Ace Frehley: Music, Career, and Personal Life | MI Conversation Series

Embark on an exclusive one-on-one journey with legendary guitarist Ace Frehley, renowned for his electrifying stage presence and groundbreaking musical contributions. In this captivating episode of the MI Conversation Series, Ace delves into his musical roots, relives his extraordinary tenure with KISS, and shares insights into his remarkable solo career.
Dive into the Mind of a Musical Maestro
Uncover the creative spark behind Ace Frehley's songwriting prowess as he unravels his songwriting process, offering invaluable guidance to aspiring musicians. Gain a deeper understanding of his approach to live performances, where he seamlessly blends musical mastery with captivating stage presence.
Conquer Challenges and Embrace New Adventures
Ace candidly shares the trials and tribulations he's encountered throughout his illustrious career, providing a testament to his unwavering resilience and passion for music. Witness his latest adventure as he considers an exciting opportunity - becoming someone's best man.
Whether you're a diehard KISS fanatic or simply a music fan, this exclusive interview with Ace Frehley is an unmissable opportunity to dive into the heart and mind of a true rock and roll icon.
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#kiss #acefrehley #guiatarist

[@renh.6872]

Ace is so real ! He basically said what is the point of the $15 million when every night you think about driving your car in a tree. Not too many people/rock stars admit their misery. Ace survived the madness because he is truthful to himself.

[@mpjlpoole]

so true 👍

[@johnmcminn9455]

in the mid 80s Kiss was looking for a new direction, so Paul and Gene replaced Ace with Vinnie Vincent to write hit songs for them, the title track to Creatures and Lick it up. They really met their match because VV would not sign any contracts. the contract Ace had with Kiss he got 1/4 of everything. when it came time to re negotiate I'm sure Gene and Paul had other things in mind than the original deal. Ace had to wait around till his contract ran out, if he released a solo record in 84 3/4 of the profit would go to Kiss! So Ace laid low to release Frehley's Commet

[@kingofallwhites]

He’s not that smart though let’s face it.

[@cjw9257]

He got kicked out off kiss twice because he’s an idiot

[@djraven6864]

​@@kingofallwhitesA founding member of one of the biggest bands of all time. A successful solo artist. Ace Frehley has achieved what most people dream of doing and doing it his own way. The man is not that bright? Ace is and has been doing something unquestionably right for most of his long life and has the resume to prove it⚡Ace Frehley⚡

[@barryklinedinst6233]

I love Ace. Kiss will never be the same without Ace and Peter.

[@markr.devereux3385]

No truer words have been spoken. A little blip when the reunion kicked off otherwise the joy has been gone since DYNASTY. WHat is left is an abomination. The Paul Lynde special is what I choose to remember. Young brash still heavy and the mystique still intact

[@cjw9257]

Those two are poisonous listen too him he’s off he’s head

[@FortessofShred]

I don't care about Tommy Thayer and (Not) Kiss. Or Three-Fifths Priest.

[@Appleblade]

I love Ace. I'm 59 years old and I keep coming back to his solos on early KISS songs... Those early albums, before Alive when they caught on, are tremendous. Never gets old.

[@cardlink62]

Although all of my friends have passed away, Molly Hatchets music stands up as well. I'm also 59 years old as well and you've gotta know this much.. 60's, 70's, 80's? We were blessed to grow up and live in the greatest time, which was the most awesome Era for all types of rock and roll music. They'll be playing, listening, dancing and singing to songs that were written and recorded during this time long, long after we and those who performed them are dead and gone. Long live Rock and Roll.

[@lionmachine2337]

Rock and roll over has some of the greatest solos of all time !

[@briandoyle3507]

The early albums were classic!!

