Guitar World has posted an excerpt online from their July 2014 issue which features an interview with original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley. Read the clip in its entirety below.
Jeff Kitts reports:
This year started off innocently enough for Ace Frehley. Just one week prior to Christmas 2013, the former KISS lead guitarist learned that he and his comrades in the original lineup—Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Peter Criss—were finally being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame after 15 years of eligibility (and 15 years of outcry from the Kiss Army).
A cause for celebration, no doubt—and a golden opportunity for the four founding members of the legendary rock band to perform onstage together again for the first time since October 7th, 2000, the final North American date of their Farewell Tour.
And then, somehow, it all imploded. In the weeks preceding the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on April 10th in Brooklyn, New York, KISS became the primary focus of every public and private discussion surrounding the event after they announced that there would be no performance—let alone a reunion—that night.
To make matters worse, the band members seized every opportunity to lambast one another in the press on a seemingly daily basis, effectively rendering what was supposed to be a triumphant reunion performance loaded with all the blood-spitting, fire-breathing, makeup-running pageantry that fans had been clamoring for all these years into a pitiful non-event.
“I was like, Jesus Christ, after 40 years of support you can’t give the fans 10 minutes?” says a still worked-up Frehley over a cup of black tea at Guitar World headquarters in New York. “The fans wanted it, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame wanted it. But Gene and Paul didn’t. It’s sad. They definitely lost some fans because of this decision.
I think the reason they didn’t want to get together with the original members was because they’re afraid of history repeating itself. When we did Unplugged in 1995, you saw what happened: because the fans were so excited about me and Peter playing with those guys, they had to scrap their last record [with then-current members Bruce Kulick and Eric Singer] and do a reunion tour [with Frehley and Criss in 1996]. Although at this point I don’t think Peter could do a two-hour show and a full tour. But I still got the chops. I definitely blow [current Kiss guitarist] Tommy Thayer off the stage.”
It’s obvious that Frehley is fired up, and with good reason. With the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame fiasco behind him, the clean-and-sober Spaceman is able to focus on the things in life that make him happy, like living in San Diego with his pretty blond 47-year-old fiancé Rachael Gordon, writing books, working with Gibson on various signature guitars and recording new music. Space Invader, his first record since 2009’s top-notch Anomaly, is due out in a few weeks, and Ace couldn’t be more excited.
“I haven’t had a drink in more than seven and a half years, and I feel great now,” says the 63-year-old guitarist. “I’m writing great songs and I’m singing great, and I’m super excited about this new album. It’s gonna be even better than Anomaly. I played some tracks for a couple of guys I was considering using for mixing, and the first thing out of their mouths was, ‘God, your voice sounds like it did on your 1978 solo record.’ Unlike some other people, whose voices aren’t maybe what they used to be. Not to name names, or anything.”
Guitar World: Your love affair with alcohol during KISS’ heyday—and, well, all through the Eighties and Nineties—is well documented. Do you miss it? Are there days when you want a drink?
Ace Frehley: No. I haven’t had the urge to drink in a long time. And I don’t miss the hangovers, I don’t miss the smells, the late nights at the bars, or the people. I was hanging out with some pretty shady people in my heavy-drinking-and-coke years. I was in some situations that really could have gone sideways. I was just lucky. And you have to realize that my fans used to emulate my behavior when I was a crazy man—“Ace is a party animal, let’s go get loaded!” Then they’d go crash their car, and I’d feel terrible.
Now it’s turned around. And when someone comes up to me and says that they haven’t had a drink in six months and that they’re doing well because I am, that makes my day. Maybe that’s one reason why God has kept me alive. By all rights I should have died a half dozen times already, so every day above ground I’m thrilled.
Guitar World: Did you think KISS would ever be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Ace Frehley: I knew that [the Hall] had to buckle to popular opinion. It was only a matter of time. We were first eligible 15 years ago, so I knew it would happen eventually. I mean, how can you exclude KISS, one of the biggest American rock groups in history? Even though we didn’t perform, I’m still thrilled to be in it.
Guitar World: Where were you when you found out that you were being inducted?
