What a week it's been! First we attended a private party with with Gene Simmons in Brisbane on Nov.2 and then on Tues Nov. 5 we headed to Sydney for the first official show of the 'Tongues Tour'.

After meeting Gene in Brisbane on the 2nd we weren't sure if we'd be able to catch up with him again this trip? However Nik from Madison Touring said he'd arrange a meet & greet for us pre-show in Sydney, but these things can fall through so we weren't counting on it. Then, talk about 'Fluke'!! ......as we were arriving at the Sydney airport terminal we heard someone call our names. It was Nik, they had just arrived from Melbourne. He again told us that we were on the list for a 7pm meeting with Gene so we felt more confident. Then just as we entered the terminal we spotted Gene...he came over and extended his hand to us and gave Donna a kiss......talk about right place at the right time!!

We arrived at the Convention Centre in time for our meeting with 'God' and were taken to his dressing room. He welcomed us with a strong hug and we exchanged some words and jokes and had some more photos taken. We then said that we hoped to catch up with him in Melbourne next Feb. and we left to go to the audi- torium.

The venue was not as big as we had thought it would be and it definitely was not sold out.....maybe 1000 plus people?? it's hard to judge. There were plenty of spare seats that's for sure. The five sexy Gene girls were running around in their leather outfits and blue Demon make-up and helping people find their seats. Once everyone was inside the people in the back sections quickly moved forward to fill the vacant seats, no doubt to the dismay of the fans who had paid big dollars to be in the front sections. In reality all the tickets should been the same price, the venue just wasn't big enough to warrant such vast ranging prices.

There were two large video screens hanging each side of the stage with a podium in the centre. While waiting for the show to start we were entertained by audio tracks of some amazing KISS covers! There were a number of KISS tracks performed by Garth Brooks along with all kinds of strange never before heard versions of our fave tunes......there was even a jazz version of Getaway..it was kind of cool!

Then the lights dimmed and the screens featured a 5 plus minute video bombarding us with KISS statisics and special features on many of their achievements. Then the curtain parted and Gene appeared onstage from within a cloud of smoke! The place erupted into a standing ovation. He first thanked the fans for allowing him to live the life he does. Gene then proceeded to talk about his life, his coming to America, his dreams, money, his home, money, his children, money, religion, money, Shannon, money and how to become successful. He talked about KISS and the ups and downs of Ace & Peter. There was just so much talked about it's hard to remember it...let's hope that proposed DVD comes out soon. But one thing is for sure....Gene Simmons is certainly inspirational, he does not hold back and truly says what he believes in, that was very obvious....maybe one day we'll see him in politics?? Anyone who has ever critisised Gene for his love of money should have been there.......he told it like it is and we admire him for that.

Of course there were more videos to be seen including some of Gene's home groupie footage.....he and Shannon took us on a tour through the house that KISS built. There was more rare music played including unheard tracks from Carnival of Souls, some very cool stuff . A few people asked him questions including Donna who asked where he saw himself in 20 years and is there anything that he hasn't done? ...he replied "YOU" and the place erupted in applause.....a very funny moment.

Then to top the night off he invited , much to the horror of security, anyone who wanted to join him onstage. he was swamped by fans and there he stayed signing book after book, CD's, posters, photos you name it. He posed for photos and shook hands and kissed the girls......he was there for hours......the King among his subjects, the Demon, the God of Thunder, the Rock Star, the hero to millions, the one and only Gene Simmons!