[@markr.devereux3385]

You're absolutely right!!! Dressed to KILL and somewhat lesser HOTTER THAN HELL are full of good riffs and solos. They were amazing and very cool. My favorite is still destroyer from the costumes and stage and album just exceeded .y expectations. It became a whirlwind

[@thearonroberts6703]

Strange ways, goin blind, getaway..... to name a few but his solo in makin' love on alive ll is legendary in my opinion.....I'm a seasoned pro player because of him... in being a musician I've often been boggled with the thought how other people hear music and understand what's going on during a live application but I heard it the first time I heard the alive two album you have to figure put the volume level must have been like in-house at the LA forum back in 78 when they recorded that run off of analog unbelievable decibel levels to start with and then Ace does solo on making love which is in True Ace fashion and at the end of the solo he hits a pick harmonic squeal that I'm telling you seriously had to pinch some people's brains ? if you've never single that out of all the times you've heard that song please go take a listen to it of course loud and check it out you will be a believer did you get back to me with what you thought cheers

[@DWAG-kd5qb]

I will always love and respect the Space Ace. Much love to him forever.

[@roxannemoser]

They wanted Gone With The Wind. They got Ack. 🤣 Loved it when Ace said Ack!

[@stevehenrichs5091]

SUCH A LAID BACK AND DOWN TO EARTH GUY!

[@nealmclaughlin6821]

Ace was the coolest of the bunch and still is.

[@sontinos528]

that's quite easy, because Gene and Paul are uncool as fu**

[@MrJAKE74]

nice interview. ace is great here

[@derekbooth1769]

Jake Pappalardo ACE rules

[@muuriciodegollada3870]

Love Ace . Only member of kiss I would love to meet

[@Joesfosterdogs]

i was at magic mountain during the movie...huge event...i have pictures of Leif Garret in his green MG waiting to enter...friend won the tickets on KLOS in high school

[@sarahwentforalemonwedgeand8991]

no you don't yoiu frucking liar

[@JoanneGreco]

I’ve been lucky enough to meet Ace a few of times over the years and it’s always been a blast.

[@jasonpeck9100]

First time I saw ace frehley I new I had to learn to play guitar. 35 years later and I'm still the biggest ace fan ever. Makes me feel old though ha ha ha.

[@recabitejehonadab2654]

Amazing he’s still alive, he’s put so much poison in his body over the years. He must know Keith Richards secret. He’s very fortunate to be blessed to have a natural talent to play guitar. There are some awkward moments of silence ( who cares?) during this interview. Very straaange. What’s lacking in today’s music is that it sucks and there is virtually no talent. I must say the audience asked some great questions!

[@Blues4Winter]

"Gene and Paul expected the movie to be "gone with the wind " lmao

[@jts400hp]

Every Ace lick on KISS ALIVE is seared into my memory from childhood. Although I became a drummer Ace hit me the most.

[@buzzyfuzzsaw]

The very first "album" I ever purchased as an eleven-year-old-kid back in 1975 was KISS ALIVE on 8-track. It was love from the very first chords. I listened to that album to the point where it must have etched itself into my adolescent brain. In my opinion, it was a great first-pick and an awesome initial "KISSPERIENCE."

[@vegasraiderspetef9883]

still the best live album ever

[@theboyisnotright6312]

My first album was Ace Frehely solo. Wore it out🙂

[@vadzimaleksandrovic337]

Pretty similar story to me... Kiss had become as my first step towards hard-rock's styles from bubblegum's musical swamp in time mine's late childhood...

You can't spell space without ACE!

[@mpesta]

Ace is why I started to play and I went to GIT back in '87 - '88. Great memories

[@phillynott2459]

I've always loved about 5 or 10 KISS songs, but now I'm getting into them properly, and...WOW! nothing but great songs, especially the 70's albums! I love Ace's playing on "Baby Driver" 💯

[@williambroadstreet3353]

Always a delight, it is amazing this generationally influential guitarist is still above the grass. Given Ace will always be identified by very specific and unique guitars, and his sound, the hallmark of a real legendary guitarist who you instantly recognise as soon as you hear them play, his eventual Budokan triple pick up that followed the black LP Customs around 80, I remember reading so long ago the one guitar Ace really loved was his LP 59 which I think he gave or sold to a friend. In any event all would know Gibson thank God re issued this model for Ace and he uses it pretty much, has now for many years at gigs. He'll bring out the cherry sunburst, his flashing guitar for the set list songs, but given Ace was asked 'is there a guitar you always really liked' I could not help but think of this and he here makes reference to it. I've read his book, and he is brutally honest I'd submit, his errors and fuck ups he fully owns. Unlike another member who it gives me no joy in penning this he's so far up himself it hurts. That this same member refused to perform for 'we fans' at the RRHOF and has refused to even contemplate again giving 'we fans' what 'we' fully deserve after making them rich beyond being able to spend the amounts, but who were told repeatedly "we love you people, we would be nothing without you". Or in 1996 and consistently in interviews on the ReUnion Tour "this is the last time you will see KISS live again". Only to lie, and present their one time roadie KISS cover band wannabe poseur in Thayer, who bizarrely recently claimed in an interview words 'I think the fans will finally accept me wearing Ace's costume'. Not only is this delusional, it is a sad reflection of a kabuki clown. There will only ever be one SpaceAce, and his name is Paul 'Ace' Frehely.

