Ace Frehley

Paul Daniel Frehley (born April 27, 1951 in The Bronx, New York) aka Ace Frehley, is best known as the lead guitarist for the rock band KISS.

Biography

Frehley joined Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and Peter Criss in January 1973 as lead guitarist for Wicked Lester. Soon after joining the band, they changed their name to KISS. Frehley is credited with creating the KISS logo, featuring the lightning-bolt style "S". When KISS made the decision to permanently feature full face makeup as part of their persona, Frehely adopted the character of "Space Ace". KISS released their self-titled debut in February of 1974.

Related Topics:
Paul Stanley - Gene Simmons - Peter Criss - January - 1973 - Wicked Lester - 1974

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Frehley's signature concert gimmick typically came at the end of his main guitar solo, when he activated a hidden smoke bomb in his guitar that gave the guitar the appearance of being on fire while he played.

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Frehley, along with the three other KISS members, released a solo album in 1978. Frehley's was the most commercially successful of the four, reaching #26 on the album charts and spawning a #13 hit with "New York Groove".

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Having struggled with drug and alcohol issues for a number of years, Frehley left KISS in 1982. He returned in the mid-1980s with a solo act, Frehley's Comet. The band achieved moderate critical and commercial success.

Related Topics:
1982 - 1980 - Frehley's Comet

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Frehley returned to KISS in 1996 for several reunion tours. He participated in the "Farewell Tour" in 2000 but once Gene and Paul decided to continue touring beyond the planned "Farewell", he once again left the band.

Related Topics:
1996 - 2000

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In 2005 Frehley made his acting debut (not playing himself) in the independent crime drama Remedy. He is reportedly working on his first solo album since 1989, but no release is scheduled.

Related Topics:
2005 - 1989

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