Ace Frehley facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ace Frehley
Frehley performing in April 2011
Background information
Birth name	Paul Daniel Frehley
Also known as	The Spaceman Space Ace Socks
Born	(1951-04-27) April 27, 1951 (age 74) New York City, U.S.
Genres	Hard rock heavy metal
Occupation(s)	Musician
Instruments	Guitar vocals
Years active	1964–present

Paul Daniel "Ace" Frehley (born April 27, 1951) is an American musician. He was the original lead guitarist and a founding member of the rock band Kiss. He created the famous character of The Spaceman (also known as Space Ace). He played with Kiss from 1973 until 1982.

After leaving Kiss, Frehley started his own band called Frehley's Comet. He released two albums with them. Later, he began a solo career. He rejoined Kiss in 1996 for a very successful reunion tour. His second time with Kiss lasted until 2002. His newest solo album, 10,000 Volts, came out in 2024. Guitar World magazine named him the 14th Greatest Metal Guitarist of All Time.

Outside of Kiss, Frehley also became very popular. His first solo album sold over a million copies. His first album with Frehley's Comet was also a big hit. Frehley is known for his powerful and unique guitar playing. He also uses special guitars that can smoke or light up! In 2014, he was added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Kiss.

Early Life of Ace Frehley

Paul Daniel Frehley was born and grew up in The Bronx, New York City. He was the youngest of three children. His family loved music. When Frehley got an electric guitar for Christmas in 1964, he spent all his time learning it. He never took music lessons.

He said, "I never went to music school; I never took a guitar lesson, but everybody in my family plays an instrument." His parents played piano, and his brother and sister played piano and acoustic guitar. Frehley started playing guitar at age 13. He was influenced by famous guitarists like Jimi Hendrix and Jeff Beck.

Frehley got the nickname "Ace" in high school. His friends called him "a real ace" because he was good at getting dates. A school counselor also told him to try graphic arts. He later said that playing guitar "saved his life" when he was in Kiss.

Ace Frehley's Music Journey

Starting His Music Career

Frehley played in several bands when he was young. These included The Outrage, King Kong, and Honey. When his band Cathedral started getting paid shows, he left high school. But his family and girlfriend convinced him to go back and get his diploma. After graduating, Frehley worked different short jobs. He was a mail carrier, a taxi driver, and a delivery person.

Joining Kiss Band

Frehley (right) and Gene Simmons during the Alive II Tour in 1978

In the early 1970s, Frehley played in local bands. In late 1972, a friend saw an ad for a lead guitarist. Frehley went to the audition for Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss. Frehley wore one red and one orange sneaker. He didn't look very impressive, but the band liked his guitar playing. About three weeks later, they chose Frehley as their lead guitarist.

By January 1973, the band decided on the name Kiss. Frehley designed the band's famous double-lightning-bolt logo. The band decided to paint their faces for live shows. Frehley started painting silver stars around his eyes. When the band created stage characters, Frehley became Space Ace. This character was inspired by his interest in science fiction and space travel.

"The Spaceman" was the make-up design used by Frehley during his years with Kiss (1973–1982, 1996–2002).

In the early days, Kiss practiced and played in empty clubs. Frehley worked as a part-time taxi driver to pay his bills. In September 1973, Kiss members started getting a $50 weekly salary from their new manager. Frehley then quit his taxi job.

Kiss released their first album, Kiss, in February 1974. Frehley helped write two songs: "Love Theme from KISS" and "Cold Gin". Frehley didn't sing on "Cold Gin" because he wasn't confident in his singing voice. He wrote or co-wrote many songs for the band. But he didn't sing on a song until "Shock Me" in 1977. This song was inspired by him almost getting shocked during a concert.

As lead guitarist, Frehley was known for his exciting and unique playing style. He became one of the most popular guitarists in the 1970s. Many guitarists say his playing on the 1975 album Alive! made them want to play guitar. Frehley often used Gibson Les Paul guitars. He had a special Les Paul Custom guitar that would blow smoke during his guitar solos on stage.

Frehley in 1977 performing his signature smoke effect during the Love Gun Tour

In 1978, Frehley released his own solo album, like the other three Kiss members. His album sold the most of the four. The only single from his album, "New York Groove", reached the Top 20 in the United States.

His role in songwriting for Kiss grew in 1979. He wrote three songs for Dynasty (1979) and three for Unmasked (1980). Kiss became very popular in other countries, especially Australia, during this time. In 1981, a star was even named after Frehley!

Even though he wrote more songs, Frehley disagreed with the band's musical direction. After Peter Criss left Kiss in 1980, Frehley was often outvoted on band decisions. His part in the 1981 album Music from "The Elder" was much smaller. This was because he didn't like the idea of a concept album. He also didn't get along well with the producer, who cut many of his guitar solos.

Frehley appeared on the covers of the 1982 albums Killers and Creatures of the Night. However, he didn't play on Killers and had very little input on Creatures of the Night. Frehley's last performances with Kiss were in a music video and some promotional events in 1982.