[@johanndaart7326]

Let's stay level headed. KISS as a brand is Gene's, KISS as rock band is Paul's. Paul and Gene started KISS. When Ace and Peter joined, all 4 had equal share. The hard gritty truth is that fame got to Peter's and Ace's heads and they pissed away their talent. Another truth is that there's nobody to blame, such magical things as original KISS lineup never last. They had their run. Ace was tired as fuck from touring and recording. Ace is a party guy, he wanted to have fun, Paul and Gene wanted to work their ass off to make money, so not only them, but their grand children would have luxurious lives. Ace took his money and started to spend it. Ace *sold* rights to Spaceman makeup. He sold his image. So stop this shit about Thayer, it's ridiculous. I think Ace was magic in original lineup, but don't rewrite history. Try seeing things the way they are.

[@annwilkiemeyer7655]

@@johanndaart7326 U really Need to Back off of the Only Spaceman Ace Frehley

[@johanndaart7326]

@@annwilkiemeyer7655 I love Ace man... and yes, he's the only Spaceman. All good things have to come to an end.

[@jeffreypierce1440]

@@johanndaart7326 he leases the spaceman to kiss. he never sold it.

[@johanndaart7326]

@@jeffreypierce1440 I really hope so.

[@boeserhundi]

ACE forever❤️

[@jamesmichaelfrank]

As an 8-year-old kid that kiss movie was something incredible to stay up late and watch when it first had aired. Legendary !

[@markusaurelius777]

I have it on DVD still LOL. It's a CLASSIC !!!

[@tangentcreative1]

Love Ace. KISS fan since 77. Holding up good! Hope there is some kind of reunion of sorts

[@derekbooth1769]

GPH ACE rules

[@laurametheny1008]

@ That would be PERFECT. TY.🕊️😍🤘🏼🙏

[@tommymaguire2839]

If every "legend" was a chill as Ace......what a cool dude.

[@tommccarron324]

Not one person in that room knew that Russ Ballard wrote Into the Night, not even Ace LOL

[@pewsterbaby]

I was saying to myself - Ace doesn't remember what the song was about because he didn't write it and he hasn't played it live since that first Comet tour. I didn't immediately mentally go to Russ Ballard but I knew it was one of those on the side guys.

[@michaelcschmitt]

Ace seems to really like his fans. Plus he’s still putting out new stuff

[@wendylee1213]

Hearing him so clear minded is awesome! He's just himself at all times. 💜 ✨⚡🌌☄️🛸

[@artigraphmultimedia1489]

I love how Ace's solo album blew away the other guys efforts. His guitar riffs are awesome. Creative and sonically wicked cool. The band he had with Anton Fig.. Love KISS 💋 All 4 original members. So much I won the 6th grade talent show with my 3 buddies made up an costumed 1977. We were in 5rg grade. Thanks Ace

[@Creatures1982]

I love hearing Ace talking about The Elder. He never knocks it like Paul & Gene. The Elder was my first KISS album after seeing them on Friday’s & Solid Gold. Been a huge KISS fan since especially that line up era.

[@markallen2984]

I was at a KISS press conference in the early 80's: somebody asked about "The Elder" and Ace laughed and said: "The Elder is getting old"

[@ladypalomino3151]

I love Ace, he is one beautiful man. I loved him in Kiss and I still love him. God Bless you Ace. Love your sobriety. You are a legend..

[@stanislouse4168]

He's STILL f'ed up.

