Based on how successful the single "Crazy Crazy Nights" was in the United Kingdom, the group had performed on the Monsters of Rock Festival at Castle Donington in England, performing alongside Guns N' Roses, David Lee Roth, Iron Maiden and Megadeth.[1] Simmons was set to audition as a villain in the 1989 film Licence to Kill but had dropped out from auditioning, citing commitments to the band touring in Europe.[2]
In the tour program for the band's final tour, Stanley reflected on the tour:
My only concern on stage is me and the audience. It doesn't take a lot of prodding or a lot of reaction from an audience to remind me, if I ever need it, of why I'm there and what my responsibility is. When someone pays to see you, they're not paying for a glimpse of what's going on in your personal life or what's going on with your health, if you can't deliver the goods, you have every business to cancel the show. There is no excuse for showing up and making excuses. If you want to make excuses at a show you should also be giving back money.[3]
Garth Trimble, a reporter from the Spokane Daily Chronicle who had attended the performance in Spokane, had opened his review with a headline that the band had 'staged a circus, but lacked excitement'. He noted on the set design being simple as well as the members performing well, but not outstanding. He however, noted that the show had lacked an explosive energy, and had noted on the awful sound of the Coliseum, which he stated was typical. In a closing statement, he said that the group's music wasn't strong enough to carry a show on its own, stating that it was perhaps time for the members to grow up.[4]
Aaron Roberts, a staff writer from the Observer-Reporter, had attended the Pittsburgh performance, gave the show a positive review. He opened by stating that the band had thrilled the audience with a blend of both classic and new songs. He praised Kulick on his speed and skill during his guitar solo as well as stating how equally impressed he was on Carr's drum solo. He noted on the audience being a blend of teenagers and young adults, who previously got into Kiss as teens - citing their reactions that it didn't matter that 'only half of the original group' was performing the classic songs, as well as the cheers and the 'glow of hundreds of lighters' to bring the band back on stage for an encore.[5]
^Roberts, Aaron F. (January 19, 1988). "Heavy metal concert sealed with Kiss". Waynesburg, Pennsylvania: Observer-Reporter. p. C-1. Retrieved December 28, 2021.
^ abcdeGooch, Curt; Suhs, Jeff (2002). Kiss Alive Forever: The Complete Touring History. New York: Billboard Books. ISBN0-8230-8322-5.
"What's Happening Out of Town?". Bryan, Ohio: The Bryan Times. November 20, 1987. p. 7. Retrieved December 26, 2021. Kiss concert, Dec. 7, 7:30 P.M.
"What's Happening Out of Town?". Bryan, Ohio: The Bryan Times. December 11, 1987. p. 7. Retrieved December 26, 2021. Sat., Dec. 26, Kiss Concert, 8 P.M.
"Timely Events". Beaver, Pennsylvania: Beaver County Times. January 15, 1988. p. A13. Retrieved December 26, 2021. Kiss Concert with Ted Nugent - Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Civic Arena.
^"Community Update: Concerts". Nashua, New Hampshire: The Telegraph. June 23, 1988. p. 51. Retrieved December 26, 2021. July 4, Kiss and four other rock bands for a seven-hour performance. Noon-7 p.m., Cheshire Fairgrounds, Route 12.
^"Kiss bass player turns down role". Lewiston-Auburn, Maine: The Lewiston Daily Sun. August 12, 1988. Retrieved December 26, 2021. Kiss will play its first club date in 15 years in New York on Friday,
