Ace Frehley

Ace Frehley

Ace Frehley is an American rock guitarist from The Bronx. Born in 1951, he is best known as the original lead guitarist, occasional lead vocalist and founding member of KISS. He also creates and performs as a solo artist, and he works across hard rock, glam rock, blues rock, classic rock, rock and rock and roll, with heavy metal also associated with his work.

KISS

Frehley joins KISS at the band’s formation in 1973 and remains with them until 1982. During this first period he helps establish the group’s early identity and creates his stage persona, The Spaceman, also known as Space Ace. He later returns for a reunion tour in 1996 and stays until 2002, leaving when that farewell tour ends.

Solo work and Frehley’s Comet

After leaving KISS in 1982, Frehley forms Frehley’s Comet and releases two albums with the group. He also develops a solo career, and his 1978 debut album achieves platinum status. His solo studio albums include Ace Frehley, Frehley’s Comet, Second Sighting, Trouble Walkin’, Anomaly, Space Invader, Origins Vol. 1, Spaceman, Origins Vol. 2 and 10,000 Volts.

Playing style and recognition

Frehley is known for an aggressive, atmospheric and melodic guitar style. He also uses effect-driven guitars, including a Gibson Les Paul that emits smoke from its neck humbucker pickup and produces spinning pyrotechnics, and a custom Les Paul that lights up according to a song’s tempo. In 2014, he is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of KISS, and Guitar World ranks him as the 14th Greatest Metal Guitarist of All Time.

Labels and later projects

His recordings appear on Bronx Born Records, Ace in the Hole Music, Smokin’ Guitar Music, MNRK Heavy and eOne. Alongside KISS, Frehley’s Comet and his solo work, his listed associated acts include the Ace Frehley Band and Molimo.