[@ladypalomino3151]

@@stanislouse4168 Have you ever been addicted to anything? We try so hard to stop whatever it is that we're addicted to. But we do fall off the wagon sometime, it happens. Some people can quit cold turkey and some it takes many times.

[@euanelliott3613]

Ace Frehley is so cool that when he gets up in the morning the bed makes itself.

[@markhall8874]

Great interview, Ace was and will always be my favorite member of KISS. First time seeing him and KISS was in Chicago '76.

[@euanelliott3613]

He's from The Bronx for Christ sake, if you didn't belong to a gang you got the shit kicked out of you. He chose the right way in the end, and is a nicer than most rock musicians who went to art college. He's my favourite rock guitarist, not just for his ability but also his cool laid back attitude. And for the record I think his singing is very listenable in a hit and miss fashion. Very cool guy.

[@danielparra6710]

Ace and Eric Carr are the most laid back and truthful members

[@mistyandrews6184]

My dad’s favorite band member of kiss

[@roosternm6830]

I've been a KISS fan since I was 5 years old in 1976. I have always loved A e and always will. Ace helped me choose the guitar as an instrument and I'm still playing to this day at 52

[@JokersWild70]

Happy Belated 70th Birthday, Spaceman!

[@LawnBunny777]

Ace, i was wondering if you remember me. You were in Portland Maine in 87 and I met you walking around late at night. You helped me with a 'car phone issue' and we had a hug and a kiss. I was not a Kiss fan so had no idea who you were but I remember you telling me your name over and over like should have know it. Good times. Rock on!

[@glenbellefonte9620]

And the you blew him.

[@joeymusic]

Very cool interview.

[@derekbooth1769]

Joey Sturgis Tones I liked it too. ACE rules man. I would pay ACE to be my best man!! ACE rules

[@wesleysept6536]

I love " Kiss meets the Phantom of the Park"! I watch it all the time, it's magical, and if you don't know what I mean, that's too bad.

[@bigalb8935]

Yonkers ny loves ace forever we all grew up in the neighborhood listening to kiss still do and always will

[@davidrr7702]

Ace is one of the coolest guitarists ever and his personality matches. He seems like a cool guy to hang out with and his solo record was by far the best IMO

[@chrisleotti1832]

Ace was always my favorite kiss member even when I started liking them at 8 years old. Kiss would never been the same without the spaceman on Lead guitar he did have a very original sound along with a lot of talent I like Paul,gene and Peter but Ace was always my favorite and what a laid-back humble guy as well.

[@gerhardfux2091]

If you would re-record the Ace Frehley Album from '78 with the production-skills of today it would kick the whole worlds ass! Even with the production of '78 it is one of the best kickassrock-albums of kisstory, if not the best...

[@spiritualcramp8000]

today they try to recreate the 70's sound on today's albums. that record is ok that way.

[@massapower]

Today's studio productions may have come a long way, sadly almost every ROCK band sounds the same bc of over productions.. Like ACE said in the interview, he likes natural ambiance 😎🤟

[@frankreight5049]

Ace solo cd is the greatet cd i have ever head. Rock on Ace keep up the hard work . I had some hard times in my life. Thanks to Ace i m on the right track i love the heavy music that you do big fan.

[@debroy3262]

I always loved Ace. He's the BEST!

[@danriley5848]

Ace Frehley is one of a kind and he isn't the most technical player but he has influenced a ton of guitarist including me.

[@timbrink]

I'd like to hear about his brother and if he ever put him on an album.

[@Ks-zz9lh]

great video. what a nice interview.

[@replaybandoc8565]

Ace! Mr. Frehley! you are one of my favorite guitar players! Other guitarists might be faster and/or more technical in their playing, but you...you have such incredible style!!!! The way you take one note....just one...and bend the hell out of it with different timings is so frickin' awesome!!!! Kiss was never Kiss with out you! Saw you twice when you were with them. Two parts that always satisfy are solo in "Firehouse" and "C'mon and Love Me" during the chorus!!!! OMG!!!! LOVE IT!!!!!

[@ianhumm531]

Ace frehley a true rock legend and he came up the goods on so many kiss klassics

[@sharonj3797]

I absolutely adore Ace. I can't say that about the others. But I became a fan in the mid 90s when I was in high school. So I know I have a totally different perspective than other fans.

