Customer Reviews

Kiss - Rock the Nation Live

5 star:		(74)
4 star:		(21)
3 star:		(15)
2 star:		(10)
1 star:		(22)

 

 

Great performances. Great sound. Great picture. Excellent song choices. Cool extras. Thoroughly entertaining all the way through.

In the 70s Kiss was it. It was cool to be into Kiss. In the 80s, it was the exact opposite. By the late 80s and early 90s the makeup was off and Kiss was a (no pun intended) washed up "bunch of posers."

This DVD dispells the myth that Kiss were ever posers. They indeed were always great musicians and they were the inspiration for many metal bands rocking your world today (did you know while backsatge at a 70s Kiss show that Eddie Van Halen's signature guitar tapping was inspired while seeing Ace Frehley do it?). And they so happen to put on one of the most theatrical shows in rock and roll history.

And that history is captured on this 2-disk DVD. Each disk has some great bonus material...some mixed into the play lists on both disks and some available right on the disk 2 main menu. But the real treat is the front row seat to a great performance from Washington, DC in 2004.

I am sure that most are aware of the "doctoring" that the Kiss Alive album is now infamous for. With this DVD, it's clear that the guys also wanted to dispell the myth that their live performances needed doctoring. You are clearly getting undoctored versions of all the songs, no lip syncing, actual performances. And before the boys hit the stage they must have all agreed to be true to the studio versions of the songs, because they all sound great! You get:

Disc one:
"Love Gun"
"Deuce"
"Makin' Love"
"Lick It Up"
"Christine Sixteen"
"She"
"Tears Are Falling"
"Got To Choose"
"I Love It Loud"
"Love Her All I Can"
"I Want You"
"Parasite"

Disc two:
"War Machine"
"100,000 Years"
"Unholy"
"Shout It Out Loud"
"I Was Made For Lovin' You"
"Detroit Rock City"
"God Gave Rock & Roll to You II"
"Rock and Roll All Nite"

On about 7 of the tracks you have the option of watching your favorite performer throughout the song. And for the preservationists that might suggest that it's not really Kiss without Ace and Peter Criss...please...think again. Tommy Thayer (guitar) and Eric Singer (drums) are...I hate to say it...even better musicians than their original counterparts. And with the makeup you forget that your not watching the originals about 6 seconds into the first clip on the DVD.

Bottom line: Are you or were you ever a Kiss fan? Don't pass on this. Hit the Add to Cart button. Don't think twice.

I have just seen the "Kiss: Rock the Nation" DVD, and all I can say is, "Wow." Great performance; good 5.1 sound mix, great-looking filming and HD transfer, and good bonus features (although why they couldn't fit what is essentially a two-hour show onto one DVD is beyond me). But still, overall impressive. I must admit I was skeptical of the "Rock the Nation" tour for a number of reasons. Mainly, one: I had seen Kiss on the previous "Psycho-Circus" tour and was disappointed (especially after seeing the great reunion tour just a few years earlier), and two: I thought, "If Ace and Peter can't sound any better than that, what makes anyone think that a couple of scrubs could do any better?" So, I sat that tour out, saved my money, and stayed at home. When I heard reports of an "incredible" show, I thought to myself, "What a bunch of deluded fanboys. These must be those same people who go to all of those conventions and defend 'The Elder' as high art. These people are worse than deadheads."

But then, Aerosmith came to town with Kiss opening, and the opportunity to see my two favorite rock bands from the '70's touring together was too good to pass up. I have to say, I was impressed. Peter Criss was back behind the drum kit, but what surprised me the most was that I didn't miss Ace. I mean, when I saw close-ups of Tommy Thayer on the monitor screens, I could obviously tell it wasn't Ace, but that didn't bug me. It was a really good show. Still for the time between the show and the release of this DVD, I doubted my memories of the concert. Was it really that good, or was I just so pumped-up over the experience of seeing Kiss and Aerosmith together that I was overrating it? Now that I have this DVD, I know I was right. Not only that, but now I don't miss Peter, either. I have been a Kiss fan for 30 years, but I agree with the reviewer who compared a Kiss live show to a theater production, a la London or Broadway. The cast may change, but that just keeps the show fresh, if anything.

