Ace Frehley Gave me a Guitar and Signed My Arm | $3500 Experience?

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

Btw. Shush about how I pronounce Ace's last name. I've been saying it that way since I was 10 and it's burned into my brain 🤣🤣🤣

[@bigjermboktown6976]

I say it the same damn way LOL there ain't nothing wrong with how you say it

[@glengamble526]

@@ZachAdkinsGuitar so, we should ‘shhh’ to justify your mistake. Ok.

[@kravin74]

I got Ace face tattooed on my upper left arm when I was like 14 and was able to hide it from my mom for the next 3-4 years. But I get it brother. I'd love to meet him. He's earned the right to be grumpy I guess haha

[@philipreedwallace]

I grew up on Ace also. But he acted like an asshole. And I would have told him. “ I spent all this money for your gambling habit. Bye Dick” that kills me he did that. What a prick. I’m glad you got your guitar. Yes dude would have lost.

[@joerectifier]

I say it “Free - Lee”….and that’s the way I say it. And that’s the way it is. 😂

[@chuckydall9250]

So you paid 5k to be treated like shit by a guy you idolize sad. I'm glad you're not bitter about the experience, but I have lost all respect for Ace after hearing this. He knows you paid big money for this he can at least fake that he is a good guy and treat you with respect. I got to meet Jimmy Page when I was a waiter years ago, and I have to say he was the most humble decent guy he actually took 10 minutes out of his fay to talk to me while he was waiting on his daughter he knew it meant a lot to me so he went out of his way to be nice Ace could take sone class lessons from Jimmy.

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

Ya know, I kind of expected it. Like, I've heard ace is not the nicest person in the world to be around and he's old. I just wanted to meet him. I will say that I wish I wouldn't have spent the money to be honest. Big disappointment, but not much I can do about it now. I just laugh because, it's almost what I expected for the most part. But, it was actually still better than the Vai/Satch "meet and greet/q and A" That was the absolute worst experience I've ever had, and I only paid $700 for that

[@adrianlimon7974]

Dude... you're so relatable and hilarious! 😂

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

Much appreciated 🙏🙏 Glad you dig the story 💪

[@gnarshred1239]

Ace is mean and bitter to a lot of people

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

:/

[@ryanclark5254]

Having done it myself; Meeting ace should come with no expectation. It’s the only way to not be disappointed.

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

Lmao. That's what I told my wife

[@aceman1969nlb]

😂😂😂😂

[@chrisdeibel1987]

It’s ironic, Ace always claimed Gene and Paul were all about money but what he did speaks volumes about him. Totally unfair but you handled it with class

[@chuckydall9250]

@chrisdeibel1987 Exactly, I've lost all respect for him it seems Paul was telling the truth the whole time

[@mr.brenman2132]

​@@chuckydall9250Hilarious. I guess the whole myriad of people that have problems with Paul and Gene must be lying.

[@chuckydall9250]

@mr.brenman2132 Slow down there killer you're misunderstanding what I'm saying!! I despise Paul, but Gene is Gene, and he is all about Gene. I have always thought Paul was a asshole and trashed Ace and Peter and a thousand other people. All I'm saying is Paul said Ace was rude to fans, crew members, and hotel staff, and it looks like he is telling the truth.

[@mr.brenman2132]

@@chuckydall9250 I've only heard the opposite from fans and crew members. You can get this experience from Paul and Gene for 50k. I don't think Ace is even with it anymore. It wouldn't surprise me if he has been diagnosed with something and hasn't told the public. He's not running this whole operation.

[@Mmmleftovers]

"there's a sucker born every minute". -Ace Freely

[@1992YR]

I have been a big Ace fan for several decades. I think for $3500 Ace should have should have treated you better. Ace needs to realize how hard it is for a person in the real world to come up with $3500.

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

You're absolutely right! 2 mortgage payments 👀👀👀

[@mandrakeblackstone5838]

Not Ace's fault hes not gonna a see a dime of that money ,, all TicketMasturbater dose is tell Ace he has sign a guitar and do a photo opp he has to do it its in his contract ,,Ace is lucky if he makes 2,000 for the whole show TicketMasturbater gets the rest ,,Musician's get fucked by these corporations but what can they do as TicketMasturbater has a monopoly on the market ,

[@notgnar8506]

For 3500 he should have jammed a couple songs together and traded t-shirts and brought you to dinner and take you gambling and give you coke and hookers after the bars closed.

[@brentjannereth3599]

For $3500 Ace should have been kissing your ass!!

[@bluglass7819]

Ace had gambling to do. He obviously has no respect for money or what it takes to earn it.

[@RichardCowdrey]

Zach this was so enjoyable to watch. What a heart-felt remembrance of your experience with Ace. You are a true fan and I am glad you held onto your passion for KISS. Your impression of ACE is spot on. You totally get it.

[@RichardCowdrey]

I am just now seeing a later video in which it seems you do not look back fondly on your meet and greet with Ace, I'm sorry to hear, Zach

[@Jasonsg1210]

Ace is one of my all time fav guitarists, but I wouldn't pay him 2 cents for an autograph or a handshake

[@scottwalmer9248]

@@Jasonsg1210 Why?

