(Ashwaubenon, WI) – A loose and confident Ace Frehley took the stage to wild cheers from the several hundred KISS Army loyalist assembled at The Green Bay Distillery in Ashwaubenon, WI on Monday Sept 14th.
In promotion of his chart topping 2014 release, Space Invader, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted guitarist delivered a career spanning, 18 song set filled with new favorites, solo hits and KISS classics.
Eschewing the safe play, Frehley showed his confidence in his new material by opening the hour and a half long set with Space Invader’s Toys and Gimme A Feelin’ before kicking things into warp drive with a pair of fan favorites, Rocket Ride from 1977’s KISS Alive II and Parasite from 1974’s Hotter Than Hell.
As the former “Space Ace” mugged with his band mates and threw a seemingly endless supply of guitar picks to the crowd, he enthusiastically peeled off solo after classic solo from his signature Gibson Les Paul custom.
Not content to stay in the looming shadow of the legendary “Spaceman”, Ace’s impressive backing band each had their moment in the spotlight and on lead vocals. Drummer Scot Coogan took his turn on the KISS classics Love Gun and Detroit Rock City, bassist Chris Wyse stepped up on the Frehley penned deep cut Strange Ways and long time collaborator, guitarist Richie Scarlett delivered the often overlooked 2 Young 2 Die from 1989’s Trouble Walkin and Break Out from 1987’s Frehley’s Comment, which he dedicated to fallen KISS drummer Eric Carr.
Of course no Ace Frehley show would be complete without his biggest hit, New York Groove from Ace’s 1978 self titled solo release and the signature song Shock Me complete with trademark smoking guitar solo.
In a night that showcased the riffs and licks that have inspired thousands of would be guitar heroes for over 40 years it’s hard to imagine any fan, old or young, walking away without a smile on their face. The greasepaint, platform boots and over the top theatrics of his KISS days are gone, but Frehley can still deliver a night of great rock n roll.
Head over to www.acefrehley.com for upcoming all things Ace.
Photos by Dave Burke Photography.
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