KISS planned to play only 2 nights in Philly. Both of those shows sold out in just an hour! I was on hold with Ticketmaster an hour before they went on sale. When the concert tickets finally started to sell, I was on hold for yet another hour. But, alas, both shows had sold out! I was devastated. On the advice of Nick, we went to some video store and bought tickets there. I wiped away my tears, took a deep breath and smiled. I was holding in my hand two tickets to see my inspiration live - in person! I stared at them for hours, not knowing what to say or do or think; I could only gape at the in complete and utter awe. I was finally going to see KISS! My tickets were in the nosebleeds ($35 a seat) but they were facing directly center stage. After both nights were long sold-out, KISS added another show to their itinerary to please the masses of KISS Army soldiers left deserted, faithfully waiting with money in hand.
After the Deftones received their welcome to get off the stage by the crowd, it was quite a while till the lights were dimmed once again. "I see you shiver with antici......................pation." Once the lights went down, though, the crowd went insane, present company included. "Alllllllllll right, Philadelphia! YOU wanted the best! YOU got the best! The HOTTEST band in the world - KIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!" and they ripped into "Deuce." They blew me away! Even though without the use of the jumbo screen, all I could see were tiny specks moving around, they looked incredible! It was so loud too! I had to keep one ear closed for almost all of the show! Whatever disgust the audience felt for the Deftones immediately vanished when KISS stomped on the stage. We were all focusing on a common goal - making the biggest noise back to the stage that KISS had ever heard. I think it may have worked!
Unfortunately, I only remember half the show. Since we were in the nosebleeds, everyone's pot smoke from the floor rose up to greet my nose. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, around me was blazing as well. So, here I am, an 11-year-old who had never even smelled pot let alone smoked it and I'm getting second-hand high from it. It finally affected me during "God of Thunder." I was pumping my fists in the air to the bass line and singing along at the top of my lungs and I was slowly losing my balance. When I pumped my fist again, I leaned forward, about to fall off the balcony. Nick quickly grabbed my arm, pulled me back, shoved me in my seat, and said, "I think you should sit this one down..." It's a good thing he was watching me. I would have died otherwise.
Other than that, I remember vaguely what exactly went on. What I do know, though, is that KISS never fails to entertain. Everyone in the FU Centre was out of their seat, including the stoners. They proved that old guys could draw bigger crowds than Britney Spears, even if she was giving a free show, if you know what I mean. In my mind, KISS was, is, and always will be the end-all, be-all of live shows. Need proof? Ask anyone who's been to a concert - even the non-fans. A KISS concert isn't a one-night stand. You remember it for eternity.
