Kiss Expo + Union Concert - Tokyo, January 29th & 30th 2005 : A half-Revenge!
Takadanobaba - talk about an impossible name. Arguably one of the ugliest areas of Tokyo, this college town is nothing but concrete, steel and neon lights. The brightest spot ought to be Black Diamond, a cool Kiss shop, and last week-end, Club Phase, where the first 2005 Kiss expo was held.
The highlight was Bruce Kulick’s presence, invited to play a show with Union. Due to unforeseen, but welcome, circumstances, Eric Singer was added to the bill, replacing Union’s drummer, which gave the event a boost. The tickets, adjusted to Japan’s standards of living, were close to 60 Euros. For that price, we half-jokingly expected Paul and Gene to show up for some songs and revive the Revenge-era Kiss line-up! Of course, it wasn’t meant to be.
Kiss expos are a lot of fun, and the small-yet-extremely devoted Kiss Nippon community was having a great time, catching up on the latest since the last Kiss tour. The vendors were limited to 3 main tables: Japan’s own Black Diamond shop, the US expo regulars and the guests’ table: Bruce, Union and Eric. Rumours were flying: Kiss getting ready for some concerts in the US later this year, a possible visit to Europe (still trying...cross your fingers EU Kiss Army). Bruce and Eric were very friendly and accessible throughout, signing, posing for pictures.
Two Japanese tribute bands - Kiss Japan and Kissin Time - had the honor of warming up the crowd and all things considered - the Japanese being extremely, even scarily quiet during shows - performed their task beyond the call of duty, sparing no efforts. Smoking Les Paul during Ace’s solo, Paul singing from the middle of the club for Love Gun and Shandi. A surprising and impressive rendition of Firestarter, obscure songs such as Rocket Ride or Sweet Pain entertained the crowd. Well done, guys!!
Union got up on stage at about 8:30 and the club was nearly packed. The
set started of with Do your Own thing, which is what Union did. The set
list was an excellent mix of hits and more obscure songs, making a very
smooth balance to please all. It is also impressive to watch musicians
of that caliber from so close, and to get such a good sound in a club,
made the whole thing a little surreal. To me, the highlight of the evening
was, of course, Jungle from Carnival of Souls, the best song of the album.
I walk alone was also played (the first and last Kiss song with Bruce on
lead vocal), as well as Black Diamond, with Eric on lead vocals.
Some fans wanted more Kiss, and Bruce indulged with the intro riff of Crazy
Nights for a few seconds, but the band had a different setlist.
Everything’s Alright, Love, Jump the shark (instrumental), Surrender (Cheap Trick), Power to the Music (Motley Crue), were the ingredients of a dynamic, melodic, rock and roll show. Smoke on the Water and American Band -from Bruce’s other band - during the encores ended the concert. Union and Eric Singer sounded great throughout the show and a great time was had by all. Takadanobabaaa, we love you. Gooood night!!
BALISH
Special thanks to Bruce Kulick and Takeshi, the promoter.