[@Pissedman]

Awesome... although, I miss the "LOOK, ITS ROCK N ROLL"- version of Ace :)

[@falquest]

The humblest and coolest member in KISS’ history. Period.

[@bcherbs]

Seems so trust worthy !

[@mikefitchNYC1971]

Awesome interview

[@RyanJDowney_]

Thank you!

[@milenamonsoon7699]

No one: Ace Frehley: 👍

[@jasonjuneau2948]

I'm probably in the small group of kiss fans that likes the elder.

[@corbiefields8054]

My friends and I went to the Kiss concert in the 1970s at the West Palm Beach auditorium, We were on metal chairs directly in front of the stage and we had a one of a kind totally unforgettable time, The first time for pyrotechnics ever for us and we thought Kiss gave the best rock concert in the universe!☮️🛸🎼🔥

[@debroy3262]

I STILL ❤️ ACE!

[@johnmcminn8288]

Ace is the greatest guitarist in the world.

[@johnmarshall3903]

He sure as hell is one of the most influential players for sure.

[@kingofallwhites]

He played Peter’s skin flute too

[@WhenHariMetKari]

Ace was my best man. No kidding. He is the most funniest and genuine guy I have met in the Industry.

[@daniellynch3099]

God his laugh...man I just love his storytelling

[@user-sj7un8qp9b]

happens to have an amazing talent for playing guitar and writing songs.

[@jamescantrell1921]

When I was a kid , me and my 3 friends would dress up as kiss members for halloween, my first concert was KISS and Alice cooper, I was 9 yrs old. today I still have pauls guitar pick. when i was a freshman in high school my stepdad did a photo shoot with Black and Blue. I met the band after a under age club show in portland and had them sign a photo my stepdad took, Its the only one of its kind tommy scribbled out one of the members that was no longer in the band. Thank you ACE for being an influence in my younger life, I am glad you made it to sober living

[@zeketrick]

We listened to Frehleys Comet while Driving from Ohio to California in 87 we only had 2 cassette tapes the other being Judas Priest screaming for vengeance, still Rocking out to Ace🤘

[@haroldfadorka3816]

One thing both Gene and Paul of Kiss will say of Ace is he is very intelligent. All throughout his time with Kiss Ace was unassuming and meek, make no mistake , Ace was much smarter than people knew or gave him credit for.

[@jimmyemerald5067]

If anyone was wondering the ducky boys are in The Wanderers which is a great movie

[@kennybonanza6324]

"Into the Night" was written by Russ Ballard.

[@phillynott2459]

Russ Ballard it's a genius. He wrote lots of songs that others recorded, but I always love Russ's versions the best. Examples : "Since You've Been Gone" and "Winning"

[@lindagreaney5136]

Thanks Ace! Stay sober with your wife, and kids. good life. 🌟🇺🇸💐

[@CorbieFields-rh8jl]

Mr. Frehley, you had a great come back line with one of the interviewers like"I'm the one who makes people nervous."

[@Kopperafiel]

I met Ace. I wasn't impressed. I've always loved him. He was rude and tired. He complained that nobody bought his premium meet and greet with a signed guitar. He seemed angry because not many people were lined up to meet him. He didn't know where he was and it was okay. Maybe it was a bad day. I got my picture and asked a few questions but, he didn't seem to care. I was just glad I met the guy that was a poster on my wall. I walked out and said, "God bless you" without turning around and he said, "God bless you, too". This was March of 2020 before the pandemic.

[@kimberlypotts516]

I love you Ace

[@retuture6689]

T amamos en argentina sos el Kiss favorito

[@danielparra6710]

Ace and Eric Carr were AWESOME Kiss Members Love them Both !!!!!

[@1959blantz]

I'm sure a lot of people will disagree but Ace was the only member of KISS that had pure raw talent. The guy that is conducting the interview looked bored.

[@midnightswim34]

Yeah, he was texting and didn't seem into it. Not the best interviewer.

[@djraven6864]

He is young and just trying to be professional. His questions and notes were probably on his phone.

[@lillyveizaga6654]

Ace is coolest 🎸 guitar player.

