his time in Kiss, In my opinion he was the only guitar player after Ace to really put his own style into his playing, while I like the others who followed him they kind of kept close to the feel of what Ace did, Vinnie threw the book out of the window so to speak, his solo is a perfect example. The band continues and seems to enjoy playing a sold out Wembley. The band finish their set with Black Diamond and Eric gets a lead vocal for the song that is played at a bit faster tempo with Vinnie again ripping a killer solo. As encores the band goes through Lick It Up and Rock And Roll All Nite which finish the concert in typical Kiss fashion.
Track listing:
1. Creatures Of The Night
2. Detroit Rock City
3. Cold Gin
4. Fits Like A Glove
5. Firehouse
6. Guitar Solo – Paul Stanley
7. Exciter
8. War Machine
9. Gimme More
10. Guitar Solo – Vinnie Vincent
11. Bass Solo – Gene Simmons
12. I Love It Loud
13. I Still Love You
14. Drum Solo – Eric Carr
15. Young And Waysted
16. Love Gun
17. Black Diamond
18. Lick it Up
19. Rock And Roll All Nite
20. Strutter
21. Interview With Eric Carr And Vinnie Vincent