Ace Frehley news à partir de fin 10/2021

18.11.2021 17:27:04



Matthew Trzcinski
Published on November 17, 2021

Kiss‘ Ace Frehley is a big fan of The Rolling Stones. During the 1970s, Kiss covered a classic Rolling Stones song. Frehley said he turned the song into “something special” by changing it. He also credits the music of The Rolling Stones and other British Invasion bands for preventing him from joining a gang.

Ace Frehley said The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and other classic bands saved his life

In his book No Regrets, Frehley said he became fascinated with the British Invasion. The Rolling Stones and The Beatles were his favorite groups from that scene. He figured out how to play their songs on his brother’s acoustic guitar.

Frehley’s love of the British Invasion inspired him to grow his hair long. He said the music of those bands inspired him to embrace music instead of becoming a member of a gang. He credited this music with saving his life.

Why Ace Frehley wanted Kiss to cover a classic song from the 1960s

The Rolling Stones impacted Frehley again when Kiss covered a Rolling Stones song for the album Dynasty. “My buddy Chris Cassone, the in-house engineer at North Lake Sound Studio, came up with the idea for me to cover the Rolling Stones song ‘2000 Man,'” Frehley recalled. “On first listen, it didn’t really sound like a Kiss song, but I made short work of that. It was the title that originally caught my attention, and with a major overhaul, and slight rearrangement, I changed it into something special.”

Frehley loved the Rolling Stones album that included “2000 Man.” “I’ve always loved The Rolling Stones, and Their Satanic Majesties Request was a brilliant record,” he said. “From what I can remember, it was their answer to The Beatles’ release of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. [Producer Vini Poncia] loved the idea for the remake of ‘2000 Man,’ and it became one of the premier tracks off the record, as well as a signature song for me in concert.” Frehley liked “2000 Man” even though he had mixed feelings about Dynasty.

The way the world reacted to The Rolling Stones’ ‘Their Satanic Majesties Request’ and Kiss’ ‘Dynasty’

Neither The Rolling Stones nor Kiss released “2000 Man” as a single. Their Satanic Majesties Satanic Request became a massive hit. The album peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, staying on the chart for 30 weeks. The Official Charts Company reports the album was popular in the United Kingdom as well. There, Their Satanic Majesties Request peaked at No. 3 and lasted on the chart for 13 weeks.

Dynasty was also successful. The album peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard 200, lasting on the chart for 25 weeks. The Official Charts Company reports Dynasty reached No. 50 in the U.K. and remained on the chart for six weeks. While “2000 Man” was never a single, it remains a classic album track from two different bands.

29.11.2021 07:10:29



November 27, 2021


Tom Morello (RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE), Ace Frehley (KISS), Ed Roland (COLLECTIVE SOUL) and Mark McGrath (SUGAR RAY) are among the musicians who will take part in Alice Cooper's Christmas Pudding on Saturday, December 4 at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona. Alice will also perform at the event, along with members of his touring band with the exception of guitarist Nita Strauss. According to Arizona Republic, Alice's wife Sheryl Cooper, a choreographer and dance instructor who sings and dances in her husband's shows, will dance at Pudding.

Proceeds from Alice Cooper's 19th annual Christmas Pudding fundraiser directly benefit the free music, dance, arts, and vocational programs for teens 12-20 at Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Centers.

"As always, Solid Rock is putting together a show with new and classic headliners. The uniqueness of this concert is that you'll never see this caliber and variety of artists on the same stage again," said Alice Cooper. "Come join our ultimate Christmas party and help support the teens at The Rock Teen Center!"

There will also be performances from the Solid Rock Dancers, The Bucket Brigade, and the winners of this year's "Proof Is In The Pudding" musical talent search, Alice's own version of "American Idol".

Christmas Pudding didn't take place last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

08.12.2021 07:27:10



December 6, 2021


Ace Frehley (KISS), Orianthi, Ed Roland (COLLECTIVE SOUL) and Mark McGrath (SUGAR RAY) are among the musicians who took part in Alice Cooper's Christmas Pudding this past Saturday (December 4) at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona. Alice also performed at the event, along with members of his touring band with the exception of guitarist Nita Strauss. According to Arizona Republic, Frehley performed the KISS classics "Shock Me", "Parasite" and "Cold Gin". There were also performances from the Solid Rock Dancers, The Bucket Brigade, and the winners of this year's "Proof Is In The Pudding" musical talent search, Alice's own version of "American Idol".

