The early 90’s saw KISS having a renaissance of sorts. The tour for 1989’s ‘Hot in the Shade’ had been an unexpected success. And set the band up for a major studio comeback. KISS would deliver in 1992 with their magnum, non-make up opus, ‘Revenge.’ An album that defied all odds. So what’s a band to do? Go out on a major tour a record the next live album. And that’s what KISS did with ‘Alive III.’
Considered the cleanest sounding of the KISS live albums. ‘Alive III’ is a showcase of peak Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. Now veteran Bruce Kulick had really grown into the lead guitar role. And newcomer Eric Singer more than proved his worth. Many consider this line-up the be most well rounded. As technically apt as they are strong song writers and performers. Are there studio overdubs? Sure. But KISS never pretended there weren’t. Even the original ‘Alive’ subscribes to the same principle. The goal is to provide the best sounding live experience possible for the fan. Like you’re in the audience on KISS’ hottest night ever. And ‘Alive III’ delivers on all fronts.
The ‘Revenge’ tour set list was a diverse one. As the band had been around for nineteen years. Making ‘Alive III’ the first KISS live (audio) album to feature songs from all three eras of the band: First three albums, second three, and ‘Dynasty’ onward. Many of the highlights being from ‘Revenge.’ ‘I Just Wanna’ and ‘Unholy’ really capture the mood and era of the band. While ‘Domino’ and ‘Take It Off’ really get the ladies in the crowd going. Other non make-up era classics like ‘Heaven’s on Fire,’ ‘Lick it Up’ and ‘Forever’ are injected with that live steroid boost. Giving the tracks a more full feel.
The early works mix in stronly with the set as well. And with technology updates since the 70’s, songs like ‘Watchin’ You,’ ‘Deuce’ and ‘Detroit Rock City’ sounded heavier than ever. They’re also cleaner. As the current line up consisted of much more technically apt musicians. It’s also the only live album to have songs from all eras up to that point to not close with ‘Rock ‘N Roll All Night.’ Yet another detail that makes ‘Alive III’ the most unique of the batch. The other deets? This was the only tour with this line up. And it turned out to be one of KISS’ best of all time. Everything was firing on all cylinders. And it’s all captured on ‘Alive III.’
Upon its release. ‘Alive III’ was actually a pretty successful live outing. It reached number 9 on the Billboard 200. And promptly went platinum. For a band of KISS’ style. That’s a very impressive stat considering the album came out in 1993. Singing about strip clubs and curvy women wasn’t exactly desired lyrical content in the rock world at the time. But KISS still shined through. And no one thought that this would be the last KISS non make up tour. As the original line up would put the make up back on and reunite three short years later. But for the time being, ‘Alive III’ would keep KISS relevant. Setting up the success for years to come. Crank it, live it, love it.
