DVD Review – KISS
KISSOLOGY Vol . 3, 1992-2000
VH1 Classic/Fontana North
Banking on the brink of destruction, the lovely lads in KISS have released the third and final DVD compilation, KISSOLOGY Vol . 3, 1992-2000. In a series of rare, behind the scenes footage, this DVD chronologically showcases the band as they (Gene and Paul) go through a few line-up changes. Ok so more than a few. And what’s with everyone dying? Poor Eric Carr, my fave of the 3 KISS drummers, and Mark St. John who got stuck touring and recording for the inane “Animalize” album.
Regardless, the boys do us right on this final installment with the thoroughly enjoyable “Reunion” Tour of ’96 and even some great behind the scenes takes from the “Unplugged” special the boys did, including all surviving members joining forces for a couple of tracks.
You have to feel bad though for Ace. The poor bastard fucks up every version of “Shock Me” and can’t get the flares to shoot out of his Les Paul in a straight fashion, as he aims for the nearest roadie to whom he gives a warning nod. Like the Family Guy episode that mocks him twice (once by Gene), you get the same feeling as he tries so hard to comply with the on-air acts of invective tomfoolery that envelope his current reputation.
The “Revenge” Tour kicks off Disc one – Gene’s Hair piece is so embarrassedly obvious you don’t mind it. Its the “Revenge” album tracks that are bothersome. This disc also contains the aforementioned “Unplugged” session, which has it moments, more pre-show stuff that’s interesting. Disc 2 brings forth the other official reunion – the tour. The MTV novelty shoots are here, real Super Bowl half-time stuff. Still need to go to the first volumes of the series to get an authentic “I Stole Your Love”, but nonetheless, good to see the boys, especially Paul Stanley as he belts it out in true KISS style with an instant audience connection that rivals the rest of the band’s vibe with the crowd.
By the time you hit disc 3 this visual retrospective has taken its toll. We now have Peter handing out roses during “Beth” (of course), and we now officially reach the 8th version of “Rock & Roll All Nite” (I shit you not).
Some will undoubtedly skip to the prize at the bottom of the box -of disc 4 (there’s also a Limited Edition version/5 discs), the coveted Coventry show from 1973. Grainy, black and white footage that boasts restored audio and an adequate set list (9 tracks). No editing, just straight KISS with “Old” makeup from the first album before Casablanca started getting their paws into the mix.
Basically, a tossup or toss-off: you can pull 2 of the 4 DVD ‘s out and hurl them at the next kid wearing a “Destroyer” T-Shirt who has never heard the album, and/or, enjoy the mistakes, numerous takes, twists and turns that bring you to the beginning of a Rock & Roll odyssey that just will–not-die. Speaking of dying again, we were kinda hoping Gene would go next.
By E.S. Day
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