Christmas Pudding didn't take place last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Proceeds from Alice Cooper's 19th annual Christmas Pudding fundraiser directly benefit the free music, dance, arts, and vocational programs for teens 12-20 at Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Centers.

Since its launch in 2001, Alice Cooper's annual Christmas Pudding concert has been a way for Alice and his wife Sheryl to raise enough money to open up the center, dubbed "The Rock," where teenagers could be taught dance, music and art in a safe place.

Christmas Pudding's original mission was finally achieved in May 2012, when Alice Cooper's Rock Teen Center opened.

"I'm not a teacher, but I have a great Rolodex," Cooper told the Phoenix New Times back in 2013. "So for Christmas Pudding, I can go through that Rolodex and call different people and they will show up and do a few songs."

08.12.2021 07:30:44

08.12.2021 07:33:51

08.12.2021 07:45:02



December 7, 2021, 22 hours ago


On December 4th, shock rock legend Alice Cooper returned with his annual Christmas Pudding concert, which was cancelled last year due to the ongoing pandemic. This year, the event took place at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona and featured guest performances by original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley, Rage Against The Machine / Audioslave guitarist Tom Morello, former Alice Cooper guitarist Orianthi, and more.

Proceeds from Alice Cooper's 19th annual Christmas Pudding fundraiser went directly to the free music, dance, arts, and vocational programs for teens 12-20 at Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Centers.

Cooper: "As always, Solid Rock is putting together a show with new and classic headliners. The uniqueness of this concert is that you'll never see this caliber and variety of artists on the same stage again."

Check out footage of Frehley and Orianthi performing courtesy of Michael Coco.

08.12.2021 08:27:08



By Sam Roche published about 16 hours ago

The event – which benefits Cooper's Rock Teen Center in Phoenix, Arizona – took place on Saturday


Last Saturday (December 4), Alice Cooper hosted his 19th annual Christmas Pudding charity benefit concert, and among its star-studded lineup of guests were former Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley, Aussie singer-songwriter Orianthi, Sugar Ray vocalist Mark McGrath and Collective Soul frontman Ed Roland, to name a few.

The event – which took place at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona – was Christmas Pudding's first edition since 2019, since it was cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Fretboard fireworks were in plentiful supply during the event. As reported by the Arizona Republic, Ace Frehley took to the event's dizzying rotating stage to perform Kiss classics Shock Me, Parasite and Cold Gin, while Orianthi “shredded her way through a headbanging set of heroic guitar leads” from her tracks including Contagious and Sinners Hymn.

Cooper performed with his backing band, though his touring guitarist, shred extraordinaire Nita Strauss, was not present. The rocker tore through a set of classics including Under My Wheels, No More Mr. Nice Guy, as well as fresher cuts like Fallen in Love, from Cooper's 2017 album, Paranormal.

His set, of course, climaxed with a rendition of School's Out, before concluding with a cover of Chuck Berry's Run Rudolph Run.
The annual Christmas Pudding benefit concert was launched in 2001 as a way for Alice Cooper and his wife Sheryl to raise money to open a center where teens aged between 12 and 20 could be taught music, art and dance. 11 years later, in 2012, the couple achieved their goal when they opened the Rock Teen Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

Proceeds from this year's 19th annual Christmas Pudding benefit concert will go directly towards funding programs at the Rock Teen Center.

The fundraiser also included performances from the Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Dancers, and the winners of this year's Proof is in the Pudding Musical Talent Competition, Cooper's own version of American Idol.

09.12.2021 07:33:00



Posted on December 7, 2021 by Galion Inquirer


MOUNT VERNON — The Mount Vernon Arts Consortium announced that the first artist of its 2022 season: award-winning musician Ace Frehley, co-founder of and original lead guitarist for KISS.

His 2014 solo album Space Invader was the only post-KISS solo album to rank in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart. His current album, Invader II, capitalizes on the same atmospheric, melodic and aggressive guitar playing the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee is best known for. His in-person shows are equally as hypnotizing as his recent albums with his use of mind-blowing theatrical guitar stunts.

Frehley will be performing for one night only on March 11 at the historic Woodward Opera House. Tickets go on sale starting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 8.