[@charlielack8359]

@@scottwalmer9248 Scott, these are tough economic times, bro- Jason's limit for autographs and handshakes is 1 cent. Inflation dude, come on.

[@scottwalmer9248]

@@charlielack8359 I understand. I saved for three years to see ACE, but it is very expensive, and I went over budget. I will agree there should be more goodies and time for the money. Keep rockin' . Respect, Scott🛡️

[@teijaflink2226]

I though his autograph tattoo was pretty cool.

[@Jasonsg1210]

@charlielack8359 No..I'm just not an a**kisser

[@JasonBournewrong]

Cool story!!! Who cares what the guitar is "worth". It's priceless to you.

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

Ex-zach-ly!! 🙏🙏🙏

[@MooseN7]

I met Ace in 2015 while he was on the Space Invader tour in NZ. He was my idol growing up. I can't remember the VIP price, but I think it was about $500 NZD and it came with a VIP tshirt, lanyard, a set of picks and he signed a Space Invader poster in front of you and you could bring one item for him to sign, so I naturally brought my Kiss Ace solo vinyl and he wrote 'To Matt' and signed it which is badass, I still have it all framed and also I was front row and he dropped a pick on stage and I tried to lean over and grab it but couldn't quite reach (tiny venue) so he kicked it over to me which was badass. All that was cool, but meeting him was weird, because he was my idol and same thing, he was just keen to get it all over with. My whole calf has a big Ace tattoo of him playing a solo with smoke pouring out of his guitar and I showed him and he just glanced at it and didn't really say anything haha. It was my one and only meet and greet but the gig itself was incredible, especially being in such a tiny venue I could literally reach out and touch him lol and had to keep dodging Richie Scarlet's guitar because he was moving around like crazy.

[@frontcentermusician]

Man you have a wicked sense of humor. That is so cool you got to do what you have always wanted to do. Great story. ACE is the man!

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

Thank you! I try to just go with it most of the time :)

[@joshuahenslin1742]

I was the guy in front of you Durning this meet and greet. The one with the Rocktember jacket in your video. I agree with you; such an Ace fan love the opportunity to meet him. It was freezing cold waiting for him

[@MyDarkExplorations]

Your story literally sent a surge of energy right to the tip of my manhood! Seriously, it was good to hear that your experience with 70+ year old Ace was a positive encounter. As an aging musician and fan I completely understand both sides of your great experience.

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

It was hit or miss. I understand he is who he is. Wish it could have been a little more friendly on his side. But, it is what it is

[@MyDarkExplorations]

@ZachAdkinsGuitar If you were his age you'd probably see it much better from his perspective. You will remember it more vividly because of the struggle.

[@chriselledge168]

I did the Ace meet and greet for $500. He signed my Ace KISS solo record. Wrote NY Groove on it. Got a picture. Loved it. I'm not a guitar player but like you I'm a KISS fanatic from childhood. Great story.

[@Smart-Alex]

I met Duff from GnR once randomly at a bodega in NYC. Super cool guy, chatted for a bit and got his photo with me too. Cost: $0 and priceless memory for me :)

[@AlanE5150-cd5xs]

Duff is a notoriously cool and friendly guy. All genuine, not fake at all.

[@Smart-Alex]

@@AlanE5150-cd5xs 100% confirmed. I was in awe too LOL

[@tone1798]

Met Duff as well. Very deluxe dude. Down to earth type guy. Same with George Lynch. Ran into him years ago at a guitar shop. He actually showed me how to play some riffs. Same guitar shop had Pride and Glory play in their back parking lot. Zakk Wylde hung out with all of us and drank some beer for like hour. Nice guy really.

[@Smart-Alex]

@@tone1798 wow, such great luck meeting these guys!

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

Amazing!

[@glengamble526]

I played in the Canadian Kiss tribute band Alive for several years-back in the early 90’s we did a Toronto fan convention and Ace appeared (he later jammed with us). He was signing things for fans, as long as they made a donation to a cancer fund (The Eric Carr cancer fund, I believe ). Anyway, the line up went outside the club and down the block-people waited in the freezing cold weather for literal hours to get in. And this one kid-God, I feel terrible telling this story-finally got to the table and handed Ace his 1978 solo album to sign. I was onstage behind them, adjusting the drum kit, and I heard the kid gasp in shock and say ‘You bastard!’ to which Ace cackled laughing. Turns out he had signed the kid’s record ‘To Fatso, love Ace’ Unreal. Yet…very real. Ace is a mixed bag: I’ve met him several times and he can be funny and engaging…when he WANTS to be. Otherwise, he’s morose and grumpy and treats fans like they’re an inconvenience. Sorry you had a bad experience-the guitar looks cool as hell, though. Cheers!🎉

[@MENFUSSMIKE]

😅😅😅

[@ScottFerguson-u1l]

