And the spectacle of a KISS concert was definitely to be had on this night. All the bells and whistles, with the accompanying booms, bangs and flames made the simple act of seeing a true rock and roll SHOW well worth the rather extended wait.

Opening with probably one of the best concert opening numbers from any group, "Detroit Rock City", those slavishly devoted fans that I mentioned previously, lapped it all up with gusto. And I was right there with them. There is a lot of truth in what Paul Stanley said from the stage during the latter part of the show when he talked about people seeing the band for the first time never forgetting their first "KISS".

There's been talk about various issues cropping up with the band's performances (Paul's voice in particular). And while there might be some truth to it, there can be no doubt that the band really knows how to work the crowd. Behind their characters, Paul Stanley exhorts the crowd and whips them into a frenzy, Tommy slays them with his playing, Eric (despite the fact I still think of him as the drummer for BADLANDS) pounds the skins and reminds everyone how special "Beth" is.

And then there's The Demon himself, Gene Simmons. I don't know why but the blood and fire breathing that could seem so cheesy after 4 decades still seems to bring about a momentary sense of dread as things are happening. I also never really realized just how much lead singing he does on songs during the show. Rookie mistake on my part.

From performing high above the stage ("God Of Thunder") or ziplining to the back of the arena to perform on a mini stage ("Love Gun" and "Black Diamond"), the energy level of the show never flagged and KISS worked every possible inch of the stage.

I mentioned how the band was saluting veterans on this tour, and before the show some veterans made their way on the show floor and received a standing ovation. That was repeated late in the show when the band brought more veterans on stage before leading the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the playing of the Star Spangled Banner. It does give one goosebumps to hear that many people speaking in unison.

The chosen set list was heavy on the classic hits which isn't surprising though the nitpicker in me would've liked to have heard them play "Crazy Nights" which is one of my favorite KISS songs.

However, from start to finish the songs inflamed everyone's passions for the material and kept most everyone on their feet throughout. I really enjoyed hearing "I Love It Loud", "Shout It Out Loud" and "Lick It Up""Flaming Youth" too. It's not a song I'd really given much thought to over the years, but it was pretty good and it is also one of my brother's favorite KISS songs. When the band closed things out by spewing confetti throughout the arena as they ran through "Rock and Roll All Nite", a crescendo was reached and concertgoers were able to stream out into the night highly satisifed that they'd just seen a great show.

This might sound like I'm gushing but I really did like this show. It was made more special because I got to share it with my brother who is a huge fan of the band and had never seen them live before either. KISS knows how to entertain the masses with spectacle beyond measure. And that's what I was...highly entertained and overjoyed to have seen this show. Freedom to Rock? KISS gets a "Hell Yeah" from me on that score!

SET LIST:

• "Detroit Rock City"
• "Deuce"
• "Shout It Out Loud"
• "Do You Love Me"
• "I Love It Loud"
• "Flaming Youth"
• Bass Solo / "God Of Thunder"
• "Psycho Circus"
• "Shock Me" / Guitar Solo
• "Cold Gin"
• "Lick It Up"
• "War Machine"
• "Love Gun"
• "Black Diamond"
• "Beth"
• "Star Spangled Banner"
• "Rock and Roll All Nite"