“We are beyond thrilled to present such an iconic rock legend who is among an exclusive group of artists who have truly shaped rock music during our lifetime,” said Martin Booker, executive director for the Arts Consortium. “Mount Vernon is prime for artists like Frehley who value opportunities for intimate performances in beautiful, historic venues set within a bustling, dynamic community. As the Arts Consortium, we’re committed to bringing world-class performances and events to the Mount Vernon community in a way that celebrates the region’s already-thriving arts and entertainment offerings while attracting new visitors to experience our culture and local economy in an unexpected way.”

The performance marks the first of several special performances to be scheduled for the 2022 season, the first full season presented by the Arts Consortium since its inception in 2020.

“The Mount Vernon Arts Consortium was created specifically to enhance and support our arts-related community assets, most of which are more than a century old and rich with history,” said Jen Odenweller, president of the Arts Consortium board and long-time Mount Vernon resident. “Bringing talent of this caliber to our community serves to catalyze existing tourism opportunities within our town and region, anchored by scenic nature experiences, a diverse dining offering, and recreational opportunities for visitors, and residents, of all age groups.”

The show is presented by the Mount Vernon Arts Consortium. Tickets start at $85. For more information and to buy tickets starting on Dec. 8, visit www.mountvernonartsconsortium.org.

About The Mount Vernon Arts Consortium

The Mount Vernon Arts Consortium is a nonprofit organization created to support and enrich the vibrant arts community in Mount Vernon, Ohio through three pillar arts venues, including Ariel-Foundation Park, Knox Memorial and The Woodward Opera House, the oldest authentic 19th century theater in the U.S. The organization provides resources and services for public and private events, attracts nationally recognized, world-class performances to each of the three iconic venues, and facilitates positive visitor experiences to promote tourism and boost economic development in Mount Vernon and throughout Knox County. Subscribe to the Arts Consortium e-newsletter at www.mountvernonartsconsortium.org or follow The Mount Vernon Arts Consortium on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

09.12.2021 07:40:25



440 vues . 8 déc. 2021

09.12.2021 08:02:18




By Talha Cetinbas - December 8, 2021

The original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley has paid his tribute to his late bandmate Eric Carr and said that he is playing in heaven with legendary musicians such as Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen.

Ace Frehley was the lead guitarist of the American rock band KISS. He had appeared several times with them throughout their career. In 1973, he co-founded the band and performed until 1982. Later then, he rejoined the band in 1996 and parted ways once again in 2002.

During his tenure with KISS, Ace Frehley recorded ten studio albums as a member of the band. Debuted in 1974 with the band’s self-titled album, Frehley‘s latest album with KISS was the band’s eighteenth studio effort, The Circus, which was released on September 22, 1998.

On the other hand, Eric Carr was the drummer of KISS from 1980 to 1991. Until his passing due to heart cancer in 1991, Eric had released numerous releases with KISS, includes the band’s ninth studio effort Music From “The Elder”, Lick It Up, Animalize, Asylum, Crazy Nights, Hot In The Shade, and more.

However, during a recent appearance on The Eddie Trunk Podcast, Ace Frehley has sent praising and meaningful words for Eric Carr. At first, the guitarist touched on how KISS decided to confirm Eric Carr into the band.

“We had auditioned a lot of drummers, and I don’t know, you know when it feels right, you just go with your gut,” Frehley says.

“And he just seemed like he was humble, a great drummer, had all the chops, and it seemed like he’d be an easy guy to work with.

“Pretty much, we all looked at each other after listening to everybody that we auditioned, and we decided on Eric pretty much unanimously.”
Ace Frehley Reveals Great Moments With Eric Carr

Elsewhere in the interview, Frehley revealed some great and meaningful moments he lived with Eric Carr. Saying that the drummer always wanted to do his best, Frehley stated that he sent a special photo with Eric via his website. According to him, it was very easy to work with Carr, and he’s playing in heaven with some huge musicians such as Eddie Van Halen and Jimi Hendrix.

“We recorded at least half, if not two thirds of the record up at my studio in Wilton, Connecticut,” Frehley continues. “[Producer] Bob Ezrin wanted to work up at his house in Toronto because he had a studio in his basement.

“That’s where we wrote ‘Dark Light’ and maybe one other, I don’t know. It was an interesting process, but Eric was easy to work with.


“He always wanted to do his best, and ask for input from everybody. He was just a joy to work with. No attitudes.

“I remember writing ‘Breakout’ with him in his apartment in Manhattan, he played me this tape, we just clicked on that song, and that turned out to be a great song on my first solo record, ‘Frehley’s Comet.’