Met Ace in 1994 in my hometown, Bangor, Maine. Had established myself as a diehard KISS fan for years though I was still in high school, and turned my best friend into a KISS fan. He and I camped ourselves outside of the rock club that he was playing in that night all day long. We were too young to go inside and attend the show. About an hour and a half before the show was to start we saw a van pull up and a few guys jump out. It hit me that Ace was one of the guys but he had already walked in as I realized. A few minutes later a van from the local rock station pulled up. They were looking for parking but couldn’t find a spot. The driver asked us if we knew who was parked “right there.” I responded “yeah, why?” They explained that they wanted to park there. I told them that we’d move but it would cost them the chance for us to meet Ace. They looked puzzled. I furthered that we were too young to attend the show. The driver asked us to watch the van for a moment. A female came out shortly afterwards and said “you guys are in luck, he’ll meet you.” We moved my buddy’s car and met the gal who walked us in. Ace was sitting in a chair after having done some finger exercises with one of his guitars. We shook his hand and were blown away by the fact that his hand was huge - we’re talking a grown man’s hand. I had brought in a bunch of old KISS cards, which he signed without any complaints. He asked if we were going to come check out the show. We told him that we were too young. He yelled out “hey, get these fellas some fake IDs!” We laughed and that was that. We thanked him for his time. As we were leaving Ace goes, “hey curly.” We turned around and Ace handed over his guitar pick to my friend. Being the diehard fan for longer, I was bummed. I asked if he had another (for me). He pat his pockets (without much effort as if he was looking) and goes “no, sorry.” We walked out and were both on cloud 9.

[@ajporoznik3217]

I saw that 1993 tour in Toronto. Sounded so much better than he does now. Richie Scarlett was with him. I met Richie after the show. I was just sitting at the bar downstairs and he came to say hi to me actually. He said " ya I saw you right up front rocking out singing each song". I said well that's what you're supposed to be doing at a rock concert. Ace should hook back up with Richie.

[@drcrutch]

Met Ace at a book signing in Phoenix. No photos were allowed (why?). He stuck out his hand and said, "Merry Christmas, Man." I shook his hand--he smiled and chuckled. It's a good memory, but no photo to document it.

[@rockstarfriend2049]

I met Ace and the Frehley's Comet band in the summer of 87. He was promoting his solo album which was brand new. They were really cool, he wasn't "short" with people back then. And the best part was it didn't cost me a penny. I still have the autographed flat of the album signed by all 4 band members. Ace is one of my all time favorite guitarist.

[@troyonplanet]

Love your entertaining clips Zach !! Glad to see you got your guitar in spite of all the screw ups 😮

[@abraxas511]

This is like listening to a 12 year old girl that found out Justin Bieber wouldnt be at her birthday party. I cant make it through this, man up, grow up.

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

Wtf are you even talking about 😂😂😂😂

[@abraxas511]

@@ZachAdkinsGuitar Its sad. Really sad. You are a grown man.

[@dansmith7698]

He wasn't even complaining about his experience with Ace, he took it in stride so your comparison makes zero sense.

[@charlielack8359]

@@dansmith7698 His comparison makes perfect sense, Dan. If you don't get it, it's on you, BRO.

[@peppino1961]

You're right the guy is a little off.

[@ShawnShipstad]

I used to work for KISS, in the 90-2015 on & off. Ace was a nightmare.

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

Yea, I can imagine!

[@timtaylor164]

Yep. Gene and Paul were always very cool even to my son. Did one show with Peter and I laid on the compliments pretty thick so he was pretty cool with me, lol. Ace didn’t even try.

[@balkee42]

Nightmare how?

[@moonlightcyclewerks]

Didn't get to meet him, but just seen him a few weeks ago in Franklin Ohio. Had the best seats in the house. Finally getting to see him play was a dream come true man. 🤟

[@spacecase7504]

Elaborate please

[@Jeff-hb1qq]

I’m 63 I grew up in the day, all the bands back in the 70’s. I like everyone else that says he inspired me to play in the band and play guitar, which is very true. Thanks for your video and your experiences. You were great, especially when you told the guy you’d fight for the guitar in the parking lot .he would lose.😊 so cool

[@Randyguitarguy]

Dude that was a Great story and a GREAT rendition of Love Gun... Your 3500 helped entertain me while I watched your video. Thanks

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

Thank you!! Didn't take too long to program the bass and drums and record the guitar 💪💪

[@freedomflyer6650]

I met Ace in Washington Square park in NYC back in 1981. The coolest part was he was hanging with Joey Ramone

[@MFY-nx8qk]

Hey Zach. Glad you have a positive attitude towards your Ace experience despite all the negative vibes Ace was giving out. My 14 yo son and I met him earlier this year at a signing at Sam Ash in NYC for the release of 10,000 Volts. We waited on line for about 4 hours in the freezing cold. He barely acknowledged us and my son greeted him at his table and got no response, not even a glance from the spaceman. I didn't expect much from him personally based on his reputation with fans but my son was really disappointed and told me " Daddy...He's a POS." I couldn't disagree. As they say... "Never meet your heroes."

