MY LIFE CHANGED FEBRUARY 9, 1976!Source: Kissonline.com
After viewing KISS for the first time on TV in the mid 70's I found what true Rock & Roll stood for. I could not wait to see KISS live. Finally after 3 canceled concerts my dream would come true. My senior year in high school I was able to experience KISS live, and it is still a part of my life.
February 9, 1976, we arrived early at the Terrace Ballroom in Salt Lake City, Utah. This venue only had festival seating (no chairs, just standing). I was one of the first ones in when the doors opened and I found myself center stage, front row.
When KISS finally took the stage I was in awe, I could not believe that KISS was there in front of me, live and in person. I can't begin to explain my feelings, I can still remember the feeling of utter excitement even after over 30 years. Gene spit drops of blood on me, I was overwhelmed. Pounding out the beat of each song on the stage, having you all sweat on me.
During the encore I noticed that Paul had a guitar with his signature on it and I thought that he just might give it up. Well, I was correct but only after it was smashed on the stage. I found in my arms a signed guitar from Paul Stanley, I had blood on me from Gene. What more was there to life, this was it, I was truly happy. I had to hide the guitar under my shirt as people were trying to rip it out of my hands.
When I arrived home my mom freaked and wanted to call 911, all she saw was blood all over me and a broken guitar in my hands. I finally calmed her down. The guitar hangs on the wall in my office and I proudly show it to anyone who I know will appreciate what it stands for, true Rock & Roll legends.
We are now much older and wiser but I still am able to transport myself back to those days when life consisted of Rock, cars, girls and just hanging out (not always in that order). I thank you all for being an instermental part, a driving force of my teenage years. I still have the first car (1967 Mustang) I bought when I turned 16, I have the original 8-track tapes and when I get in this car and plug in Kiss Alive and I am instantly 17 again.
Again Thank you all for the memories.
Scott