“I can’t say enough good things about Eric. I posted four pictures of me and Eric on my website if anybody’s interested, I just went online and pulled them off, made a compilation of four different photos.

“There are some cute pictures of me and Eric. One of us is getting dressed, we didn’t really have our…

“I just had my jumpsuit on, I didn’t have any of the stuff that goes on top, I think Eric was shirtless, it was all for one, one for all with Eric.

“He was a pleasure to work with, he’s greatly missed. It’s something I try not to think about too much.

“We had some great times together, and now he’s playing rock ‘n’ roll up in heaven with Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen and all the other great musicians that aren’t with us anymore.”
Ace Frehley’s Recent Comments On Possible KISS Reunion

Back in this past September, Ace Frehley had shared his honest opinion on his possible reunion with KISS. At the time, he had said that anything is possible and added he never closed the doors with them.

“Anything’s possible – I’ve always said that,” Frehley admits. “That’s the first question so many people have asked me over the years, ‘Would you ever consider doing a KISS reunion?’

“I said, ‘I never closed the door on anything.’ If the money’s right and it’s presented to me in the right way, anything can happen.”

He had also touched on his relationship with KISS members and said it’s nice that be on good terms with Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons.

“I’m on good terms with Paul and Gene, which is nice, because we created something really special in the early ’70s that has outlasted so many other bands,” he adds.

“And God bless ’em. They’re still doing it, I’m still doing it. Peter [Criss, drums] is still around. I’m not quite sure why Peter hadn’t toured over the years as much as I have, but it is what it is.”

13.12.2021 09:32:46



Joe Hageman December 6th, 2021 - 6:44 PM


Hard rocker Alice Cooper has announced new tour dates for his 2022 tour. After previously announcing dates in the winter of 2022, Cooper has returned to announce a new leg of the tour for the spring, starting on March 18 in Mashantucket, CT at the Foxwoods Resort Casino and lasting until April 20 in Seattle, WA at McCaw Hall. For all of those shows except the first one, Buckcherry will appear in support. After Buckcherry exits the tour in Seattle, Cooper will be joined by Ace Frehley for 2 more shows in Reno, NV and Paso Robles, CA. Cooper will have a busy beginning of 2021, as he is already on tour in January and February as well as appearing on the Monsters of Rock Cruise. Cooper is very familiar with Ace Frehley, as he collaborated with the former KISS guitarist on a tour in Fall 2021.

The tour will play many of Cooper’s old classics, but also incorporate material from his 2021 album Detroit Stories, which was reviewed on mxdwn.com. In a slightly more personal album, Cooper reflects on his upbringing in Detroit and what makes the city great musically. Cooper has long been known for his showmanship and tours, as he often times spends nearly half the year touring. Those looking to buy tickets to the shows can find them here.

16.12.2021 08:01:12



1 165 vues . 15 déc. 2021

20.12.2021 09:23:47

20.12.2021 10:23:37



2 725 vues . 17 déc. 2021

22.12.2021 07:35:05



1 005 vues . 21 déc. 2021

24.12.2021 07:33:21



499 vues . 23 déc. 2021

27.12.2021 08:20:22



560 vues . 26 déc. 2021

27.12.2021 08:22:23



88 vues . 24 déc. 2021

Ace Frehley saying Merry Christmas and Happy holidays, also Ryan Cook of the Ace Frehley band says merry Christmas and Happy Holidays too

28.12.2021 07:19:43



December 27, 2021


Ace Frehley and Vinnie Vincent are among the scheduled performers at Creatures Fest 2022, set to take place Memorial Day Weekend, May 27-29, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. Other Creatures Fest performers include VIXEN, QUIET RIOT, ENUFF Z'NUFF, John Corabi, RETURN OF THE COMET and PRETTY BOY FLOYD. More detailed information, including tickets and host hotel, will be made available in early January 2022.

Frehley, a founding member of KISS, recently said that he is up for a reunion of the original band, but only if the price is right. During an appearance on SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", Frehley stated about the chances of him playing with his former bandmates: "Anything's possible — I've always said that. That's the first question so many people have asked me over the years: 'Would you ever consider doing a KISS reunion?' I said, 'I never closed the door on anything.' If the money's right and it's presented to me in the right way, anything can happen.

