Greg Prato for Ultimate-Guitar.com spoke with guitarist Ace Frehley, excerpts from the interview appear below.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: Last year, you got to play with Vinnie Vincent and Bruce Kulick at Creatures Fest 2022. Was that your first time ever meeting Vinnie, and what was that like?
Ace Frehley: It was real interesting. Very few people believe that all these years, I had never met Vinnie Vincent. And it wasn’t because I was trying to avoid him or vice versa. It’s just somehow, somehow, our paths never crossed. But we got along famously. I didn’t realize he was a lot shorter than me. But other than that, he got there and played some nice guitar licks. We jammed together, and it was a fun night. I was there with Vinnie… and I think Peter Criss was there, and Bruce Kulick – I’m really good friends with Bruce.
It’s really funny – I’m friends with all the guys in KISS. Even Eric Singer is a dear friend of mine. And now I’m friends with Vinnie. I never had a problem with any of these people. But for some reason, [singer] Paul [Stanley] had a problem with a lot of them. And [bassist/vocalist] Gene [Simmons]. But I’d rather not even talk about those guys since they’re retired and their career is winding down while mine is taking off. So, that’s kind of nice.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: Would you ever consider doing a full tour with Vinnie and/or Bruce – as three former KISS guitarists?
Ace Frehley: I don’t particularly see that happening in the future. I kind of like to run my own show and have my own band. Because think about it – how many solo albums do I have out?…So, it would be really tough to work with other guitar players who also have songs that they’ve written. There wouldn’t be enough time – it would be a three-hour show. And at age 72, I don’t feel like doing a three-hour show. I’m much happier being my own boss…There’s no alcohol allowed backstage, and I surround myself with positive people. Any type of negativity… goodbye…
Ultimate-Guitar.com: What did you think of Vinnie‘s playing? Because he played on two KISS albums, Creatures of the Night and Lick It Up.
Ace Frehley: He’s a good guitar player. Even Paul has said in interviews that Vinnie is a really good songwriter. I never dissected any of his songwriting, but from what I understand, he was a really good songwriter. I think he’s a good guitar player…But Bruce is an excellent musician – he’s actually technically a better guitar player than me. I’d be the first to say that. But I have a certain style that I’ve developed over the years, that even if it’s a little sloppy, people always can recognize Ace Frehley solos. At least that’s what I’m reading when I read comments on YouTube.
I get it, because I’m a blues-based rock guitarist, and a lot of times, my solos – rather than playing fast like Yngwie, for example – I would rather play a slower, melodic solo that people can hum. Because if you’re playing like 50 notes in a measure, it’s pretty hard to hum. [Laughs]…
Read more at Ultimate-Guitar.com.
Frehley’s forthcoming album 10,000 Volts is due out February 23rd, to hear the title track, please click here.
37 Responses
Wow, this George guy needs a lesson in manners! Calling Dana a bitch? There’s a lot I want to say, but I’m going to play nice for the sake of this site and respect for Dana. I do think if you think she’s such a bitch, then why don’t you find somewhere else to post your BS? It’s obvious you don’t have much respect for Eddie Trunk either, so seriously, why are you here? Freakin chump ass troll behavior.
Yes I said I was going to play nice. That’s me playing nice. Because I really want to tell you all kinds of way you can f right the hell off.
George: Leave Dana alone, she is nothing but fair. She has opinions too, like anyone else. But calling her a bitch? You are a bonafide jackass. We never have issues on here, and you are not welcome. Sorry, Dana, I know you can defend yourself, but we all love you and this site wouldn’t be what it is without you, not at all.
Attention Wrecked Neck and Mr. Rock and Roll,
Thank you, and the feelings are mutual, I love all of you, as well. 🙂
Me thinks George is the reason why they stock tampons in the mens bathroom.
Happy New Year all!
Happy New Year, to the best name on this site, as well.
LOL!!!
Just to make it clear to some, I do not hate Taylor Swift, I just do not like her music.
To all on this site, I’ve been posting for awhile, and I don’t think anyone here is miserable or haters, as we all have opinions. I rather be posting here, than on the other site. It’s bad enough there are haters out there, and the internet gives more of an opportunity to spread their vile opinions, but we have people like Dana, who are good at her job of moderating. So cheers to you all.
Thank you again, Charles, and Happy New Year.
Happy new year to you too, Dana.