Rock & Roll Corridor of Famer Ace Frehley died on Thursday (Oct. 16), succumbing to a head harm he sustained at his dwelling in September, his household confirmed this week. He was 74.
Initially hailing from the Bronx in New York, Ace was born Paul Daniel Frehley. He later turned affectionately often called the “Spaceman” of rock music pioneers KISS for his out-of-this world persona, make-up and wardrobe.
Additionally nicknamed “Area Ace,” Frehley’s on-stage antics included utilizing guitars that blasted fireworks from the headstock and pickups that may be set aflame throughout solos. His KISS costumes sported lightning bolts and stars. Frehley would additionally tackle lead vocals for the band at occasions and is well-known for singing the tune “Shock Me,” which he co-wrote along with his KISS bandmates.
KISS arrived on the rock ‘n’ roll music scene in 1973 and launched its self-titled debut file in 1974. Two years later, the band scored its first platinum file, referred to as “Alive,” which blasted KISS off into the stratosphere of rock stardom. It really captured the essence of the rockers’ extravagant stay exhibits, the place their following was constructed.
Frehley joined the band in 1973, after a well-documented audition in late 1972 by which he wore two different-colored sneakers. He blew away bass participant Gene Simmons, guitar participant and vocalist Paul Stanley and drummer Peter Criss, in line with Music Radar.
Ace Frehley was a member of KISS from 1973 to 1982, a stretch that featured 9 albums, together with a self-titled solo file beneath the KISS moniker in 1978. The solo album included a canopy tune initially written by the British glam rockers Hey referred to as “New York Groove.” Through the years, it will develop into an anthem for New York Metropolis, utilized by sports activities groups and broadly performed on radio. The file was licensed platinum.
After leaving KISS in 1982, Frehley went on to have a profitable solo profession, releasing 9 albums in complete. He took his Spaceman persona with him and actually leaned into area and science fiction by naming his first solo mission “Frehley’s Comet.” In later years, albums titled “Spaceman,” “Area Invader,” “Anomaly,” and “10,000 Volts” rocked a number of sci-fi-themed songs and featured some out-of-this-world paintings.
For instance, the tune “Mission to Mars,” from Frehley’s 2018 album “Spaceman,” options these lyrics: We’re on a flight to Mars/ There is no time to waste/ It is like we tremble forward/ Our gauges are purple. One other instance will be discovered within the tune “Area Invader” from Frehley’s 2014 album: He comes to save lots of us from light-years away/ Our area invader is aware of we have misplaced our means/ Destined for greatness our race will survive/ Behind his majesty we’ll be united/ And know the which means of life.
Different songs from the “Area Invader” file embrace “Quantum Flux,” “Contained in the Vortex,” “Previous the Milky Means,” and “Starship.” Frehley’s remaining studio album, “10,000 Volts,” launched in 2024, featured more room inspiration with the tunes “Walkin’ On The Moon,” “Cosmic Coronary heart,” “Up In The Sky” and “Stratosphere.”
In 1996, Frehley took the world by storm as soon as once more with a KISS reunion tour that featured all the unique members. He would go on to carry out with the band till 2002. I personally had the privilege of being at one of many exhibits on the reunion tour. I’ve attended a whole lot of stay exhibits by numerous bands, and the vitality from the gang at Madison Sq. Backyard in New York Metropolis on that night time really stands out.
Frehley’s affect on rock guitar is unquestionable. For instance, Pearl Jam’s guitarist Mike McCready wrote in a social media publish on Oct. 16, “I’d not have picked up a guitar with out Ace and KISS’s affect.”
Fellow Rock & Roll Corridor of Famer Alex Lifeson from Rush additionally paid tribute with these feedback in an Instagram publish: “The Bag could be very unhappy to listen to Ace has handed. They spent many candy occasions collectively laughing and insulting something that moved. RIP my pal.” (Rush opened for KISS within the early phases of their profession, and Lifeson amused Frehley with a personality he performed backstage referred to as “The Bag.”)
Ace Frehley performed his remaining live performance in Windfall, Rhode Island on Sept. 5. He carried out properly into his 70s, taking part in over 30 exhibits this yr alone — a testomony to the fervour for his artwork. The “Area Ace” really left a cosmic mark on rock ‘n’ roll music.