"I'm on good terms with Paul [Stanley, guitar/vocals] and Gene [Simmons, bass/vocals], which is nice, because we created something really special in the early '70s that has outlasted so many other bands. And God bless 'em. They're still doing it; I'm still doing it. Peter [Criss, drums] is still around. I'm not quite sure why Peter hadn't toured over the years as much as I have, but it is what it is."

Vincent — who was a member of KISS when the band publicly "unmasked" in 1983 — made several public appearances in 2018 after spending the preceding two decades out of the public eye.

In 1983, KISS wrote and released "Lick It Up" — their first album without makeup — a recording on which Vincent co-wrote eight of 10 songs, including the title track, which remains a staple of the group's live performances to this day.

Despite the album's success, Vincent was fired by KISS after the "Lick It Up" touring cycle came to an end, allegedly due to a dispute over both the terms of his employment contract with the band and royalties. From there, Vincent founded VINNIE VINCENT INVASION, which recorded two albums.

In 1996, Vincent released a solo EP, "Euphoria", which featured vocals by former VVI singer Fleischman and included material from sessions recorded around 1990. Soon after that, Vincent vanished from the public eye and remained off the grid for more than two decades.

In November 2019, KISS manager Doc McGhee claimed that all former members of the group have been contacted about possibly taking part in the band's last-ever tour.

Prior to the "End Of The Road" launch, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons weren't very enthusiastic about the prospect of an onstage collaboration with Vinnie Vincent. "Now Vinnie, that's one exception, and for so many reasons," Stanley told Guitar World. "I would say that's not someone who I want to celebrate."

Simmons also chimed in, explaining that "it's worth stating that Vinnie has sued the band and lost 14 times. I'm not here to cast any aspersions. He's a talented guy. That's why he was in the band. But would I depend on him to get up onstage and do anything? Never. … Can he come to the shows? Of course! Anybody can. But onstage? Never."

In April 2018, Vincent joined Simmons at the KISS bassist/vocalist's "Vault" event in Nashville, Tennessee. He later said in an interview that he felt that got "a cold reception" and was "treated very indifferently" by Gene at the event.

28.12.2021 07:34:00



December 27, 2021, 16 hours ago


Creatures Fest 2022 will take place Memorial Day Weekend, May 27 - 29, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. Get ready for three nights of live music. More detailed information, including tickets and host hotel, will be made available in early January 2022.

Eight Creatures Fest performers have just been announced: Ace Frehley, Vinnie Vincent, Vixen, Quiet Riot, Enuff Z'Nuff, John Corabi, Return Of The Comet, and Pretty Boy Floyd.

28.12.2021 07:40:22



80 vues . 27 déc. 2021

Ace Frehley and Vinnie Vincent announced for Creatures Fest 2022 + Quiet Riot and more!

get set for the Creatures Fest 2022 ... and it will include Ace Frehley and Vinnie Vincent ... they will attend Creatures Fest 2022 which is held ... Memorial Day Weekend, May 27-29, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. ... other bands set to play are ...  VIXEN, QUIET RIOT, ENUFF Z'NUFF, John Corabi, RETURN OF THE COMET and PRETTY BOY FLOYD. ... stay tuned for more info out in January 2022.

29.12.2021 08:01:10



Ultimate Classic Rock Staff
Published: December 28, 2021


Two former Kiss guitarists are scheduled to perform at Nashville’s Creatures Fest, set for Memorial Day weekend on May 27-29, 2022.

Ace Frehley and Vinnie Vincent will be joined by Quiet Riot, Enuff Z’Nuff, Vixen, John Corabi, Return of the Comet and Pretty Boy Floyd. Additional details will be available in early January.

There'd been discussions about a wider reunion with Frehley and Vincent's former bandmates, Kiss manager Doc McGhee revealed in November 2019. He said all of the band’s surviving members had been been approached about potentially taking part in the final show of their End of the Road farewell tour. (At that time, the final date was scheduled for July 17, 2021 in New York City, but the itinerary has since changed significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.)

McGhee specifically name-checked Frehley, original drummer Peter Criss and Vincent during a Q&A onboard the 2019 Kiss Kruise. Guitarist Bruce Kulick would also have presumably taken part.

“It’s very difficult, though, when people say, ‘Oh, you should bring Ace and Peter up,’" McGhee added. "I mean, how do you do that when you have two Catmen and two Spacemen?’ So you say, ‘Okay, you don’t wear makeup, and you wear makeup.’ And then they go, ‘Well, that was my makeup.’ I don’t know.”

