Original KISS guitarist, Ace Frehley, called into Eddie’s Q104.3 radio show, Eddie Trunk Rocks on February 21st to say, that the original members of KISS will not be performing at the Rock N’Roll Hall of Fame Induction ceremony, scheduled to take place on April 10th at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y..
Frehley said, “I don’t think KISS fans are gonna be too excited and happy about the news, ’cause at this juncture, [KISS leaders] Paul [Stanley] and Gene [Simmons] have decided to perform with [current KISS members] Tommy [Thayer, guitar] and Eric [Singer, drums], and it looks like the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame is going along with it.”
The guitarist went on to explain that the decision was made by Stanley and Simmons “in the last 24 to 48 hours.” He added, “The last time I was on [this radio show], it was a very exciting and happy call. And the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame was very excited about having the four original members who are being inducted to perform at the ceremony. And that was shot down by Paul and Gene. And now it’s kind of, like, if I’m not gonna put on the makeup and do a three-song reunion for the fans, then what am I gonna do? And right now, I’m not even sure if I’m gonna show up for that, you know?!”
The guitarist added that Stanley and Simmons “shot down doing any type of reunion with [original KISS drummer Peter Criss and me] — with makeup, without makeup,” while Frehley himself ruled out performing alongside KISS’ current lineup, saying, “I’m not gonna get on the stage with Tommy wearing my makeup. That’s absurd.”
He continued, “It’s a shame. I know [the original lineup reunion is] what the fans wanted. I know it’s what the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame wanted. [But] it’s not gonna happen.”
When asked if he had any inkling as why Stanley and Simmons were so opposed to the idea of performing with the original lineup at the ceremony, Frehley said: “I don’t know, and at this point, I really don’t give a shit. [Laughs] I really don’t care. It’s, like, enough already. You don’t wanna do something for the fans after 40 years of them supporting you? It’s something the fans wanted, it’s something the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame asked of all four of us. They shot it down. It is what it is. I don’t completely understand it, but those guys do a lot of things that don’t make sense to me. It’s unfortunate for the fans. We’re being inducted because of the fans. And I feel like the fans are being let down. And I’m upset about it; I’ve gotta be honest with you. But I’m trying not to let it get to me because, like I said, I’ve gotta finish [my new solo] record and I’ve gotta think positive. And I wanna move forward. But it’s upsetting.”
He continued, “I’m working on my second book. I’ve got [my] new [solo] record [coming out]. What will be in the future will be. No matter what happens, I’m fine. And I’m having fun. And I’m creating great music. My life’s great. And I can’t let any negativity… I’ve gotta just let it roll off my back and continue doing what I’ve been doing — making great music. I’m at the tail end of [making my new solo] record… and this has just been a thorn in my side, because every day there’s a different story: ‘Yeah, maybe you can come and get up and do ‘New York Groove‘. And if you don’t do it with KISS, you can do it with a celebrity lineup.’ And that was shot down. It’s very frustrating. It’s also distracting my attention from the most important thing right now that I’m doing, [which] is working on music and creating. So it’s very frustrating and a little disheartening.”
Frehley also revealed the he won’t be attending the Rock Hall induction.
“It was very important that I let the fans know that because the tickets are going on sale on Monday, and I didn’t want people buying tickets thinking that they were gonna see a KISS reunion, and then be disappointed,” he explained.
Listen to the interview here.
46 Responses
Done. Never again will I spend a penny on Gene, Paul, and their cover band. What an absolute farce!
Ace, you are the best!!
As a KISS fan since 1976, as a kid i have walked miles to record store, to buy albums, stood in line over nite in bad weather. Dressed as my heros for Halloweens got made fun of cause not everyone understood what KISS was,but stood proud! As a adult i introduced this band to my kids, which they now enjoy as well.Our money
has given then a nice lifestyle. Asking for 15mins to play 3 songs with Ace and Peter isnt asking a lot consinering what they have. THIS TO ME IS A GIANT MIDDLE FINGER TO THE FANS THAT MADE THEM WHO THEY ARE TODAY !!!!!!!
discuss the Money spent, on gear! All of have given them a nice lifestyle
As A fan since 1976 i grew up walking miles to record stores just to buy Kiss albums.Stood in lines overnite to get concert tickets. Spent hours learning to play thier songs, wallpapering my room with posters etc. And you cant play 3 songs together! For the fans that made your dreams come true! THIS TO ME IS A GIANT MIDDLE FINGER!!!!!! SHAME ON YOU GUYS!!!! THIS IS A HONOR FOR YOU GUYS!
The only reason I was excited about the induction was because the original 4 were performing together. This is like your parents promising you a bike for Christmas and all you got was a gift card to McDonalds. Fuck you Paul and Gene!!!!
How much more are the fans expected to take from Gene and Paul? I have to be honest: without the four original members, this is a country fair cover band. An unmitigated disgrace! Paul, you were always my favorite. Right now I wouldn’t cross the street to shake your hand. You and Gene deserve each other.