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

Damn. sorry to your son 😭

[@bill7763]

They say don’t ever meet your heroes….

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

🥹🥹🥹

[@massapower]

EXACTLY !!

[@kidwaryodproduction]

Meet Anti-Hero like Vinnie Vincent, Corey Feldman instead 😆

[@duckydrummer6331]

Ace once gave me a thumbs up. My father used to work maintenance at the Summit in Houston, TX. Kiss played there in 1977. My dad used to bring me to work with him all the time. I would run all around the Summit, sitting in the seats, skateboarding down the hallways. I watched them change the floor for basketball games, the circus and hockey games. Kiss comes in for a sound check, no makeup. My dad takes me up on the catwalk high above the stage. They play a few seconds of I Stole your Love and Take Me. Peter isn’t there, I guess a roadie is filling in, it definitely wasn’t Peter. They stop playing and Ace walks over to the side and talks to someone. He’s directly below me and my dad. I yell Ace!! Didn’t hear me, I yell again and he trying to figure out where that voice is coming from. I yell again and the guy he was talking to points up at us. I wave at him and he raises his arm and gives me a thumbs up. I was only 13 at the time. My dad took me and a friend to the concert that night. We sat in a sky box way up at the top.

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

That's awesome! Something you remember forever :)

[@theshield2207]

Funny enough thats the time ace was actually quirky. He was probably thinking in his head whos calling me!??? I can see it in my head him laughing

[@debbiehoyt9018]

I got to meet Ace Frehley at guitar center in Danbury. He was playing that night and leslie west from Mountain was there. I actually got to spend quite a bit of time with him walking around. He asked me lots of questions about what kind of guitar I had and what equipment I used. He was looking at some of the guitars there and asked me what I would buy. I politely told him I am in college so window shopping only but if I could there would be a few guitars that interested me. I went out into the lobby with him and asked for his autograph (he was hanging out with his then girlfriend or whatever she was to him) and he happily signed. I then remembered my brother was a huge Kiss fan and actually got me into them so I asked for his autograph for my brother. He laughed at me because I grabbed a bus map of Danbury and asked him to sign that because I had nothing else. He laughed and said some sister you are LOL! Maybe because he wasn't doing a meet and greet he was more relaxed? I don't know (or maybe he was wasted it was in the early 90's) I remember telling him about problems I was having in college at the time being in the music program and being the only guitarist and he encouraged me to continue and ignore the idiots. I think that will be a good enough memory for me and have no desire to pay for a meet and greet now. It seems he doesn't want to do it but needs to probably to pay the bills. It was amazingly cool though and I will never forget how kind he was to me especially because when I first met him I cried. I just remember him saying hey don't cry!! LOL ! It definitely was a cool night!

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

That's badass!

[@debbiehoyt9018]

@@ZachAdkinsGuitar by the way I subscribed today!

[@dln8393]

I attended an 80s rock festival in South Florida a few years ago. It had 2 stages that played simultaneously. I skipped seeing winger to stand off to the side of the front row for Sebastian Bach, (outdoor grass venue) then after his set was done, moved up to front and waited 30 mins for Ace Frehleys set to begin. After some time in his set, you know he does this little monologuing before he starts a song. He had his sparkle blue les paul on (I knew he used it for shock me) . Ace said into the mic "You know this world is fuckin crazy, but after all these years you know what it really does?" and 2 seconds later I was the only one in the silent crowd and I pointed at Ace and said "Shock me!" as loud as I could. He smiled and pointed back at me and said "THATS RIGHT!" and he threw a pick at me which I still have. Then he started playing. It was a fun moment.

[@whataboutrob442]

My band was signed to a European label back in the early 90s and we opened for Paul DiAnnos Killers and Ian Gillian. And they were all so damn cool. I am still friends with a few of DiAnnos band to this day.

[@ericl7842]

Great story man. Congrats! I met Ace years ago when his book came out... i was the last one and he basically signed the book...told his people he wanted to leave... then told me to leave a review of his book on his website... got up and left hahaha i wasn't surprised at the experience ha

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

I think tailoring your expectations is the best when meeting him lol

[@j.reveille6815]

I love it bro….all round. Your experience, your humor, and love of Ace ! Very cool.

[@joerectifier]

I first heard Ace when Casey Casey played RnR All Night on AM radio….that was probably 1973, maybe 1974. In the scheme of the world, my opinion means very little, but he has been my number one influence for 50 years. I would never pay to see anyone in person and not even Ace. His painting on the guitar is very cool.

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

Thank you for the comment!! Fellow Ace inspiration 💪

[@TheWarmcoldsurfer]

Thank you for your story. Its not easy sometomes to be a KISS fan. All five members are asgoles in their own styles. Met Peter Criss somewhere in the 90s. He didnt even look at me when he signed. No hello or thank you. Didnt care about anybody. Paul think he knows everything and Gene...well.

[@Geek_Chorus]

Thanks for these great vids, I subbed. KISS ARMY 4 LIFE

[@adamfindlay7091]

Zach; you are funny!! You should try comedy ( i was genuinely cracking up ). Anyway, yes meeting your heros is generally a...🦉freakin surreal thang. @Ce is definitely a character.

