It’s been more than 23 years since Ace Frehley and Gene Simmons shared a stage as members of KISS. Simmons and Paul Stanley were the iconic rock band’s only constants during its five-decade run. The original lineup’s first run, which included drummer Peter Criss, only lasted seven years, but the four original members remain a sentimental favorite of KISS fans.
The original four reunited in 1996, but on April 13, 2001, Ace played his last show with KISS. As has become commonplace with classic rock bands, the band replaced Frehley and continued for another 22 successful years, culminating in an extended farewell tour that ended on Dec. 2, 2023.
Later this month, in North Tonawanda, Simmons and Frehley will be performing on the same stage 48 hours apart. It may be the closest thing to a reunion the two former bandmates will ever have, and it is definitely a rare occurrence. The pair last shared a stage during an Australian tour in 2018.
The Gene Simmons Band will headline a fundraiser for the West Herr Riviera Theatre’s lobby expansion project on Aug. 19. Frehley arrives two days later, on Aug. 21. While it would be a dream come true for Simmons and Frehley to appear onstage together and rock and roll all night, there is little chance it will happen.
Frehley performs in Washington on Aug. 17 and has a three-day break before the Riv show. Simmons has a six-month break after his Riv performance.
Nevertheless, KISS fans will have a unique opportunity to hear at least a few songs performed by both groups, including “Deuce,” “Shout It Out Loud,” and “Rock and Roll All Nite.” With more bands having full lineups that were not on the original recordings, KISS fans will be treated to different performances of two artists that actually played on the hit songs fans grew up listening to on the radio.