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
Kiss will never be anything with out ACE except a cover band of themselves and thats the truth. Thats why they dress Tommy up as him …But you should put your egos aside and give this man his due…
Yes, yes, the are desperately trying to hide the fact everything Tommy does (is made to do …) is Ace, his solos note for note, his stage moves, his shooting-stagelight-trick, there is not a single thing in this impersonation that is true Tommy, who might exist somewhere hidden, not even in the solos on the two new records, even there they make him use or at least vary many of Ace’s typical licks thus making it sound like Ace was playing. Listen to Tommy in his former bands, sounds totally different. Why? because they know that by making it seem like the real, original thing that so many peole came to love again and spend their money on again during the reunion, they make so much more money today paying the two employees a comparatively small salary. But, as always, it takes two: one offering the job, and one taking it up.
What a bunch of whiners on here. Acting like KISS owes them something because they’re fans. Nonsense, KISS owes us nothing. They put out great music for 40 years for all us to enjoy and that’s why we gave them our money. Some of you act like they owe you a favor for buying their music or seeing them in concert. That’s crap. Actually we owe them for entertaining us with so much great music for so long a time. For all you supposed KISS fans out there crying you’re done with them then so be it. It’s your loss actually and you won’t be missed the next time I see them in concert.
Agreed…nothing else to say…
So you find it entertaining knowing that Gene and Paul try to empty your pockets with a cover band?
Hey Klaus. Everybody knows whose in the band and who isn’t. They’re not tricking you are they? Are you buying a CD or a concert ticket and saying ‘hey where’s Ace and Peter’? Grow up already. Congress has said less stupid things since these recent posts showed up. If you hate Gene and Paul I get it and if you don’t want to spend another penny on them I get it. But it’s the fucking RRHOF. Why do you or anyone else care about it? KISS is getting an award that from a bunch of guys in suits that nobody cares about. All the bitching is giving it a credibility that makes no sense. Enjoy the glory days that the four of them could never recreate anyways.
“DR you really seem to like me:-) Yet another stupid comment – if you do not like me or anyone else hear commenting why do you not go somewhere else to have some fun mocking people??
Dude, really!!!!!!!how old are u????were u even around when the original kiss ( the real one ) was around???u are the only person that responded in that way .u make no sense really .keep ur comments to yourself..u d be better off
Nice to know ego comes befores before the fans.
KISS’ last couple albums were atrocious. This band hasn’t released a strong, consistent album since, what, Creatures? Gene, my God, when is the last good song you wrote? Was it off Revenge? 20 years ago, son! And this is how you treat us? What a joke, such an embarrassment and it’s insulting and a slap in the face to your fans. I’m done sticking up for you two egomaniacs. I WILL NOT BE ATTENDING, NOR WILL I BE WATCHING the RRHOF ceremonies, and I truly hope whatever fans do attend have the courage to let these two arrogant, washed-up “rock stars” that it’s not OK to shun Ace and Peter like this. I’M DONE!