[@fearnet2011]

Met Ace at a show back in 2019 and we shook hands......

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

God dang it!!

[@fearnet2011]

​@@ZachAdkinsGuitar I had somewhat of a different experience. Ace joked with me when I sat down beside him. He was curious about my name and couldn't remember where he heard it before. When I was done he actually extended his hand out to shake mine. I told him nice show and he said thanks.

[@chrisbohner1092]

Once again you are spot on!!!!.....I feel for you buddy!

[@Smart-Alex]

$3,500 could have gotten you a nice Gibson Les Paul or Music Man guitar. Oh well.

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

Luckily I get music man guitars at half price, being endorsed. 🙏🙏🙏 But, on a separate note. The 3500 was worth it to me.

[@peppino1961]

Exactly.

[@atDADof3]

I’m still waiting for an autographed Ace picture I bought from his website in February 2023. Every few months I e-mail “his people” asking about it, and every time it’s a different excuse.

[@orlandopadilla2464]

I met my idol Max cavrlara of soulfly. On the cruise. Was nervous. But was cool. Ever since then. He remembers me. I have helped his band out. A half dozen times. Loading in

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

That's badass!

[@Groovyunclefunk]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. I’m a magician and ace is a fan of magic. So I’m set to meet him sometime soon. He sent me a signed poster. Says keep rocking your magic. I bout lost my mind ! I know when i meet him. Im sure it won’t be as awesome for me as I’d like or imagine. But still cool af that an Og member of KISS acknowledged me!

[@ShawnShipstad]

I garuntee you. The motherfucker will want money. He is a sick man.

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

Absolutely!! Magic was my first love before guitar 🙏🙏

[@skeptic10]

Ace is such a great guy. He gives guitars to his favorite fans.

[@jamesjordan-davies2704]

He paid like $3,500 dollars for it man

[@compy9123]

Great..you got your "Im not worthy" moment

[@bandsivefilmedlive]

Love how excited you are to meet Ace! Great story!

[@SynthMusicWorld]

The only meet and greet I've done was with "Weird Al" Yankovic. Free, twice. Amazingly nice guy, humble, shy. A great experience.

[@guitarboomer88]

Met ace last summer in July. He had played an outdoor show that was very hot and was clearly exhausted. Not the nicest dude I’ve ever met but didn’t really do anything out of the way rude. Signed a custom sticker that I had made with pics of him and some other guitar players I like together. Put it on a guitar I built so it’s something I can treasure forever. As a huge ace freak it was special but to say he was superbly nice would not be truthful haha

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

That's a good description. Happy you have some cool stuff to have with you forever!!

[@Jaymz1910]

Nice!, I too met Ace. I'm 55 from Australia, Kiss are and especially Ace were my idols as a kid. I 1st saw Kiss in 1980 I was 11. just like you I love Kiss. About 6 years ago Gene came to Australia and Ace was his supporting act. I just had to do the M&G with Ace as he was my childhood hero It cost $600 Aus. They say never meet your heroes. He did not let me down. I was able to bring in one item to get signed, he signed 2 posters I got 3 photos and some other small stuff. he too signed my arm with his full name and the Ace card, and I got it tattooed too. we made small talk about my other tatts and had a few laughs too I was with him for about 5 min I would say. Just like yours It wasn't organised properly, and I was in a panic thinking I just got ripped off as I didn't hear from them until the very last week of the concert. but it all ended up well. I would do another M&G with Ace if he ever comes back to Australia

[@ninjacaptor]

That story was cool . I had ACE fall in top of me at the lime light in N.Y.C As he was about to fist bump me lol it was funny 😅

[@MelvinZoopers]

We were at the merch table just as you had the guitar set aside & were still there when the other guy walked up & asked about it. Haha! You should have stuck around instead of going to the movie. There were a lot of great bands! We got comp passes to get a picture with Stephen Pearcy on the 2nd night of Roctember! Not prepared for cold night in Minnesnowta?? Great story!

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

Haha that's awesome. Sorry we didn't get to meet!!

[@aceman1969nlb]

On my third time meeting him; he shook my hand, signed my arm (thats tatted on ) , & talked a minute with no problem. Only issue was that he was still a total prick as always. 😂. But, total hats off to his manager John Ostronomy who was beyond cool. One of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. I was very down in my lower back and he looked out for me. 👍😎🎸

[@goranrepek9865]

I am happy to be born and living in Europe, I saw Kiss in 1997, but there are just another band here.

[@rmmccarthy1240]

Awesome story. Congratulations on that sweet guitar.

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

Thanks!

[@marvinshenk]

The artwork on that guitar is pretty sick. The way he drew Jupiter is awesome. $3500 is probably what KISS got paid for their first record deal.

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

That's probably true

[@robertshabarekh610]

Awesome story thoroughly enjoyed it

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

Thank you!

[@tod3msn]

Cool story. I once brought my wife and my girlfriend to meet Ace and along with family. Good experience.