Vincent said he was open to the idea later the same month. "If this is something that they want to approach," he added, "all they've gotta do is give me a call and we'll take it from there."

Kiss finally resumed their postponed final tour on Aug. 18, marking their first full live show since March 10, 2020. The trek was delayed again just four shows later when Paul Stanley tested positive for COVID-19. Less than a week afterward, Gene Simmons also tested positive, leading to four more postponed concerts.

Kiss then embarked on the 2021 Kiss Kruise, which sailed Oct. 29 through Nov. 3. They've since canceled a 12-date Las Vegas residency, which was set to begin on Wednesday and run through Feb. 5. That would have been the group's second such stint, following a run at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in 2014.

Their tour is currently scheduled to relaunch March 19 in Melbourne and wrap July 21 in Amsterdam.

Read More: Kiss Alumni Ace Frehley, Vinnie Vincent Booked for Same Festival | https://ultimateclassicrock.com/ace-frehley-vinnie-vincent-festival/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

19.01.2022 15:30:25



By James Volpe Rotondi published 2 days ago

Back on the road, the Spaceman is still struttin’ and smokin’.


Since Ace Frehley’s first departure from Kiss in 1980, the band’s lead electric guitar chair has been held down by many capable, creative players, including Vinnie Vincent, Bruce Kulick, Mark St. John, and, its occupant since 2002, former Black ‘N Blue guitar slinger Tommy Thayer.

But if those players have served the band nobly, and even contributed a few fan favorites to Kiss’s repertoire – Kulick’s work on 1992’s Revenge is particularly noteworthy – the band’s melodic, hooky lead guitar legacy was framed, built, established and given enduring wings by one man: the inimitable Paul Daniel “Ace” Frehley, a.k.a. the Spaceman.


“Y’know, I can remember as a kid hearing Eric Clapton interviewed, talking about his solo on Cream’s ‘Sunshine of Your Love,’” recalls the 70-year-old Frehley, fresh from a soundcheck with his recently reinvigorated Ace Frehley Band. “And Clapton said the solo on that song was basically the melody from Elvis’s ‘Blue Moon.’ I clearly remember him saying that the best and most memorable solos are the ones you can hum. I never forgot that, and that's stayed with me my whole life.”

He’s not the only one it stayed with: Entire generations of players – while simultaneously pledging allegiance to Frehley’s idols, like Clapton, Jimmy Page and Pete Townshend (“the master of chordal work”) – were equally inspired by Ace’s savvy synthesis of blues guitar bends, wicked triplet licks and smart chord-specific note choices that always stuck to the chordal skeleton of the track, never devolving into what Frank Zappa famously called “spoo.”

   It was always about having fun for me
   Ace Frehley

Not that it was an exercise in quantum physics for Frehley, a spontaneous player who doesn’t speak the language of minor-sixths and the Mixolydian mode, however much he may actually play those very things.

“You take the whole extended after-solo on ‘She,” from Kiss Alive!,” he explains. “I mean, I’m just having fun there. It was always about having fun for me.” A little too much fun at times, admits Frehley, who practically lived at Studio 54 in its decadent heyday and has been proudly sober for the last decade and a half.

And while Ace’s original solos and riffs may have helped launch a thousand hair metal and grunge guitarists, he wasn’t above a little, um, creative borrowing himself, the main solo on ‘She’ being a prime example.

“I stole the ‘She’ solo from Robby Krieger of the Doors!” Frehley confesses. “I’ve got to give credit where credit is due.” Indeed, the first eight bars of the “She” solo are a practically note-for-note swipe of Robby’s iconic solo from the Doors’ pounding 1968 album track “Five to One.”

“And you know the solo in ‘Love Gun’?” he asks, as if anybody doesn’t. “I stole that whole solo from the Blues Magoos’ hit song ‘We Ain’t Got Nothing Yet.’ Listen to it – you’ll hear it!”

Not only does Frehley happily cop to the source of many of his best ideas, he has even built a few albums around it. His Origins Vol. 1 (2016) and Vol. 2 (2020) records are among the best of his career: raw, raucous and ripping covers of the ’60s and ’70s stuff that inspired the then 16-year-old Staten Island rawker: Leslie West’s Mountain, Humble Pie, Deep Purple, Cream, Led Zeppelin, Hendrix, and more.

   I stole the ‘She’ solo from Robby Krieger of the Doors… I’ve got to give credit where credit is due
   Ace Frehley

“I was resistant to the idea at first,” Frehley says, “but once I started working on those albums, I put my whole heart and soul into them.”

