Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley reflects on band’s early years and eventual demise
Ace Frehley, the founding guitarist of rock icons Kiss, has spoken about the band’s rapid rise to fame and its subsequent decline, in a recent interview. Frehley, who played with the band from 1973 to 1982 and briefly returned for a second stint from 1996 to 2002, believes that Kiss’s success ultimately became its own worst enemy.
A Band Forever Changed by Wealth and Success
In an interview on the Guitar Tales podcast, Frehley, 70, reminisced about his time with the band and the impact wealth and fame had on their dynamic. "We created something that will endure way after we’re all dead and buried," he said, highlighting the band’s remarkable legacy. "I try to let the negative stuff go and focus on the positive memories. We had a lot of fun. We used to really be very closely knit… And we’d have weekly band meetings and get the stuff off our chest that was bothering us."
Frehley, one of Kiss’s most iconic songwriters, confessed that as the band grew richer and more famous, tensions mounted. "Once we became rich, we all became millionaires, everybody started going their own way… Everybody had their own limo. Everybody had their own bodyguard… So, you know, nothing can last forever," he candidly admitted.
From Day Jobs to Luxury Suits
The guitarist also talked about Kiss’s humble beginnings, during which the band members held day jobs to support themselves. "Paul [Stanley] worked in a sandwich shop. I delivered liquor. I was a postman for six months. We did all sorts of jobs before we started making the big bucks… In the early days, me and Gene [Simmons] used to room together in a Holiday Inn. And then after ‘Alive’ hit, we each had our own suites. That’s when the band started, you know, everybody was going in their own direction. And it was kind of the beginning of the end," he recalled.
This marked a turning point for the band, as they traded their shared hardship for luxurious living arrangements.
A Lasting Legacy Despite Turbulence
Ace Frehley has always been unafraid to share his honest feelings about his time in Kiss. Despite a tumultuous run and eventually leaving the band, Frehley looks back on his contributions with pride. "I think what I brought to Kiss was my energy, my enthusiasm… I was just trying to make my guitar sound big, you know? Make it sound like no one had ever heard before," he said.
Despite rumors of his involvement in Kiss’s recent 2023 farewell tour, Frehley decided not to take part in the concerts, choosing to maintain a distance from his former bandmates.
Kiss’s Legacy Continues
Since their farewell tour, Kiss continues to thrive as a legacy band. Their music, merchandising, and brand endure, cementing their status as rock legends. Love them or hate them, Kiss left an indelible mark on the world of rock and roll, inspiring countless acts and fans along the way.
FAQs:
Q: Who was Ace Frehley’s replacement in Kiss?
A: Eric Carr filled the role after Frehley’s first departure in 1982.
Q: Was Ace Frehley involved in the 2023 Kiss farewell tour?
A: No, Frehley chose not to participate in the farewell tour, preferring to maintain a distance from the band.
Q: Did Ace Frehley record solo material post-Kiss?
A: Yes, the guitarist released solo albums, which are highlighted in the article with a separate ranking.
Conclusion: Ace Frehley’s candid thoughts on Kiss’s meteoric rise and tragic fall serve as a cautionary tale about the challenges of maintaining band relationships when success spirals out of control. Despite the controversy and drama that followed, the guitar legend has cemented his mark on rock history.