Ace Frehley: I was at home in San Diego and got a call from my manager. Then, about a week later, I got the “congratulatory” call from Paul and Gene. And I could tell that there was some hesitancy on their part about the whole thing. I was asking them if we were gonna play, and Gene avoided the question by saying, “Well, we’re just looking forward to getting the four of us up there together and celebrating…whatever.” It was a noncommittal congratulatory call.
Then, about a week later, I was told that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame absolutely wants the four original members to reunite, and I said, “Great, I’ll do it.” And there was silence from Gene and Paul. And finally it was shot down. The next thing I heard is that Paul and Gene wanted to perform with the current KISS lineup [with Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer]. And I said, Well, that’s kind of a slap in the face. I mean, they’re not even being inducted. I have to sit through a KISS cover band when I’m receiving an award? I don’t think so.
I also heard at one point that they wanted me to perform in makeup with Tommy at the same time. I really didn’t want to be onstage with Tommy, but I said I would do it, as long as I got to play the bulk of the songs and that I could wear the Destroyer costume. Then a few days later [it was], “No, we’re not gonna play at all.” It was almost like they were trying to bait me, so that if I said no to anything they would just blame me for there being no performance. I was almost going to boycott the whole thing.
For the rest of this story, check out the June 2014 issue at the Guitar World Online Store.
source: guitarworld.com
118 Responses
Well what was WAS. Ace really showed a incredible amount of respect & integrity through the ups & downs of that. I will make a point that one day Gene or Paul….or maybe both will wake up one morning and look back at how really FOOLISH they looked at how they handled this whole RRHoF situation. It obviously is no secret now how their antics made them look really bad, and that is very evident. The best news is Ace is healthy & is with us. Peter is healthy & is with us. Paul & Gene are both healthy and are with us. I always have believed in The Power of the Universe. Who knows maybe one day the four of them can reunite at a Starbucks and talk about all THE POSITIVE about what “KISS” served to us instead of all the negative….Joe in The Cuse
Yea if he only had the spectacular voice that Paul does now. At least it will be some new material for Tommy to copy. Was that KISS on American Idol last night or was it Cold Gin? From Paul’s vocal it sure sounded like the tribute band it has become. Maybe Paulie should try out for American Idol. He wouldn’t even make it to Hollywood week.
What a joke KISS has become.
A “joke” that is still very lucrative. Meanwhile, Ace’s only concern right now is whether or not the photographer properly air-brushed his beer gut out of the promo shots for the new album. And don’t forget, dark colors are very slimming.
Dana, I’m curious why you are allowing this Flaming Yute character to be included in this forum calling people here “douchebags”? Give him the boot. This is no place for losers like him. And Yute…keep your derogatory remarks to yourself. Your the only person of the kind of this site.
Are you concerned about derogatory remarks about everyone, or just Ace? Because there are plenty of derogatory remarks. Its discouraging to see some of these posts because this is no longer a debate, but a mudslinging contest. Who can make the most derogatory remarks on this site?
On another note, I am looking forward to Space Invader, but I still like the current lineup in KISS. If Ace was in KISS, he would not be putting Space Invader out. I think people should be glad there is TWO great artists putting out new material these days instead of nothing from either side.
Rich,
I don’t remember approving them, but I will get rid of them now.
Why can’t people act juts like mature adults who can engage in healthy debate instead of diaper wearing cry babies who have to resort to mudslinging? I think Eddie needs to start selling ad space for Huggies and pacifiers on the site-LOL!
Cheers,
Dana 🙂
Be careful dana…P/G may already have a license for kiss diapers and pacifiers…u may be sued…lol
Eric,
LOL! 🙂
D 🙂
Dana……I believe the first comment I ever made here was something along the lines that hopefully this comments section makes it more than a year or two before Eddie and yourself have had enough, or you guys make the move to only allow paying members to comment.
Ryan,
I have to compliment Eddie, he has displayed much more patience for the snarky comments that he receives, than I have. I think when you are a public figure, you should expect a certain amount of constructive criticism and one should be able to handle it with grace like a mature adult. However, some of the comments that I have read addressed to Eddie are just downright rude, nasty, redundant to the point of incredible annoyance, and simply hateful. God knows, what he did to receive such vitriol. I could understand if he committed murder, rape, etc. He has a difference of opinion about KISS. Wow, look out folks-LOL! It’s ludicrous.