Kiss fans invariably have their heart set on hearing iconic Ace moments, like the lightning licks in “God of Thunder” and the bursting Berry-bends on “Shout It Out Loud,” both from 1976’s Destroyer. But Ace has his own favorites, too: “I also love the solo in ‘Strange Ways,’ [Hotter Than Hell] and I love the solo in ‘100,000 Years,’ [Kiss] as well as the solo I played in ‘Deuce,’” he says, with pride. “Those are all the classic Ace solos that come to mind off the top of my head.”

A bit further afield, though, are cool, more unexpected moments you might not associate with Kiss’s raw and unruly approach. There’s the downright experimental stippling and sound effects on Rock and Roll Over’s “Almost Human”; Destroyer’s “King of the Nighttime World” solo, where Mayfield-approved R&B rhythm licks give way to furious post-Blackmore pick attacks; or Dressed to Kill’s “Love Her All I Can,” a funky up-tempo groove machine over which Ace lets fly with flange-y southern rock triplets, and moves into a wicked series of motivic move-over-Trower quintuplet licks.

And no assessment of Ace’s lead work would be complete without the titanic Gorham/Robertson–style natural minor harmony lead in Db (technically C, but Kiss always tuned down a half-step in their halcyon days) on Destroyer’s “Detroit Rock City.” To this day, though, you can hear a slight shrug in Ace’s voice when he explains how producer Bob Ezrin essentially sang him the melody and harmony for the epic lead break in “Detroit Rock City.” But really, so what?

Sometimes guitar playing is about coming up with the perfect part; sometimes it’s about executing the perfect part. The D-flat Aeolian/Harmonic Minor–based solo to “Detroit Rock City” kicks ass because it’s a great melody, performed by Ace with a wicked tone, slick slides and pull-offs, a cool harmony in thirds, and a ton of attitude. “Ezrin always did say I was the most rock and roll guy in the band,” Frehley says with a smile.

   Ezrin always did say I was the most rock and roll guy in the band
   Ace Frehley

Gibson Les Pauls have been essential to that stance ever since. On his recent U.S. tour with his old friend Alice Cooper, Frehley leaned on his sunburst, three-pickup Gibson 1959 replica Ace Frehley Les Paul Custom Signature model; his famous black 1978 Les Paul Standard that was later routed for a middle pickup, and a three-pickup illuminated “Light Guitar” Les Paul modified by noted boutique luthier Jim Cara. The obvious irony here? Ace never uses the middle pickup. Or the neck pickup. “The bridge pickup really is my tone, completely,” he confesses.


Those bridge pups, says his longtime tech Rocco Monterosso, generally include a DiMarzio Air Zone or the Tone Zone humbucker, underneath a set of D’Addario EXL120 Nickel-Wound 009–.042s, struck with Dunlop Medium picks.

From there, Ace’s sound hits a Shure Axient AD4D wireless unit, followed by a modest pedal drawer: a TC Electronic PolyTune, an Xotic Labs EP Booster and a Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler – used almost exclusively on “Rock Soldiers,” “Shock Me,” and a slap-effect on “Detroit Rock City” – and straight into a 100-watt Marshall JCM2000 Dual Super Lead, paired with a Marshall 1960AV cab loaded with Celestion Vintage 30s. The Marshall’s effects loop passes through an MXR Custom Audio MC401 Boost/Line Driver and a TC Electronic Hall of Fame Reverb for a little extra space for Ace.


So the obvious question is: Why have a middle pickup at all if you never even use it? Oh, ye of little faith – this is the Spaceman we’re talking about here, people! That middle pickup cavity contains the open end of a hidden tube that passes through the guitar from the routed-out large cavity on the back. In that cavity, Velcro’d to the guitar, lives the current secret to Ace’s legendary – nay, mythical – “smoking Les Paul” stage routine, which he performs during an unaccompanied solo following the Love Gun song “Shock Me.”

   I used to just use actual smoke bombs for years, but that can be a little complicated and dangerous
   Ace Frehley

“I used to just use actual smoke bombs for years,” Ace explains, “but that can be a little complicated and dangerous. So for the last 10 years or so, I’ve been using these mini fog machines called Tiny FX [by Look Solutions]. They run off lithium batteries, and they use the same fogger liquid you see in the really big stage smokers. It’s crazy shit!”