[@cad4060]

I have seen Ace a total of 3 times now.: 6/19/2000-Erie, PA…4/27/2023 Jamestown, NY…8/21/2024-North Tonawanda, NY. I never heard or read anything about the VIP events for the latest two. I remember they were $500 just to meet him. I didn’t realize you could bring people with you. The way that you described your interaction with him is about how I imagined him to be. I suppose he becomes tired of the whole thing over time. It sounds like he could have been friendlier but wasn’t the worst either. He and Peter have always been my favorites in KISS. Great videos and channel👏🏼

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

Thanks so much!! Hope you sub and watch some more :)

[@MobiusBandwidth]

Appreciate your brutal honesty and realistic expectations. Kiss, they're like my crazy uncles, I don't necessarily like them, but I love them. each one has been a total dick to the others at some point. I don't really need to know about them slagging each other off. I met Gene once and he was incredibly nice, sincere, really present, was concerned, did I enjoy the show, just emanated genuine-ness, he doesn't always come off that way in interviews with journalists, and anyone can have a bad day, but I thought I'd be cool, but when it was my turn to get his signature on one of his books, I turned into a stupid 14 year old boy again briefly, telling him when I was 14 it was Not cool to be a Kiss fan, going to a Yeshiva, we're both Jewish bassists, so we have something in common, I was talking too fast, and he was like "slow down cowboy!" lol. he calmed me down, I regained my cool, we had a nice little chat. would not have paid 3 grand to meet anyone, except probably Kate Bush, but she wouldn't do that anyway. I don't agree with everything he says, but he's done far more good than harm in the world. this band will never get the respect they deserve for what they achieved. inspired tens of thousands of people to become musicians. boosted instrument sales, helped the economy, and entertained like no one else, hardest working band in show biz. and wrote some killer classic rock tunes, as good as anything by Zep.

[@sjnix7044]

I met Ace around 99 or 2000 when he came to LAPD Pacific station to bail out his girlfriend who got snatched up for buying drugs in Venice. Didn’t cost me a dime. True story BTW.

[@taylordavis6089]

I also did Ace meet and greet. He treated me like an inconvenience. I'm 58 and been a kiss fan since 1975. He is rude and could care less how much I spent to meet my hero. I will never again spend a dime on anything to do with kiss . Sorry bro he got you to

[@thesolarengineer]

Zach, all I can say is that you deserve the future...good luck.👍

[@phkna]

Wow the same experience but mine is 30 years old, He played a show at the Off Ramp here in Seattle and I paid 75.00 or 85.00 for the aftershow meet. I already had Kiss solo album portrait tattooed on me with ace under it that was a direct transfer of his signature from another item. I told only one item allowed to get signed so I brought the 3 LP Originals to get signed but I also had a 8-track of double plat with me just in-case I could get two cause of there uniqueness. To my surprise he complemented me on the originals said he had not see one in years so I showed the 8-track and he laughed said something like you got all the old shit and he did sign both. I showed him my tattoo he said I know i didn't sign that, I told him it was a copy from a copy of Destroyer that I bought secondhand so he offered to sign it so now I have his signature of just Frehley under the tattoo little off centered but it's his and a playing card

[@datooch]

Just found this channel. I dig it.

[@regaltip8A]

I would not allow any one to treat me like dirt like Ace. He looked really impressed to meet you. Have some self respect and dignity.

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

😭😭

[@partriotsfight5039]

Hey Zach, J King sent me this, we’re going to Richie Kotzen on the 27th, “my” personal favorite artist ever. I snagged the VIP thing Since it’s at little ol Barnato and the last time I saw him there it was probably only about 50-75 people probably. Hopefully it’ll be cool. I imagine traveling, soundcheck, shows and all they deal with can add up to being stressful and not really think about perspective from another point of view so if he’s not all that into it I won’t let it get to me. Honestly I’m looking forward to having him sign the back of the headstocks on my MIJ Signature RK Tele and RK TransRed Strat. Never thought I’d own the Strat since they are not available outside of the Japanese market without ordering it from a music dealer and getting hit with taxes and import fees that make it not worth it in my opinion. Maybe I’ll see you there if you decide to go. Probably gonna meet up at Justin’s place after the sound check. I got us a table up front

[@ShreddyMcGee123]

Dude Molly hatchet is amazing! You definitely need to check out more of there stuff dude. They were killer in their day.

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

I will!

[@jeffreyhobbs8603]

Damn straight! Gator lovin'

[@nostalgiajim]

Ace Frehley is a drunken, drug addicted, and thoroughly dismissed former member of one of the most successful bands in the country, and yet he still has people wanting to pay to see him...I have never been more sure on why KISS didnt want him back for the last show....he didnt deserve it.

[@2AChef-n-BBQ]

Met Ace a couple times, best one was, I had a pint of Crown Royal I wanted him to sign, Ace says; "That shit is for people who think the bags are cool". I actually cracked up, and he walked off with my Crown Royal🤔😲🤣😂

[@robertshabarekh610]

I like your story glad you got to some what enjoy it. Take care

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

Thanks for the comment!

