I haven't been to Riverport/UMB Pavilion in about 7 years. It hasn't really changed all that much. The 30 minutes sitting in traffic to get into the parking lot, $6.75 beer and $4.00 sodas. Pretty much what I remember.
We got to the Pavilion and to our seats about 7:45. Poison started just a couple of minutes after 8. Their first song went well, the second song (fallen angels) didn't. Apparently there was an equipment problem (which took several songs to fix by the roadies). Once everything was working the rest of their set went well. My only real complaint was that their set was too short. I would have liked for them to play a bit longer. They did do one encore ending with "Talk Dirty to Me".
After a brief intermission KISS hit the stage. Their set is huge! It reached completely up to the rafters of the theatre. Multiple image screens, video feeds, live video, and of course all of the pyrotechnics. The set was great, but it overpowered the band... Made them look small.
Paul apparently doesn't like to talk, he has to sing everything. Hello, St. Lou ou ou ou ou ou ou ou ou ooooooooooooooooooooooooooo is. And he kept repeating that between every song. It was okay the first time - but after he had done it 4 or 5 times it just got to be a pain in the ears.
KISS did a few of their more popular hits, but they also did some of their other songs from the past albums. Song that weren't as commercially popular but still everyone was familiar with.
I felt that their age was starting to show in their voices, especially Genes. The range just wasn't there that used to have. Also, the two newer members voices just don't harmonize as well as the original members.
I really don't mean to sound as critical as this is coming across. I greatly enjoyed the show. I'm glad that I went, I had a good time.
During their encore they finished up with "God Gave Rock n Roll to you". During this song they had video playing showing other Rock n Roll artists. Many got huge hands when they were on the screen - Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, and The Who got some of the most applause. But, when the image of Eric Carr came on the screen the applause was tremendous, and deservedly so. This was the perfect song to end their set with.
I would go see this show again.
Poison @ The UMB Pavilion: * * * * * * * * (Eight Stars (out of 10 possible))
The music was good, just not enough of it.
KISS @ The UMB Pavilion: * * * * * * * (Seven Stars (out of 10 possible))
The set was great, however their age is showing.