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New York, NY- To say I was looking forward to this show for a very long time would be a HUGE UNDERSTATEMENT! I’m a huge KISS fan and have seen them well over 40 times, but never got the opportunity to see Paul perform solo (He did one solo tour in 1989). Paul recently released his second solo release “Live to Win” on the previous Tuesday to great reviews (including one from our own editor and chief). The show sold out in two minutes when tickets went on sale and I was lucky enough to get 4 tickets (Tracey from Glam also joined me) for the show I was most eager to see.
The band Slunt opened the show and played a strong 45 minute set. They also released a new CD on 10-24-06 as well called “One Night Stand”. I talked to lead singer Abby Gennet after the show and we are hoping to do a CD review and interview with the band in the near future.
Paul took the stage at 9:15 to a frenzied NYC crowd that Paul referred to as his “peeps”. This was a homecoming for Paul, as he is originally from NYC and did share some stories on when he was a NYC cab driver and how he came up with the song “Strutter.” Paul opened the show with the title track to his new album “Live to Win.” Great song to open up with and it showed the promise on how Paul would deliver an unforgettable night of solo material and classic KISS tunes. Two KISS songs never played live “A Million to One” and “Magic Touch” were overwhelmingly received by the crowd and were pretty much sung word for word. Paul can still belt out the high parts as evident on “I Still Love You.” Always a roaring approval when Paul showcases his voice during that particular song.
Paul played “Bulletproof”, “Every Time I see you around”, and “Lift” all off his new CD. I would say the highlights (there were many of them) were the songs he played off his 1978 “Paul Stanley” solo CD. One of the best songs I have EVER witnessed a performer play with heart, soul, and some anger was the song “Tonight You Belong to Me.” I couldn’t believe the fiery passion that was exemplified when Paul kicked into that song. I was taken back and so speechless after he finished the song all I can say was “Wow”!! The backing band was from the show “Rockstar INXS and Supernova. The band was tight and fit perfectly on how Paul wanted to play live. The beginning to “Detroit Rock City” was different and took a little time getting used to, but I think it worked. It doesn’t hurt to step outside yourself and try another avenue on a masterpiece you wrote down to see what would come of it. Paul was very appreciative of the crowd and even said that he looked forward to the “possibility’ of coming back if they (crowd) would have him back. Obviously, a thunderous “YES” resounded throughout Irving Plaza until Paul finished his last song “Goodbye” and said it’s just for tonight, not permanently. We can only hope!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Set List for Irving Plaza:
Live to Win
Hide your Heart
A Million to One
Got to Choose
Move On
Bulletproof
Tonight You Belong to Me
Lick it Up
Wouldn’t you like to Know Me
Magic touch
I still Love You
Strutter
Every Time I see you Around
Do You Love Me
I Want You
Love Gun
Lift
Detroit Rock City
Goodbye
In addition the Irving Plaza show, I also was able to partake in the of the Kiss events that took place in NYC on Halloween including (KISS on TRL, Greenwich Village Parade, and the Virgin records signing). I got very little sleep as I flew out of NYC to home (Buffalo) and then drove to Pittsburgh to see another Paul Stanley solo show on November 1st. Paul will also be doing a promotional appearance for the new Kiss fragrance line at the Parisian at Rochester Hills Mall outside of Detroit Michigan on Saturday November 4th. This is a day before his show in Mount Clemens on Sunday. I plan on attending both events so stop and say Hi! Another small review will follow for all of the events mentioned. www.paulstanley.com
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