Sound: Ace Frehley is one of the most iconic ’70s guitar players. As the lead guitarist in KISS, he captivated audiences with his stage presence, his array of smoking and rocket-shooting Les Pauls, and to a lesser extent it seems, his guitar solos. Though many probably know him better by his character name, the Spaceman, Frehley became one of the world’s most recognizable guitar heroes. And despite his average at best musical skill, he influenced hordes of young, would-be guitar players across the world, most famously Dimebag Darrell. On a personal note, his guitar solo in the live version of “Deuce” is one of the principle reasons why I started playing. As a testament to his popularity among guitar players, his signature Les Paul model was one of the best-selling Gibson signature models in the company’s history (although the guitar was so visually stunning it may not have needed much help).
However, pretty much all of Frehley‘s fame comes from his time in KISS. His solo career has been a far less illustrious endeavor. His previous solo albums are not bad by any stretch of the imagination, but when Frehley advertises this new album by effectively saying, “It’s just as good as my 1978 solo album” (which was written while he was still in KISS), it is easy to see that, well, he is no Paul McCartney.
Considering that Ace also continues to take shots at his former band/boast about his own music and KISS seems to be doing the same, it is definitely worth comparing “Space Invader” to KISS‘ newest album “Monster.” After listening to both albums, though withAce‘s album admittedly being the fresher in my mind, I have concluded that KISS and Aceneed each other, at least from a musical standpoint.
In their decades on the rock scene, the members of KISS have remained as famous for their black-and-white make-up as they have their music.
TORONTO – KISS rock stars Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley visited Mount Sinai Hospital’s Mothers and Babies unit Wednesday in support of the hospital’s fundraising event Rock N’ Stroll, which is taking place this fall.
Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley has released his first solo album in five years, and by the sound of Space Invader the axeman seems to have had as much fun playing on it as — gasp — his early years in Kiss. From the opening title track to the instrumental closer, “Starship,” where Frehley signs off with his famous cackle, Space Invader offers a classic journey through Space Ace territory: lots of groove, cheerful rock’n’roll ’tude and fiery licks.
In episode 39 of One On One with Mitch Lafon. Mitch talks to former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick about the Rock For Ruben benefit taking place in Los Angeles on August 20th. Bruce also reflects on the late Eric Carr and the recent passing of guitarist Dick Wagner. Follow Bruce Kulick on Twitter: @brucekulick 
Four By Fate, featuring Frehley’s Comet vocalist/guitarist Tod Howarth, bassist John Regan (Frehley’s Comet, Peter Frampton), drummer Stet Howland (W.A.S.P., Lita Ford) and guitarist Sean Kelly (Crash Kelly, Helix) performed at the Alcatrazz Festival in Belgium on August 9th. Fan-filmed video, courtesy of LadyLexje, of the songs “Into The Night” and “Time Ain’t Running Out” can be seen below.