[@Dino-gw9pz]

I have his original smoking guitar poster still, that was hanging up in my room in the 70's. Always wondered, but never attempted to get him to sign it. After seeing this , I am sure he would charge a lot.

[@dondercole7763]

good story....thanks for sharing...all hail KISS...all hail Ace.....sigh....

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

🤣🤣🤣

[@asbjrnandersen4222]

I had a nice free experience with Metallica around the release of Death Magnetic. They were doing an in-store midnight release signing-thing, and the crew was like "you can take pictures OF the band, but not WITH the band. You can talk to them but you can't shake their hand. You can only get the new record signed" Then when it finally gets to be my turn, James puts his hand out and go "How are you? Nice to meet you!". All of them shook hands except for Kirk, because he was saving his hands for the concert the next day. And Lars signed some extra LPs that a guy brought as well :)

[@darrellflegel5746]

Thanks for sharing bud, cool story

[@pourkeehablakeencha4585]

Memory of a killer time...very cool!

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

It was cool, wish he would have been more excited about it all 🤣🤣

[@HailTheRiff126]

Met him in the 90's at a convention here in The Netherlands. Can't remember how much you paid for those things, but it was never more than 50 bucks. Everyone there would get an autograph and the guys (Ace, Peter & Vinnie between 1994 and 1996) would do Q&A's and play a couple of songs with the tribute band as well Those were the days man. Really miss those kind of Kiss Conventions.

[@frankkuth5635]

Oh yes, I remember those......

[@HailTheRiff126]

@@frankkuth5635 Yeah lots of stuff went wrong at those as well, but at least they didn't cost an arm and a leg.

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

Wish I could have been there!

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

I was like 5 😭😭

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

True!

[@theguster611]

Sounds like Ace was typical Ace ! 🤣😂 You probably would have been disappointed if he was someone else.....a nice guy. Congrats man !

[@rosssoutherland8118]

My first concert was KISS Knoxville,Tn 1976. Mom took me and my brother. I was only 11. I had all their stuff/KISS ARMY etc. Later on in the late 80’s I lived in California and me & my gf ran into Ace with a pretty Asian chick in the bar at the Bonaventure hotel. When he and his girlfriend were leaving, I said bye, and he nodded his head and pointed his finger like himself a rockstar! He was Cool!

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

That's awesome!

[@ronsallier7944]

Dude I met him and he totally shook my hand . But I was the only one . I think cause I said happy birthday and congrats on the hall of fame .

[@TheOfficerMahoney]

Cool paintwork on it!

[@Jeffrie_Baer]

I've seen Kiss many times. The only time I came close with them was at City Island Harrisburg. That was the era that they ditched the makeup for a while. I was a foot away and got to see all of them. This little lady came running up "Heeeeyyyy". I was like "yeah I know I know." "Hi guys" 😆 Gene pointed at me and smiled. Probably laughing like haha You got busted. That was years ago man, damn.

[@ChewieEst]

I’ve been a fan of KISS since I first saw the lunch box and Colorforms in 2nd grade in the 70s, but I never saw them live which is one of my biggest regrets. I kept putting it off, putting it off, and they finally came to Peoria on one of the farewell tours, but the tickets were stupid expensive so I passed thinking I would save up for the Chicago or St. Louis show. During that time I kept seeing reviews/clips of how much lip syncing there was and the band may or may not be playing, so I decided not to blow the $$ on that. I definitely should have made time to see them years ago, but live and learn.

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

😭

[@martymacleod6824]

Great story and experience. The Guitar Art- someone would pay 5/6 K for- amazing 👊

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

It's cool art, for sure. Super grateful!

[@christopherguzzi1316]

I actually like these guitars for what they are. Light weight, decent fret work, and hot ceramic pickups. Kids don't know how good they have it these days. But I do think it is stupid that they do these raffle/VIP package/etc. deals with the cheapest guitars possible. I'd pay the price difference for a Gibson SG, Junior, Special, etc. that is a good guitar that comes with a case.

[@renorocker64]

I love how when Ace is insulting you love it i would feel the same !!!

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

Hahaha. He's still my hero 🤣🤣

[@AmazingAirshowVideos]

Very very cool video!

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

Thanks for the comment!

[@chadgautier2864]

Saw ace frehley on frehley comet tour. Back in the 80s lmao.

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

I bet that was sweet

[@kennymik1509]

Sweet and sour story. Hey, i was given a Wayne's World cap as a gift...same exact one. Party on!!! I met every member of KISS except for Ace (ok and Tommy).

[@thomasmurphy9348]

a $150. Epiphone? ..and your hero is a crabby jerk...for that kind of money?...it's the same thing Paul and Gene do...smell the money grab.?

[@robdeaton6137]

You have a one of a kind art work original that is gonna be worth more emotionally and monetarily as time goes on. Pretty cool

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

I agree. It's sweet and I'm grateful to have had the means to make it happen

[@robdeaton6137]

@ZachAdkinsGuitar very cool!!