Which, if you’ve spent any time following the career of Ace Frehley over the years, is pretty much par for the course.

“Look, there’s no rhyme or reason to why anything happens, as far as I’m concerned,” Ace says cheerfully. “I believe we live in some kind of matrix and it's all being controlled by some master computer. Somewhere out there, God's pulling the strings and playing the whole thing… on a keyboard!”

28.01.2022 07:17:11



By Su Yeniocak - January 27, 2022


KISS’ Ace Frehley recently remembered how the producer Bob Ezrin differentiated him from the rest of the band and called him the most rock and roll guy there.

Ace Frehley is one of the most famous members of the iconic band KISS and had established his persona in the band as The Spaceman before he quit due to creative differences. Even though he was present at the peak points of the band, he disagreed with their shift to creating a concept album rather than a classic rock album.

Bob Ezrin was KISS’ producer at the time, and he has also worked with other big names in the industry, such as Alice Cooper, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, and Hanoi Rocks. He also contributed to KISS’ most successful album, ‘Destroyer‘ released in 1976 with its keyboard parts and production.

In a recent interview, Ace recalled how Ezrin used to call him the band’s most rock and roll guy. However, Ace’s moments in the band are also remembered by fans as pure rock and roll, as he played in ‘God of Thunder’ and ‘Shout It Out Loud,’ which left a significant mark on rock and roll. Hence, Ezrin’s reaction to him being a rock and roll guy was not that surprising.

Here is how Ace recalled that:

“Ezrin always did say I was the most rock and roll guy in the band.”

Ace Frehley’s exit from the band was mainly due to the band’s switch to concept albums. Ace had made it obvious that he wants to continue making rock and roll music, which is also a huge indication of where his heart and soul are. He always made sure to execute his music suited to typical rock and roll, and he continued to do that after he parted ways with the band.

31.01.2022 07:30:28




When
Mar 11th, 2022
8:00pm - 11:00pm

Where
107 South Main StreetMount VernonOH43050

The Mount Vernon Arts Consortium presents classic rock hits from original KISS guitarist and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Ace Frehley Friday, March 11th at The Woodward Opera House in Mount Vernon at 8pm. Find details and purchase tickets here.

07.02.2022 10:04:23



Su Yeniocak . February 6, 2022


Ace Frehley gained his fame by adapting the Spaceman persona in his band KISS. He co-founded the band in 1973 and played with them until he departed in 1982 due to creative differences. After he quit the band, ventured off to embark on a solo career. He released nine successful albums as a solo artist and is still continuing as a musician.

Like many artists, Ace Frehley had inspirations and other musicians he was influenced by. He spoke about his influences in 2018 to Classic Rock and mentioned his favorite singers and albums. The guitarist named his top five guitar albums and guitarists in the interview and gave the names of Jimi Hendrix, the Stones, and Steppenwolf. He also revealed the first record he discovered one of his influences, Eric Clapton, with.

Cream was formed in 1966 by Jack Bruce, Eric Clapton, and Ginger Baker. The band was known for its influential instrumental abilities and became an inspiration to a lot of musicians in the rock world. Unfortunately, due to tensions between the members, they disbanded in 1968 and continued to inspire the world with their solo works.

Eric Clapton influenced many guitarists with his techniques who was nicknamed ‘Slowhand.’ He sold 280 million records worldwide and became one of the best-selling musicians of all time. Like many other guitarists, Ace Frehley was inspired by his work especially on the album ‘Fresh Cream.’ Ace described Clapton as a unique rock-blues guitarist and said that he studied the guitarist.

Here are Frehley’s words about Clapton:
“This is the record I discovered Clapton on. Actually, I saw Cream. I was at their first New York appearance when they were opening up for Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels. I had no idea what I was going to see, but I was blown away. Come to think of it, the Who were on the same bill. Those were great days.
I love the ‘Fresh Cream’ record. Clapton is such a beautifully unique rock-blues guitarist. I’ve studied everything he’s done, from Cream to Blind Faith to Derek and the Dominos and then the solo stuff. He’s one of those guys who has something so singular – you know it’s him, the second he plays a note. I definitely tried to take as much as I could from Clapton.”

Clapton began his long-lasting career with The Yardbirds and became well known after forming the power trio Cream. Being an influential guitarist himself, Frehley admitted that he tried to learn as much as possible by listening to Clapton’s work. Even after Cream, he continued to follow Clapton throughout his solo ventures to contribute to his career.