ACE FREHLEY On Parting Ways With KISS – “Both Times I Left On My Own Accord, And They Would Perpetuate The Myth That They Fired Me” (Video)

Guesting on Guitar Tales With Dave Cohen, original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley discussed his latest solo album, 10,000 Volts, touring, starting out, and looked back on his history with KISS.

Frehley: “I had really big resentments against Paul (Stanley) and Gene (Simmons)when I quit the band the first time, and even the second time. They used to say I got fired, which is complete bullshit. Both times I left on my own accord, and they would perpetuate the myth that they fired me, which is complete bullshit.”

“There was always a jealousy there. The fact that my solo album (released in 1978), with ‘New York Groove’, was the most successful out of the four. I used to get the hottest girls. I didn’t go after movie stars, though, ’cause that just complicates things. ‘Cause you’re a celebrity, you’ve got another celebrity there and it’s twice as complicated. So I don’t understand why Gene went out with Cher, Diana Ross. It just became harder, if you wanna go do anything. But Gene doesn’t party. So, he’s pretty much in the hotel. And he doesn’t like going out on vacations, he told me. He hasn’t been on a vacation in 15-plus years. But everybody’s different.”

Frehley headlined the 80’s Rock Invasion at Kewadin Casino in St. Ignace, MI on July 20. Jordan’s Rock Vault has uploaded 4K video of the full show, filmed from the pit. Watch below.

Setlist:

“Shock Me”
“Deuce”
“10,000 Volts”
“Shout It Out Loud”
“Love Gun”
“Rocket Ride”
“Hotter Than Hell” Interlude
“God of Thunder” Intro/”New York Groove”
“Rip It Out”
“Detroit Rock City”
“Love Her All I Can” Interlude
“Cold Gin”
“Rock And Roll All Nite”

1978 Live On Stage Poster Now Available only $19.99 at KISSArmyWarehouse.com!

Officially licensed. SEALED & ROLLED!
This KISS Poster captures the essence of one of rock music’s most iconic bands. The dynamic and electrifying image reflects the legendary stage presence and larger-than-life persona of KISS in their full regalia, making it a must-have for any fan.
Sized 36″ x 24″:  This standard size ensures easy framing and is perfect for showcasing in any room.
High-Quality Print:  Crafted using premium inks and poster paper, this print guarantees vibrant colors and sharp details, preserving the essence of KISS’s performances for years to come.
Printed in the USA:  Proudly printed in the USA on top-quality paper, ensuring a durable and exceptional product.

“I was never fired from Kiss – I was left behind for a wildly successful commercial venture. You don’t have to be an accountant to understand Paul and Gene”: Bruce Kulick shares war stories from Kiss’ no-makeup era – and the reunion that killed it

Kulick offers a front-row perspective of what went down with Kiss in the ’80s: the tension between the past and future, his six-string independence from Ace Frehley, and the coming grunge asteroid

Original KISS Drummer PETER CRISS To Appear At Next Month’s FAMOUS MONSTERS FESTIVAL

Original KISS drummer Peter Criss will appear at the Famous Monsters Festival at the Valley Forge Casino Resort in King Of Prussia, Pennsylvania next month. The legendary 78-year-old rocker will meet fans on Friday, September 13 and Saturday, September 14 only.

Friday, September 13, 2024

6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Saturday, September 14, 2024

12:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

* No tableside selfies allowed
* Maximum of five items signed per guest/family
* No outside drumheads or drum parts

Drumheads will be available at the event at Peter‘s table, with proceeds going to charity.

Says Peter: “I’m looking forward to seeing you all. Safe travels and I will see you all soon!!! God bless.”

Read more!

Gene Simmons Calls Out Olympic Disrespect Towards KISS

Gene Simmons was disappointed with the stage setup in the 2002 Olympics closing ceremony in Salt Lake City.

KISS stole the show with their performance of ‘I Wanna Rock and Roll All Nite.’ They had exploding fireworks and heavy guitars. Simmons later said the following about the show:

“It was probably the smallest stage we’ve ever played on. And right in front of us was ice, ice skaters, and we had to stay on that truck platform and the amplifiers were far off in the stands. I was told that two billion people could watch the Olympics on earth and that’s sort of a big deal.”

In 2018, the bassist spoke with the official website of the Olympics and talked about what he remembered from the performance:

“I remember seeing the champion athletes from different countries, different nationalities, different races and different religions all getting together and not worrying about where somebody was from or what language they spoke. The Greeks started this a long time ago and… what a wonderful idea! The Olympics are one of the bright spots on a very tainted human history. If aliens landed on earth and gave us an overview they would say, ‘You guys did a lot of bad stuff, the Inquisition, the Nazis of World War II, all sorts of things. But you did some cool stuff. The Emancipation Proclamation, Magna Carta, the Olympics…’”

Gene also reflected on the atmosphere in the stadium:

“You can’t help but smile. There are people that are holding hands and putting their arms around each other who, if they went back to their countries or borders that separate them, wouldn’t necessarily do that. And I’m using kind language. Elsewhere, enemies in the Olympics unite over a bigger idea than borders and separation of people.”

Read more!

Acclaimed Drummer PAT GESUALDO Featured Alongside Iconic Rockstars On Charity CD To Help Bring Free Music Programs To Special Needs Kids Bruce Kulick

Acclaimed studio/touring drummer / author / clinician, Pat Gesualdo, has recorded the drum tracks on the Metal Hall Of Fame All Stars CD/DVD. The charity project is a release from Deko Entertainment / ada / Warner Music Group, and helps bring free music programs to special needs children in health facilities and community centers. This once in a lifetime collaboration of rockstars is huge news for music fans across the globe.

The Metal Hall of Fame All Star Charity CD features Rudy Sarzo, (Whitesnake), Bruce Kulick (KISS), Bob Daisley (Ozzy Osbourne, Rainbow), Chris Poland (Megadeth), guitarist Tony MacAlpine, and Chris Impellitteri (Impellitteri), It also features a jam from the Annual Metal Hall Of Fame Celebrity Gala that includes Steve Vai (David Lee Roth), Geoff Tate (Formerly Queensryche), guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani, Bjorn Englan (Yngwie Malmsteen/Dio Disciples), Chris Poland (Megadeth), and studio/touring drummer Pat Gesualdo. Additional tracks feature outstanding performances by Mike Tirelli (Holy Mother), Mike Orlando (Adrenaline Mob), Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater) and Michael Romeo (Symphony X).

Read more!

MUSIC SCENE: Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley booked by The Riv

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.

Read more!

Come Meet Peter Criss at Valley Forge Casino Resort for Famous Monsters Festival King of Prussia, PA 2024!!! Friday & Saturday, September 13th & 14th, 2024 ONLY!

Friday & Saturday, September 13th & 14th, 2024 ONLY!

Friday, September 13th, 2024
6:00pm to 10:00pm

Saturday, September 14th, 2024
12:30pm to 7:00pm

Meet & Greet with Peter Criss!

Purchase Event Tickets & Peter Criss Pro Photo Op Tickets HERE! 

*No tableside selfies allowed*

Maximum of 5 Items Signed Per Guest/Family

***NOTE: Peter will not sign copies of Nothin’ To Lose,
Sealed With A KISS, or Behind the Mask.

No outside drum heads or drum parts.

Rockologists remake of “Let Me Rock You” and “Out Of Control” will not be signed.
Only the original releases from Casablanca Records will be signed.

Drum heads will be available at the event at Peter’s table with proceeds going to charity.

For any additional questions, please email
axe@famousmonsters.com