One additional comment, though; and this really bugs me: Stop treating Amazon.com as a forum / blog thread. This is a product review site. If you haven't seen the product, don't post. If you want to rant about the "new, fake Kiss," go to a genuine metal news / blog site like blabbermouth.com. Those guys would love you. They have turned Kiss-bashing into an art-form / pastime. But when you post a one-star review of a DVD you haven't seen because you disagree with it on general principal, it brings the overall rating of the DVD down artificially, which could turn-off potential Amazon customers / Kiss fans like myself, who might genuinely like the DVD on its own merits. (And I think it's interesting to note that the reviews posted by the people who have actually seen the DVD are overwhelmingly positive). As for me, this is going up on my shelf, right next to my "import" copy of Kiss - Love Gun: Houston, 1977.

Just watched the DVD last night. What a great production!!! The set list was awesome, though everybody will "wish they played...". Kiss could play for 5 hours and not cover everything we all want, but to hear 'Love Her All I Can' one of my faves, 'Parasite', 'Got To Choose', and an incredible remake of 'She' from Alive. Tommy Thayer made a lot of lifetime fans after that one! It was sad to see the lame front row crowd sitting down during the tunes that don't appear on every greatest hits record. If you're going to sit in the front few rows, you'd better know all the songs. Those seats should be reserved for true fans, not the 10th caller to the radio station. Kiss powervision allows the viewer to watch any of the 4 band members during 7 of the songs, this is cool if you want to just check out one or all at any point of the selected tune. This DVD has been in the works for 6 years. I can honestly say it was worth every day of that wait. Check out the sound check segment, you'll hear 'All the Way', 'The Oath', 'Two Timer', and 'Comin Home'.
The only flaw in this DVD is the 6 interruptions between songs. They stuck in some awesome behind the scenes stuff, but during the show? Those little 3 minute pieces were great, but they belonged after the concert in a bonus section. Oh, and Gene... please listen to 'I Love It Loud' on the plane to get the verses right! We love you man, I'd hate to see an OZZY teleprompter in front of you!!!
All in all, this is the DVD true KISS fans have waited for. Fabulous sound, production, and video quality. No orchestra in the background. Just sraight ahead rock, as only KISS knows how to !. Buy it...buy it...buy it...buy it.

As much as I loved the Symphony DVD, this one is better. Finally, the band has released a regular full length concert. The mix of hits and rarities, 70s with 80s and 90s, is a perfect balance. The picture is so clear you feel like you're in the front row. It's disappointing that Ace and Peter are absent, but honestly, the band sounds tighter with Eric and Tommy. Perhaps at some point they'll release a show from the reunion tour. As for the KISS powervision: if you like the idea of picking one member to watch,have fun. I could care less and watch the show without it. The documentary footage is fun--especially the soundchecks as you get to hear bits of seldom played album cuts. This DVD was worth every penny.

I see a lot of mixed reviews here. Only one problem....This DVD hasn't been released yet. You can't review a product that you haven't even seen yet! Any pre-release reviews are totally useless and absurd!

Paul Stanley's recent assertion that the "Rock the Nation Live!" DVD showcases a "timeless representation of KISS" is completely accurate. As being among the most die-hard of die-hard KISS fans, I was as sad as any other KISS fans when Ace and Peter departed from the band once again. However, I didn't let my disappointment keep me from supporting the band that had given me so much over the years. In fact, I was excited about hearing a rejuvenated KISS on tour in 2004, especially when I learned the band would be playing a different setlist from the previous tours with the inclusion of a few rare songs. I was fortunate enough to attend the Washington, D.C. show that was used for much of this DVD, and I can confidently say that the DVD captures the energy and magic of the night. Granted, I might be somewhat biased since I attended the show, but I think the DVD captures the band at its tightest. The songs are clear, and Eric Singer's drumming is phenomenal. Though an Ace-penned song, "Parasite" ironically demonstrates the strengths of the current lineup. Tommy plays Ace's licks quite well--and I take that to be a compliment to the one and only Space Ace--and Tommy allows the riff to be somewhat muddy whereas Bruce Kulick may have played it a bit too precise. On the other hand, Eric's impeccable timing allows the song to reach its full sonic potential. Another highlight of the DVD is the inclusion of "Tears Are Falling;" seeing the band perform an Asylum-era song in makeup is quite refreshing; it allows fans to see proof that KISS, despite the various members, has been consistently solid for 30 years. Sure, they've had some lame releases (Asylum certainly one of them), but overall the band has time and again delivered to the fans. This DVD allows us fans to see KISS in all their timeless glory. If you're a KISS fan, even a casual KISS fan, you'll be hard-pressed to not enjoy the DVD. There are plenty of extras too and lots of familiar faces in the crowd, so wait no longer...Buy this DVD today! God bless KISS, and God bless the KISS Army!!

