KISSOLOGY The Ultimate KISS Collection Vol. 1 1974-1977 Companion DVD (Apocalypse Sound AS 158)
Total running time 1 hour 55 minutes
When the KISSOLOGY set first came out in 2006 it gave us fans what we had been clambering for, a collection of footage some rare and some common (mostly in trade circles or local record fairs). What the kind folks at Apocalypse Sound have done is compiled footage that did not make the cut but is of historical value, all pro shot and of very good to excellent quality that rivals a official release. If I had to find a flaw it would be the omission of the Paul Lynde interview and the wrong dates on the jacket but these items are minuscule compared to the wealth of material presented here, the Anaheim Stadium and Midnight Special footage is worth the price by itself. The packaging is simply beautiful, very close to the official release with a tri fold, a brief essay to explain the material and pictures relevant to the era, the DVD menu is simple and easily navigated. Bottom line is this is a fantastic, highly recommended release that fits very nicely between the official Vol 1 and Vol 2 releases, another fine job by AS.
The Capital Center December 20, 1977 Largo Md. Intro, King Of The Night Time World, Let Me Go Rock And Roll, Shock Me, Ace Frehley Solo, Detroit Rock City, Beth: A piece of footage not released to the masses until 2008 this is a welcome site to these eyes. Full color close to excellent picture, with a almost ghosting effect at times but does not interfere with the enjoyment. A brief 25 minute fragment, there is the time tracker at the bottom of the screen but is small and does not take a lot of room on the screen. Picture and sound quality are very good to excellent.
Anaheim Stadium August 20, 1976 Anaheim Ca. Detroit Rock City, King Of The Night Time World, Let Me Go, Rock And Roll, Strutter, Hotter Than Hell, Nothin’ To Lose, Cold Gin, Shout It Out Loud, Do You Love Me?, God Of Thunder, Rock And Roll All Nite, Deuce, Firehouse, Black Diamond The famous gig in Anaheim in front of 43,000 fans, headlining a huge show with Ted Nugent and Bob Seger as opening act. This was also the source of the old vinyl boot Destroys Anaheim. This footage has circulated in trading circles for as long as I can remember, I bought my first VHS copy in the late 80’s but this version takes the cake with a near excellent picture. I am guessing the reason this did not make the KISSOLOGY official set is the sound problems during the first two songs, guitar drop outs and Paul’s vocal very low in the mix. The band is red hot for this performance and as the liner notes predicted, my eyes bleed. Picture and sound quality are near excellent.
Szene ’76 Circus Krone June 3, 1976 Munich Germany Above date incorrect, footage is from August 13, 1976 Houston, Tx. Detroit Rock City Full color pro shot footage, single camera picture filmed from the side of the stage, the intro announcer says “Alright Houston, You wanted the best and you got the hottest band in the land….KISS” thus confirming the date, I also com paired it to my copy of the full show and it is definitely Houston. The footage suffers from red color bleed at certain times but is still nice to have this fragment. Picture and sound quality are very good.
The Paul Lynde Halloween Special October 29. 1976 Detroit Rock City, Beth, King Of The Night Time World I remember watching this on TV when it first aired, the band lip syncs through the tunes with corny introductions from Paul and Margaret Hamilton, the witch from the Wizard of Oz. supposedly taken from the master tapes it does not have the brief interview with the band found on the official release but the fact that it all three songs in excellent picture and sound quality.
The Midnight Special April 1, 1975 Black Diamond This footage appeared on the KISSOLOGY Vol. 1 also but in black and white, the liner notes claim it is from the master and I would agree with it, pristine picture and sound quality.