[@derekbooth1769]

Lilly Veizaga I know right

[@awesomewelles9174]

19:45 Anton Fig was the drummer on Unmasked, so he was indeed in KISS, albeit uncredited.

[@vegasraiderspetef9883]

and dynasty

[@dr.pendyke4887]

@@vegasraiderspetef9883 Both true statements

[@charlesbloor2869]

A rumor that has many stories so who knows the real truth is that when Kiss did the Shandi music video Peter was in the video. The rumor I heard of is that he actually played drums in the video because in a last ditch effort to try and keep everybody together and not upset fans the band actually rerecorded the song for the video with Peter playing drums. The debate is the music was played over the video like most videos. It would be nice to hear from somebody who was there but not in the band.

[@glengamble526]

Not to be argumentative, BUT Anton wasn’t ‘in’ Kiss. He was a paid sideman, brought in to do session work, as a paid independent contractor. I understand your basic premise of what you’re saying, but it’s technically incorrect. Many, MANY musicians have played ‘ghost’ tracks on Kiss songs. For example, Steve Farris from Mr. Mr. played the solo on the song CREATURES OF THE NIGHT. He did it as a session/ try-out. So, by your version of things, is HE a member of Kiss too?

[@tomwaldo9556]

I think anomaly was an Awsome album.

[@louisdimov8956]

THINK

[@spiralflash6169]

Ace is so funny!

[@SquierBulletBass-sj5bg]

I met Ace a couple times. It was surreal having the legend standing with me in the sound booth playing Strange Ways solo during a sound check. A dream come true.

[@jakebreelmusic]

Ace knows about MK Ultra...Ace is woke

[@juanmanuellopez7485]

It's funny to watch Ace honestly trying to talk about the writing of "Into the night", searching in his memory and trying to give the guy a sort of an answer to his question as "Into the night" is a Russ Ballard song. Sweet guy.

[@frankgallegos6347]

Riff ability to create uplifting to calming , motivation on down the line. The energy stimulation the beat it creates in the feat.

[@harlhequim]

Besides everything else and overcoming addictions, at the end he seem to be most content with life

[@jastking]

I was thurrr! 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@kennyparsons5723]

KISS means so much to me . My Favorite Band Ever To Bad the original Members couldn't Stay the run together

[@nemogre]

AWK!

[@HanzonMacaque]

Michael Sal its ACK FFS. Not much of a fan are you?

[@nemogre]

@@HanzonMacaque Yeah, Ace did not send me a lexicon of bird sounds.

[@enyjuan]

"tommy thayer knockin" on my door"-so funny

[@jetboy_]

“YEAHHHHHH YEAAHHHH!”

[@jasonkessler7321]

The Ducky Boys were in The Wanderers not The Warriors but that's ok.

[@Glorfinniel]

Exactly!

[@attilathehun0]

The Warriors come out and play! lol!

[@marknason589]

I loved the film as a kid wish I had the DVD now ace im 56 now

[@daggergblue]

Ace was talking about being the most famous member of Frehley's Comet, and yea, that's true, but, I can't help but think back in time and imagine, what if he had called Glenn Hughes and Simon Phillips. Talk about a power trio!

[@dannyd1572]

I'm not a KISS fan but really enjoy listening to Ace talk about his memories like this.

[@brianholder7074]

1:01:38 That's Kay Kaos from Salems Lott. Really kick ass band from Hollywood. They are KISS fans, and they used to cover Black Diamond. Look them up right here on KZbin!

[@derekbooth1769]

Brian Holder yeah I watched Kay on U tube performing ACE solo's. He is awesome. ACE rules

[@MarkO-ry2ud]

Brilliant sober lucid Ace

[@SmithCommaBenjamin]

Ace is a very likable guy, and I think everyone wishes he was back in KISS in some way, even Gene and Paul. I can respect Thayer and Singer, they're both great and have been with the band a very very long time.

[@hollypage9449]

Love ace but this guy made this interview a classic

[@docbrummer2532]

Awesome how he doesn’t take himself too seriously. Gene and Paul could learn from him.

[@thedragonzord_]

I was 10 when the reunion happened. Since that time, I've always been fascinated with Ace and his playing

[@AlexAquarius963]

I have flown over Cape May NJ and Atlantic City in a Cessna!