I have been a Kiss fan since 1978 when my uncle bought me Gene's solo album. After that I bought Alive and then began collecting everything I could get my hands on. I saw my first concert in 85 for the Asylum tour and the first video I saw was Live: Uncensored. Those were the good days. Once Kiss removed the make up, they entered a different realm and should have remained there. There style shifted with the trends, but that was ok. I admit I was slightly dissapointed when they put the make up back on but still remained a fan. The "Rock the Nation" DVD should have been filmed with all original members and not this way. Singer and Thayer are awesome, but they are not Ace and Peter. Although this DVD illustrates that these guys still have it, it is a slight dissapointment to the original fan base and shows that they are still marketing the name Kiss and not considering what true Kiss fans really want to see. If you are gonna wear the makeup, you need to have peter and ace.

I too have been a Kiss fan for decades, tracing my Kisstory back to 1976 and "Destroyer." I loved all of the good times, and all of the so-called bad times. I listened as avidly to "Elder" as I did "Love Gun," as passionately to "Unmasked" as I did "Revenge." Kiss as a group has ALWAYS been the brainchild of Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley, born out of the bizarre group Wicked Lester. Ace Frehley and Peter Criss were the ingredients that made the band the "hottest in the world," and they live on as part of the Kiss family. So do Eric Carr, Vinnie Vincent, Mark St. John, Bruce Kulick, Eric Singer, and now Tommy Thayer. (Should we include Anton Fig on the list as well?) Anyway...what I'm trying to say is this: the only reason people claim to be a "true fan" of WHATEVER era of the band is because they're passionate about the band...and that's all that the guys in Kiss ever wanted. Love 'em or hate 'em...just don't IGNORE 'em!

And you CAN'T ignore the high quality audio & visual of this concert. After going backstage on the Platinum Pass during the shared concert tour with Aerosmith, I sat the Rock the Nation tour out. I have NO trouble giving my money to people who work hard, but I found it hard to think about going back to the nosebleed seats after having Paul Stanley shake my hand. I eagerly waited for the DVD of the tour, though, and I must say it doesn't disappoint! The guys all play very well, Gene remembers most of his lyrics (if in a rearranged order), and the visuals are stunning. Kudos to the interspersed bonus features too, although I wish there was a menu choice to let you JUST watch those without skipping chapters.

Final analysis: this is Kiss, now, in 2005. Those who don't want them can listen to whatever era music they think is the best. I personally want Kiss in my life, and this DVD gives 'em to me. Twenty bucks for 2 DVDs...ya can't beat it. If you don't want it, don't buy it...but I think if you SEE it you'll be convinced that it's well worth the investment of time & money.

The Good: 1) Well-shot professional release with decent sound and Kiss "Powervision", allowing you to choose the camera angles. 2) Decent stage set, enthusiastic all-ages crowd, babes strategically in front 3) Decent song selection, including rarer live tracks like Love Her All I Can 4)Thayer and Singer are capable, dependable and decent veteran rock musicians who have been a part of the Kiss family a pretty long time, Thayer as aide/assistant/tech/archivist etc, Singer as former Kiss and Paul Stanley drummer. The Less Good: Gene looks pretty bloated, Paul's voice is not fully there early on, and occasionally sounds strained later on...and Singer and Thayer look like kids in comparison. The Bad: 1) Lack of charismatic balance- Thayer and Singer, God bless em, are hired hands. They have the charisma and mystique of a head of lettuce. The make-up they wear has nothing to do with who they are. Ok it can be argued that Ace and Peter were also hired hands the second time around, but Gene and Paul paid for the chemistry, identity, charisma and mystique that came along with it. Not to mention- Peter has a great, unique voice and wrote Beth- you gotta miss that showcase! And what about Shock Me and New York Groove?? No more Ace vocals! You know, without the reunion, this DVD would not exist. 2) I don't care if Gene and Paul own the make-up trademark. Singer and Thayer should have their own make-up designs, or take off the make-up (oh horror! Cuz you guys know you would be back doing 1500 seaters). Blasphemy. Bring out The Hawk and the...Lead Guitar Guy, hell resurrect Vinnie's Ankh for goodness sake. But of course Gene and Paul fear that wouldn't sell, and probably wanted to prove a point to Ace and Peter that the show goes on without them. Obviously there is no going back for them by this point. 3) Absolutely no mention of Ace or Peter- can anyone say Pravda? "I finally got to meet these guys after all these years" says a fan in one of the backstage segments. You met two of the guys, my friend. Ace, in my humble opinion, his faults be damned- heck, his humor, shenanigans and disregard for the "seriousness" of being a rock star, alone, made the band. Maybe Peter Chris can't play up to snuff anymore, fair enough, but don't cheat the public just because you think that's what they want. How about some class, dignity and integrity guys?
"You are awesome, we love you people!", Paul screeches near the end of the show. Of course they do. Because the fans, at least some of them, accept this charade, because the fans, me included, love KISS. For Gene and Paul, Kiss is a corporate institution that will continue long after they are dead and gone, as they like to say. Well I'm of the stubborn ilk who think Kiss was four guys and you couldn't replace John Lennon with Julian or Ringo with Jimmy Nichol or John Bonham with Jason, or Rick Ocasek with Todd Rundgren (ouch). Finally, the terribly misinformed "they hate us because they will never be like us" terrorist-speech by Stanley is.. well, you decide.