Starting Solo Career with Frehley's Comet

In December 1982, Kiss started their tour without Frehley. He was replaced by Vinnie Vincent. Frehley still owned a part of the Kiss business until 1985. He received money from their albums Lick It Up and Animalize, even though he didn't play on them.

In 1984, Frehley began his solo career after Kiss. He formed a band with drummer Anton Fig and bassist John Regan. The group was sometimes called 'Ace Frehley' and sometimes Frehley's Comet. They recorded many demo songs in 1984 and 1985. Their first live show was in New York City in November 1984.

After trying to get a record deal, the group signed with Megaforce Records. They released their first album, Frehley's Comet, on July 7, 1987. The album was co-produced by Eddie Kramer, who had worked with Kiss before. The album was a mix of hard rock and pop metal. It was a successful return for Frehley. The album reached No. 43 on the Billboard 200 chart. The song "Into the Night" reached No. 27 on the rock charts. The music video for "Rock Soldiers" was played often on MTV.

Even with good reviews and sales, Frehley couldn't keep up the commercial success. Two Frehley's Comet albums in 1988, Live+1 and Second Sighting, did not sell as well. Tours with other bands ended early because of payment issues.

To try and improve sales, Frehley released his 1989 album Trouble Walkin' under his own name. This album returned to a more traditional hard rock style. However, sales continued to decline, and it reached No. 102 on the charts. After the tour for Trouble Walkin' ended, Frehley didn't perform live for two years.

A special part of Trouble Walkin' was that Peter Criss, the original Kiss drummer, sang backing vocals on some songs. This was the first time Criss and Frehley had played on an album together since Kiss' 1979 album, Dynasty. Frehley later played guitar solos on Peter Criss' 1994 album Cat #1. Unlike his disagreements with Kiss, Frehley and Criss stayed friends. In 1995, Frehley's and Criss' bands went on a "Bad Boys Tour." This marked the end of Frehley's solo band for a while, as Kiss soon reunited.

Reunion with Kiss (1996–2002)

In 1996, Frehley rejoined Kiss for a very successful reunion tour. All four original members played live together for the first time since 1980. After the tour, they announced they would record a new album. The album, Psycho Circus, led to another successful world tour. However, it was later revealed that Frehley and Criss had very little involvement in the album. "Into The Void" was Frehley's only song on the album, and he sang and played lead guitar on it. He also played the lead guitar solo on "You Wanted The Best."

After finishing the "Farewell Tour" with Kiss in late 2001, Frehley left the band again. He went back to his solo career. He performed one last time with Kiss after the 2002 Winter Olympics. "Into the Void" was the only original song Ace released between his 1989 album and his 2009 album.

Back to Solo Career (2003–present)

In 2006, Frehley performed Kiss' "God of Thunder" with other famous musicians. This was at the VH1 Rock Honors in Las Vegas.

In October 2018, Frehley and Bruce Kulick reunited with Kiss on the Kiss Kruise. They played several songs together. This was the first time Frehley had performed with the band since 2002.

Frehley did not join Kiss for their final tour, which started in 2019. The other members, Stanley and Simmons, said they were open to Frehley and Peter Criss making guest appearances. Simmons later invited Frehley to play encores, but Frehley declined. He also said he doubted the band would truly stop touring. In June 2022, Simmons said they had met with Frehley to try to get him to appear, but Frehley made demands that couldn't be met.

A Kiss movie called Shout it Out Loud was announced in 2020. It is expected to be released in 2024. The film will focus on the band's early years. A two-part documentary about the band, Biography: Kisstory, also aired in 2021. Simmons said they invited Frehley and Criss to be in the documentary, but they wanted too much control over the editing.

Shortly before Kiss' final two shows, Frehley said he would have appeared if offered. He would have accepted $250,000 for each show, even if he and the current guitarist wore his "Spaceman" makeup. Frehley also said he and Criss were not actually invited, claiming it was said "to sell tickets."

His album 10,000 Volts was released in 2024. It debuted at #72 on the Billboard 200 chart. Frehley's next album, Origins Vol. 3, is planned for 2025.

Ace Frehley's Autobiography

Ace Frehley released his autobiography, No Regrets – A Rock 'N' Roll Memoir, on November 1, 2011. The book was written by Frehley, Joe Layden, and John Ostrosky. It was published by Gallery Books. The book reached #10 on The New York Times Best Seller list for non-fiction books.

Ace Frehley's Guitar Technique

In a 2009 interview, Frehley said, "I'm an anomaly, I'm an un-schooled musician, I don't know how to read music, but I'm one of the most famous guitar players in the world, so go figure."

He told Guitar World in 1996, "I play guitar in such an unorthodox way." He explained that he never took guitar lessons. Sometimes, when he plays chords, his thumb is on the fretted side of the neck. He doesn't know why he does it. Paul Stanley of Kiss added that Ace would get vibrato by shaking his whole arm against the guitar neck.