As for the denigrating comments between posters, I don’t care for that one bit either. It is completely unnecessary, mean spirited and a waste of board space as far as I am concerned. Internet trolls are nothing but a bunch of cowards.
D 🙂
Dana…..you and Eddie keep up the good fight! I won’t be surprised one bit, though, and wouldn’t blame you one bit if you guys have to go the pay route if people want to comment. I’ve seen it happen on other sites and it 99% of the time it weeds out the trolls real quickly and they will move back over to another free metal/rock site or find an old AOL chatroom to hang out in like they did in their youth where they would scroll “name your band” sucks a million times…lol…. You can only moderate so much before enough is enough.
It’s good to see that Thesaurus you got for your birthday is being put to use.
Hey Puke, uh sorry, I mean Yute,
Does it make you feel like a big man picking on a woman? Guess I struck a nerve with you, which is ironic, considering the nerve you have with all of your insolent comments on this site.
While we are the on the subject of a Thesaurus, I have a word that describes you perfectly , care to guess what it is and then look up the proper synonyms?
Have a good one,
Dana from ET.com 🙂
PS-Thank you for stalking this site on a regular basis.
All this flirting is getting old. If you want to date me, ask me already!
You aggravate the heck out of me, but that cracked me up, I just had to post it. Hysterical.
D 🙂
Sorry Dana….Yute that was awesome. Freakin funny….Joe in The Cuse
“Huggies and pacifiers on the site-“……. Uhhhhhh…..hmmmmm…..well….I could get some of those baby wipes….to add in…..Joe in The Cuse
Enough said. Ace is awesome I just met him earlier this month as a fan of his for about 37 yrs it was a kick to say the least. He is right he would blow tommy off the stage . I am glad he finally spoke out and said it. It validates the whole thing. Ace created something so awesome and special even tommy thayer wants it. U can’t blame him but it does not mean he’s better then ace cause he’s not. He is nothing more than a fan who played a kiss tribute act after his own band black n blue fell off the map and the dude was offered a job working behind the scenes for kiss .. u probably know the rest its all documented but even as paul and gene say this lineup is best its only because they can control earn and not have to as what they would say pu up with behavior of ace and peter. That doesnt translate into better music it just makes them feel better n more in control. I dont support kiss in this lineup. As a lifetime supporter of all eras of kiss except this current lineup I do this out of respect for ace and peter because as a longtime I see this more about what paul n gene want more then the fans looking back fuckin can see all kinds of things they slid by but not this one. Congrats to ace and peter for induction last month and can’t wait to buy ace new album as I just know it will meet all my expectations. Ace rules
I think the delusional douchebag is you who cannot get it in your thick skull that Kiss is a cover band and Tommy Thayer sucks. And Paul’s voice is shot to hell.
Funny for all the bitching and moaning Paul and Gene have done lately about Ace (and Peter) they still play the same basic setlist of CLASSIC Kiss songs the originals made famous decades ago.
Have fun shelling out $$$$ to see that train wreck and buying your Tommy Thayer t-shirt.
In my opinion, Anomaly was a good record from Ace. I liked the variety of songs on it.
I hope Space Invader does as well or better for him.
Main thing for Ace is he is healthy and doing the kind of music he wants to do.
I’m still waiting for someone to call Ace out on his Hall of Fame contradictions. On Eddie’s show, just 48 hours before Paul and Gene announced they weren’t playing the RARHOF at all, Ace insinuated there was no talk of performing together in makeup, out of makeup, etc. He was just told they were playing with Tommy and Eric. Prior to that, in his first Trunk appearance, he said he wouldn’t go up there if there were two Spacemen. Suddenly, after the ceremony, he starts saying Paul and Gene wanted both him and Tommy up there in full costume and he agreed to it with certain rules. So which one is it?