[@sagedrummer]

Sorry he treated you like that. At least you are happy with the guitar and it looks like he did some cool artwork on it. No excuse for treating fans who have paid a lot of money like that though. I met Peter Criss when I was 14 in the early 90s and I idolized him and he was a complete asshole to me and everybody there and it just crushed me. That’s why they say don’t meet your hero’s.

[@MENFUSSMIKE]

Yea I've heard stories about Peter and experienced it first hand

[@Kadenslife9876]

To be fair also hes just old its night time and just did a show he probably just wants to go do his own things lol, i dont care how rude he is i would love to meet him he is the most inspirational guitar player every thats so cool i think the money was well spent 🤘⚡️⚡️

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

It was cool. He's awesome. And it wasn't what I wanted, but I'm happy I had the means to be able to meet him and it's a checkmark on my bucket list 💪💪

[@Mrhasbarafree]

You don't care if people you just gave thousands to are rude to you? Leave Ace's Jonestown cult now!!

[@richdrums6886]

Wow! I didn't know you were that big a KISS Fan. I am too, since I was a kid - Alive & Destroyer were new. I still am a huge fan, but I'm so much more into the music - studio and live, not necessarily the merch, though I do have some. I love the guitar you got. I love the artwork. My sister's in-laws were neighbors of Ace when he built Ace In The Hole studios. They have great stories to tell!!

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

Kiss is my favorite! 🙏🙏🙏

[@richdrums6886]

@@ZachAdkinsGuitar Kiss is still one of my favorites!!!!

[@brettsanders616]

Cool man love the ace story saw him in 87 g n r opened for him before they got huge y n t was there too

[@RandomTstudios]

Cool video! Glad to met your idol, and have that memory. It does suck spending that much money and him not at least acting like he cares. I’ve done M&G’s with plenty of artists, I’ve had one that was like that, Mötley Crüe. I saw Ace at a small theater back in January. That venue used to be a 1950’s movie theater that had cracks in the walls.. Ace played there, dude I couldn’t believe he even had a show in Frankfort KY. Most the time it’s Louisville or Lexington, but little town of Frankfort? Ace was sloppy as hell, band was good. The show overall was great, I was appreciative to see the legend in person, I’ve not had the chance to see him with KISS. There was probably about 200 people max. It was wild. I’d see him again though.

[@SHOUTband]

That's awesome even tho they did almost fook you over lol, You have to remember Ace is old so he was prob tired after the gig anyways very cool that you met him and i think the guitar is rad!

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

Guitar kicks ass! Thanks for the comment

[@theshield2207]

I did the meet and greet with ace last year the $500 vip one. I got a little frustrated because i thought the confirmation would come maybe a few days after i bought it. Instead i waited months and even asked someone who i saw also bought and he said the confirmation came actually the day prior to the show. Once i got to the show i think i went too late to the merch boot because what was supposed to be in the bag with stuff i think i was missing a few items. Although when i went in i was the first one to meet him pretty cool experience we had a laugh. His manager is a nimrod thoe lol. I did notice you also said he doesnt shake hands, its obvious he was in a HORRENDOUS attitude. When i first walked in i went for a fist bumo instead he shook my hand after i was about to leave too i didnt even go for a fist bump or anything he just straight up shook my hand again

[@larrygcrews7971]

Man i dont even know what to say bro .... Ace is one of my childhood heroes and i wish he would of been more grateful to fans like yourself that are are willing to spend that kind of money to meet him and buy that guitar btw is killer. I actually got to see him twice solo and once in 96 reunion tour. But the last time back 2016 wife got me tickets to his show and we got there early front row and stood through the opening band so we didn't lose our spot and it was great my wife got one of chris whyse bass picks...Ace threw a pick that hit the palm of my FN hand and i didn't get it lol... Glad you was able to make your childhood dream come true brother! PEACH!!✌️

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

Thank you man! Love your story 🙏🙏 If you go in expected to be treated like shit then it was definitely a win 🤣🤣💪💪

[@g-man-uz3gx]

Thanks for the story!!! I got to meet Ace in 95 for the bad boys tour… if you joined the rock solders fan club for 50 bucks ! He was very nice and cool! He singed my Kisstory book and my buddies Alive! Album!! While he was signing my book I said Ace you can scratch out Gene and Paul’s name if you would like because you are KISS to me!!! He looked at me with a sly smile and gave me a thumbs up!!! He said no we’re gonna leave there names on here!!

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

@g-man-uz3gx lucky!!

[@jonathanlenz1870]

Ace disappoints every KISS fan eventually, mine was the reunion tour in 1996 when he could barely plays play the songs and solos that I had somehow managed to learn by the age of 17. And even in that disappointment, he’s still a legend and always will be.

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

Unfortunately. The more I hear about him, the more it seems to be the case!

[@Jeffrie_Baer]

".. and you would have lost" hilarious 😂

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

🤣🤣🤣

[@funkynelg]

The Ace tattoo is worth it if you’re a fan. How many people have that?Great story.