Otherwise, a great Kiss Tribute act.

Note about this DVD: If die hard Ace/Peter fans were as committed to their wives as they are to these two guys, divorce rates would fall overnight. If your girlfriend/wife gets old and wrinkled, or she's only willing to do a small fraction of the bedroom repetoire you used to do, or she just can't perform well anymore- you'd have no problem with some younger more nimble and talented lady puttin' on her makeup and performing with you. So why, oh why are people STILL sittin' around complaining about Ace and Peter being out of the band?

I'm a fan all the way through and have felt many of the same growing pains other fans have, but just as Gene wants an active direct deposit account, I want an active KISS. The reunion/Psycho/farewell tours were more than enough time to revel in the original four again- and a pleasure it was to see it live (moreso in '96 than as it dragged on years later). We had a new (although misguided) album and got TONS of press and articles and even the Second Coming dvd/vid package to cover and commemorate these four once again. Great.

Now you get to 2004 and Ace and Peter are once again tired of Gene and the whole routine. At one point, Ace and Eric Singer played with G&P in makeup- the reviews (from mature-non bitter fans) were great. Energy was up and they started changing up setlists like a living breathing band might do.

Then for the second Alive 4 (remember the planned first non-syphony alive 4 due out years ago? see end of box set for a few cuts) Tommy played Ace and Peter played plain boring fills. I had to boycott that DVD because the audio cd was so disappointing. Half the arrangements didn't compliment the tunes at all and the few perks (shandi, sure know something) were overshadowed by the weirdness of Tommy/Peter combo mixed with a seated made up kiss for an acoustic set- just didn't feel right, but I digress.

The point is, Kiss is either make up or not, and additionally, original 4 or not. Paying customers have made it clear- make up over non makeup- done. However, if Ace and Peter can't or won't make the experience special anymore, let it be. The rock the nation tour was undeniably akward for any true kiss fan, like calling your step-mom Mommy at Christmas dinner...it just felt weird, but you know what? For all the akwardness, she cooks one hell of a dinner and makes dishes your real mom haven't been able to or willing to make in years so have another drink and sing along, sourpuss.

Gene will never care what any of us think, so stop requesting another reunion. You had one- a big one- for years and, forgive the pun, it Petered out. Aced out, too. I love it for what it was worth, but it's done. Be glad you got you Second Coming and half-decade of original Kiss together again and stop whining.

Additionally, Rock the Nation dvd showcases a tour where Kiss actually put some new production value into the show. Not that the so called 3-D Psycho Circus Tour (what a joke) wasn't a good attempt, but for this tour, Kiss seemed to take a cue from Rush and/or Madonna who both round out their shows beautifully with tons of colorful video/graphics and animation. Add this to the energy, enthusiasm and setlist surprises of this tour and it's bound to please fans of Kiss' music and legacy- not roster.

Finally, this speculative reviewer of the not-yet available dvd can only hope that this incarnation of kiss does a new album together and tours fresh. If you ease up enough to see what a blessing this could be, it might actually excite you. Just think of it: the best of Kiss' live (make up) theatricality and production value mixed with musicianship that can deliver tunes from Love Her All I Can to Unholy. It's the best that Kiss as a band, in any lineup, could offer.

A special note to you die hards who are so bitter you're still posting line-up related threads in the form of DVD reviews: The rest of us had to drink enough so that Ace and Peter's new millenium playing was passable; now it's your turn to booze up enough to enjoy your favorite dinner made by newer-younger step-mommy in mom's old apron. I'm not saying it wasn't lame for Eric and Tommy and don Ace and Peter's makeup, but the Rock the Nation tour gave me more of what I loved about Kiss over the years than any other tour since the Reunion. Just some thoughts, folks...peace.