Former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley spoke to our very own Eddie Trunk on his SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation show about why he parted ways with the solo band that included: Richie Scarlet on guitar, Chris Wyse on bass and Scot Coogan.
“That was hard,” Frehley admitted [as per blabbermouth.net].
As for how the change happened, Ace said, “Well, I had performed with Gene’s [Simmons, KISS bassist/vocalist] backup band in Australia, and then Gene, for some reason, canceled his trip to Japan. So I went to Japan with his band and we did eight shows. And they’re super tight; they all sing lead — four-part harmony. I mean, I’ll never forget playing 2000 Man the first time with this band, and all of a sudden, I’m hearing all the harmonies that were on the original record done by Paul [Stanley] and Gene. I’m saying, ‘Great.’ So, after the last show in Tokyo, I said to these guys, ‘Are you available? Would you consider doing the [‘Kiss Kruise’]?’ And they said, ‘Yeah.’ They’re all fans of mine. And they’re cheaper than my band, and I’m trying to cut costs down. I cut one crew member… It wasn’t just about funds. I would have paid them what I’m paying my band right now, because they’re that good. But don’t let them know that.”
When Eddie inquired about how Scarlet, Wyse and Coogan took the news that they were being replaced, Frehley replied, “Chris took it really well. He’s been playing with the [Hollywood] Vampires, he told me he was doing solo shows with Joe Perry, and he’s one of the most sought-after bass players in Los Angeles. So Chris took it really well. Scotty didn’t take it very well. And Richie didn’t take it well, because his wife had just passed away [after battling ALS for many years].”
He continued, “It was a nightmare, because I kept procrastinating, because I said, ‘How can I call Richie and let him know I’m using another band when his wife is on her deathbed?’ And it was tearing me apart. Finally I just said, ‘I’ve gotta man up.’ So I called him and I told him briefly why and… and he hung up on me. [Laughs] He goes, ‘I can’t believe this s–t,’ and he hung up on me. So, two days later, I called him back in the evening, and I said, ‘Rich…’ He apologized for hanging up on me. I’ve known Richie forever. So we healed. He told me he loved me like a brother; I told him the same. I said, ‘Tell me what I can do for you, because I know you were expecting the money from the cruise.’ So I wired some money into his account to help pay for Joann’s funeral. She was a wonderful lady.”
Frehley went on to defend his actions explaining, “Bad timing is bad timing, but business decisions really don’t… can’t… with personal life, it never jells. It’s never the right time, in a lot of cases.”
Listen to Eddie’s interview with Ace by clicking here.
Frehley’s new solo album, Spaceman, will be released through eOne on October 19th.
23 Responses
It sounds kinda crappy but unfortunately business is business and the timing was just bad. I can respect his candor for sure.
I’ve never been at a loss for words when it comes to a KISS story, until now. I’m just so disappointed and completely disgusted, I hope Ace AND Gene are proud of themselves for reaching an all-time low. My buddies & I decided unanimously we’re NOT going to see ACE on 11/10 after all.
How could you do that to Richie? Way to “Man up.”
Brother Doug! I’m feeling similar to you. “They’re all fans of mine”. So, was this partly due to Ace’s ego, too? Ace needs fan boys around that can work cheap and boost his ego at the same time? I think you need loyalty in a venture, and Ace surely didn’t demonstrate that quality.
Exactly, brother Rattle! I hope Ace has fun Rockin’ with Gene’s boys! What is Ace going to do when Gene wants HIS band back? I don’t think anyone is going to want to play with Ace after this. Richie, Chris, and Scotty all helped Ace to get to where he is today, and this is how he thanks them?? F–ked up!!
Least Ace could have done is pay for the funeral.
As for the band, Ace can do what he wants.
His bandmates were also his friends, you don’t do that to your friends. Shame on Ace.
Kinda split on this one…….. Over the years members move in and out of many bands. Sometimes members move back into the band they left, etc…… Sometimes, not always new blood brings new creativity to the band. Gonna have to wait and see how this plays out in the long run. However, the timing…….seems to be be a lil (ack)ward.
This bothers me. I know in the end it’s just business, but on a moral standpoint it’s a low blow to guys who were dedicated to Ace. I’m disappointed in Ace. I don’t like seeing a childhood hero of mine doing business in this manner. And Richie had every right to hang up on Ace and I wouodn’t have blamed him if he never spoke to Ace again. At least Ace “helped” pay for Richie’s wife’s funeral. “Helped”?
So true, James. I always supported and Defended Ace, FOR YEARS! But this? No, sorry, no way, it was just wrong. I’m so tired of hearing “it’s just business,” bullsh-t! That’s just bullsh-t! Obviously Gene rubbed off on Ace, because the old Ace would never do something like this. Anyway, instead of another KISS themed birthday party tomorrow, my buddies decided to change it to my other favorite American Rock ‘N’ Roll band, Aerosmith! Absolutely, I need a break from KISS anyway! I don’t need Ace to get “Spaced” on my birthday, I’ll get “Spaced” with the “Sweet Emotion” of Aerosmith!! 😉