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Just about anyone who has worked in the music industry has had an encounter with the infamous Ace Frehley in one way or another. Of course, I had my own encounters with Ace, but that's my story and unfortunately, I will admit, it's not worth printing. However, Gordon G.G. Gebert and Bob McAdams have a multitude of stories that certainly were worth publishing. It is a shame that their book "KISS & Tell" wasn't given a chance for a major publisher's release with some creative editing and perhaps someone to "punch up" the writing; it certainly would have the potential to be a best seller in the rock market. Every record and book store should put "KISS & Tell" on their shelves because it is an interesting, quick funny and sometimes unpredictable reading. If you cannot find this book for sale in the retail markets, see the ad in the THIRD RAIL for how you can obtain a copy! YOU HAVE TO GET THIS BOOK (but don't steal it or you'll be cursed for life!)

This review is based solely on the book "KISS & Tell" and the information. I put my own experience with Ace aside and limited my review to what I read in the book. I must say that judging from my own experience, I honestly believe the majority of the contents of "KISS & Tell." It may sound absurd, but I know that Ace, like most people with an addictive personality, is screwed up (or was screwed up, he could be straight now.) Reading this book just confirmed my suspicions even more. Of course, even if you love Ace (and I do!) you have to read this book because it is just plain COOL! It's like reading only the juicy details of someone's diary.

Okay, enough with the hard sell, let's get into the meat - and Ace certainly gets into meat in this book. His sexual exploits are graphically described. Most of it is funny, yet offensive. Some of it is disgusting, some of it is shocking, but such is the life of a rock & roll legend. I could really go into detail on this subject, but the book is much more entertaining. Besides, there is something po;itically incorrect about a woman commenting on such anti-woman things. People who have never had the opportunity to go backstage or to a private after show party will be captivated by the detailed descriptions given in this book. People who have "been there, done that" must read this book to see how "normal" it really is. Every band in the world has their own war stories. For the most part, the plots are the same, just the players are different. What makes these stories worth telling are that they are about "the hottest band in the world!" Gebert and McAdams spent enough time with The Spaceman to tell stories that Ace, in his drunken stupor, has long since forgotten. By the way, I think the "Cow Cunt" has the camera and has destroyed the film. For her sake, I hope so! When you read the book, you'll understand. This book has pictures, lots and lots of pictures. Some of them I think I may have seen before, but maybe what I've seen were from the same roll of film, just a different shot. Some of the photos are just a variety of standard publicity shots. In my opinion, the most interesting photos of Ace are the pre-KISS shots showing the ugly mug of an insecure young man.

I heard a rumour that some people are very angry about being included in the book and are not in favor of its circulation; my advice, "FUCK EM!" No one in the music industry keeps anything secret, why shouldn't Gebert and McAdams tell their stories? They lived through it. They have photos, witnesses and bills to back up their stories. Besides, when it came to actual cash, Ace was (and probably still is) a tad on the cheap side. Don't get me wrong, Gebert and McAdams "tagged along" for the ride of a lifetime and surely had more fun with this rock and roll legend then they could have imagined. Like everything else in life, this ride came with a price tag. I doubt they realized that when it was happening, but as they grow older, they will always be paying a price for their exploits, be it in cash or conscious. I shouldn't be criticizing Gebert and McAdams because I did stupid shit when I was younger too. I think everyone would agree that Ace is not the smartest man in the world. I hesitate to say he's stupid, after all, he is a guitar genius. Once people are hooked on drugs or drinking, their intelligence level definitely falters.

Obviously, Gene and Paul are the brains behind KISS. No one in their right mind can dispute that. "KISS & Tell" goes into explicit detail about Ace's bankruptcy filing by surprisingly, one thing I didn't read, but I believe a strong possibility - Ace was ordered to file for bankruptcy before the reunion by the "powers that be" in order to assure that no one else could be held in any way financially responsible for Ace's debts.

One thing you cannot deny is that Ace has plenty of fans, both male and female. Judging by some of Ace's antics mentioned in the book, I bet he has some fans that literally are both male and female (it's called androgynous.) Anyway, what you're thinking, but I mean really amazing things (not sex things!) If what I read about Jimmy Heyward is true, God bless him! I am a firm believer in the saying "what goes around comes around" and I only hope that someone does for Heyward (or Heyward's children) what he reportedly did for Ace.

This book is written in such a unique way that you really get the feeling that the person whose memory is being recalled is actually sitting there talking directly to you. In the beginning, the authors let you know who they are with photos and a little background information about themselves. This is so you learn their connection with the inner circle of KISS. They also show you two different types of printing, one for each author, this way, when you are reading, you know which author is "speaking." Each time Gebert or McAdams are telling their tales, near the first paragraph, they put a picture of themselves along with their print, so you can get familiar with who is who. At first I thought that Gebert and McAdams were into seeing their pictures in a book, but then realized that there was a purpose and it did make it easier to follow along. Gee, I guess that's one of the reasons there are pictures in a book, isn't it? Anyway, score one for the authors here, because I am an avid reader and I never came across this type of introduction before.

P.S. I did attempt to reach Ace at his home number when I was approached to write this article, but of course, he hasn't been home (as you know he's doing that KISS thing.) I'm glad I didn't get a hold of him then because I hadn't read the book and obviously he and the authors didn't end their relationship on good terms. Because of this, some of my questions would have really pissed Ace off. I have written new questions and I will keep trying to get through to Ace. I will keep THIRD RAIL readers posted if anything develops.

As KISS' latest CD, Carnival Of Souls, hits streets, a provocative new book, KISS & Tell, has been published (Pitbull Publishing). Written by Gordon G.G. Gebert and Bob McAdams, a former KISS roadie, the project is not a KISS book per se but rather an entertaining and often hilarious account of misspent days accompanying Ace Frehley. McAdams befriended Frehley back in the early '60s and served as best man at his wedding. His stories about life with the Space Ace are outrageous and sometimes shocking. Gebert's association with Frehley is of a more recent nature but his reminiscences border on an almost Spinal Tap insanity and hilarity.While the book does occasionally falter on the edge of bitterness and regret (both Gebert and McAdams are no longer friends with Frehley), it's a must read for any KISS aficionado.
The ROCK REPORT is provided by Denny Somach Productions. Material compiled by Denny Somach and Ken Sharp.