And here’s something for you Ace. Paul Stanley’s voice has deteriorated because he gave KISS fans 40 years of himself. You didn’t. It’s lunacy for Ace to even compare their vocal stylings in the first place. I love Ace’s vocals but he never truly sang like Paul sang. Paul pretty much sounds like what a 62 year old guy that has sang like he did for 40 years is going to sound like.
Gotta love how Ace still got the subtle dig in at Peter Criss with the “Peter can’t do it anymore but I still got the chops.” I don’t think the Trunk Birthday bash really resolved the animosity there.
Gene retweeted a pic of the Space Invader album cover artwork. Thought that was interesting. I’d still like to see Ace back in KISS before they call it quits. I’d love to get one last record with Ace, Paul, Gene, and Singer. I do hate it when he talks smack on Tommy because Tommy took a job any of us would’ve taken and pretty much pays tribute to one his influences every night. I can understand biting back at Paul but Tommy doesn’t sling anything at Ace and generally always takes the high road.
I don’t think Paul and Gene wanted Ace in makeup and costume while Tommy wears it had they performed at the HoF. He would perform with Tommy and Eric if it was only him in makeup and costume, not the other way around. There’s no way you can have two Space Aces in one stage.
Well said!
Cozmosis……Tommy takes the high road because he knows where his bread is getting buttered. Methinks the reason why he doesn’t sling any mud at Ace is because he been commanded by the Lord Siths Gene and Paul to never, ever bad mouth Ace because that could piss off a lot of Kiss fans, and I don’t know how many more times it needs to be stated that Gene and Paul are about $$$$$$, and no amount of money is ever enough. I just crack up at anyone thinking Singer or Thayer takes the “high road”, lol. Have you ever heard Singer bad mouth Peter? Nah, what a surprise. Gene and Paul understand they will take the bullet on the Ace and Peter bashing. The fans accept the bickering between the four originals, but no way in hell are they going let two imposters start ripping on them.
Anybody remember both Ace and Peter played with the so-called “imposters” and hell Peter did a freakin album with Tommy (Symphony)…why doesn’t anyone ever bring that up…Ace and Peter only care now because of the RRHOF,otherwise neither would be getting press,period…
Somehow George that fact always gets lost in the agenda of the Gene and Paul haters.
Further Ace quit…so why bash Tommy as he does, when he himself quit? Somebody had to replace Ace…so what that it was the former tour manager that just so happened to be in an 80’s band with some success and the guy that had to help Ace himself relearn his own parts. It’s simple really Ace…don’t freaking quit. Hell…I hate taking up for Tommy because I really don’t like the guy or his playing but Ace has no grounds to stand on here. Again…don’t freaking quit…and if you do don’t whine about the guy that replaced you because you freaking quit. Sorry to redundant there lol.
Excellent point…no RRHOF, no press for Ace and Peter at this point in their lives.
JB,
I agree. Furthermore, if Ace had not quit, and stayed in KISS, he would have had maybe one or two songs at most on a new KISS album. As a solo artist, we can listen to a complete Ace Frehley album (Space Invader). I have a good feeling about this one!
People also forget that the real issue was Paul and Gene not letting the so called RRHOF call the shots and dictate what KISS can or can’t do. It wasn’t about putting Ace and Peter down–those two can be proud of their accomplishments, but the press keeps feeding the fire with the debate about Tommy and Eric vs. Ace and Peter.
Good points!
Paul’s voice gave out because instead of spacing Albums with quality songs and tour’s in the 80’s, Paul put out what he even admit’s were solo albums with a couple of Gene demo’s on them every year….SO INSTEAD OF 9 OR 10 GREAT KISS SONGS YOU GOT 5-6 PAUL DEMO’S AND 3-4 FORMERLY REJECTED GENE DEMO’S and passed them off as a KISS album, look at Hot In The Shade, not 1 song has all that Kiss line-ups together….This is why on the Kiss cruises or even the 95 conventions Gene couldn’t remember how to play a lot of fan requests….He never played on them in the 1st place. They were all polished up demo’s. They did it for the cash…If they took 2 or 3 years between albums, only put great songs that pass the KISS TEST. His voice wouls still be here….quantity over quality….a good producer like Ezrin or Kramer would have guaranteed it, but when Paul has a hand in it….the shitty pop/metal slips in