Discography

Frehley performing in 2008

Solo Albums

• Ace Frehley (1978)
• Trouble Walkin' (1989)
• Anomaly (2009)
• Space Invader (2014)
• Origins Vol. 1 (2016)
• Spaceman (2018)
• Origins Vol. 2 (2020)
• 10,000 Volts (2024)
• Origins Vol. 3 (2025)

Frehley's Comet Albums

• Frehley's Comet (1987)
• Second Sighting (1988)

Live Albums

• Live+1 (1988)
• Greatest Hits Live (2006)

Compilation Albums

• 12 Picks (1997)
• Loaded Deck (1998)

Albums with Kiss

• Kiss (1974)
• Hotter Than Hell (1974)
• Dressed to Kill (1975)
• Destroyer (1976)
• Rock and Roll Over (1976)
• Love Gun (1977)
• Dynasty (1979)
• Unmasked (1980)
• Music from "The Elder" (1981)
• Creatures of the Night (1982) (credited but does not play)
• Psycho Circus (1998)

Live Albums with Kiss

• Alive (1975)
• Alive II (1977)
• Kiss Unplugged (1996)
• You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best!! (1996)
• Alive! The Millennium Concert (2006)

Solo Singles

• 1978: "New York Groove" – from his 1978 Kiss solo album.
• 1987: "Into the Night" – from the album Frehley's Comet.
• 1987: "Rock Soldiers" – from the album Frehley's Comet.
• 1988: "Words Are Not Enough" – from the album Live+1.
• 1988: "Insane" – from the album Second Sighting.
• 1988: "It's Over Now" – from the album Second Sighting.
• 1989: "Do Ya" – from the album Trouble Walkin'.
• 2009: "Outer Space" – from the album Anomaly.
• 2014: "Gimme a Feelin'" – from the album Space Invader.
• 2014: "The Joker" – from the album Space Invader.
• 2016: "White Room" – from the album Origins Vol. 1.
• 2016: "Fire and Water" – from the album Origins Vol. 1, featuring Paul Stanley of Kiss on vocals.
• 2018: "Bronx Boy" – from the album Spaceman.
• 2018: "Rockin' with the Boys" – from the album Spaceman.
• 2019: "Mission to Mars" – from the album Spaceman.
• 2020: "Space Truckin'" – from the album Origins Vol. 2.
• 2020: "I'm Down" – from the album Origins Vol. 2.
• 2023: "10,000 Volts" – from the album 10,000 Volts.
• 2024: "Walkin' on the Moon" – from the album 10,000 Volts.
• 2024: "Cherry Medicine" – from the album 10,000 Volts.

Guest Appearances

• "Eugene" – on the 1981 album by Crazy Joe and the Variable Speed Band.
• "Bump and Grind" – on the 1984 Wendy O. Williams album WOW.
• "Bad Attitude", "Walk the Line", and "Blue Moon Over Brooklyn" – on Peter Criss' 1994 album Cat #1.
• "Cherokee Boogie" – on the 1996 compilation album Smell the Fuzz: Guitars that Rule the World 2.
• "Rocker Room Theme" – on the 1998 Still Wicked album Something Wicked This Way Comes.
• "Foxy Lady" – on the 1998 ESP album Lost and Spaced.
• "Freedom" – on the 2000 Karl Cochran album Voodooland.
• Insanity of Life – on the 2002 Richie Scarlet album.
• "Know Where You Go" – on the 2002 Anton Fig album Figments.
• "Bad Choice" – on the 2005 Kathy Valentine album Light Years.
• "2,000 Man" (new version) – In 2005, Frehley played this on Eddie Trunk's Merry Kissmas special.
• "God of Thunder" (live version) – In 2006, Frehley performed with a 'super-group' at the VH1 Rock Honors.
• "Black Diamond" (live version) – On June 25, 2008, Frehley appeared with Pearl Jam at Madison Square Garden.
• "The Ride" – on the 2008 Black Pain Society album by Jam Pain Society.
• "Highway to Hell" (live version) – On July 21, 2009, Frehley appeared on the Dark Horse Tour with members from other bands.
• "Nothin' but a Good Time" – Frehley played lead guitar on a re-recorded version for Bret Michaels' 2013 album Jammin' With Friends.
• "Never Too Hot" – Ace recorded the lead for Chris Cassone's BBQ All Stars CD.
• "Rise Up (Back from the Grave)" – A collaboration between Kris Randall and Ace Frehley released in 2014.
• "Starman" – Ace Frehley played lead guitar on Joe Silva's cover of the David Bowie song, released in 2014.

Filmography

• 1978: Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park
• 1988: Frehley's Comet: Live + 4 (VHS)
• 1992: X-treme Close-Up
• 1994: Ace Frehley – Acevision Volume #1
• 1996: Kiss Unplugged
• 1998: Kiss: The Second Coming Documentary
• 1999: Detroit Rock City
• 2001: Family Guy: A Very Special Family Guy Freakin' Christmas
• 2004: Kiss Loves You
• 2005: Remedy
• 2006: Kissology Volume One: 1974-1977
• 2007: Kissology Volume Two: 1978-1991
• 2007: Kissology Volume Three: 1992-2000
• 2009: Let's Go Cobo (Documentary)

Interviews

• Behind the Player: Ace Frehley DVD (2010)
• A Conversation with Ace Frehley on The Pods & Sods Network EM25 – Ace Frehley^[Usurped!]

See Also

In Spanish: Ace Frehley para niños