Ace Frehley's Guitar

Lore & Background

The lore surrounding Ace Frehley centers on his independence and drive, sparked by a specific incident at a band business meeting. Before recording began, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons told him, 'Oh Ace, by the way – if you need any help on your record, don't hesitate to call us.' Frehley recalled thinking, 'I don't need their help,' a sentiment that fueled his solo project. This determination led to an album that became the most successful of the four KISS solo efforts released in 1978. While some songs were originally slated for the next KISS album after Love Gun—which became Dynasty—they found their home on Frehley's debut. The narrative is one of self-reliance, proving his ability to succeed without bandmate assistance.

Reader's Guide

For those studying the personnel behind this success, the source provides specific details on the musicians who shaped the sound. Anton Fig played drums and percussion, later becoming a member of Frehley's band, Frehley's Comet, and performing session work on KISS albums Dynasty and Unmasked. Will Lee contributed bass to three tracks: 'Ozone,' 'I'm in Need of Love,' and 'Wiped-Out.' Both Fig and Lee later gained prominence as members of the World's Most Dangerous Band and the CBS Orchestra with Paul Shaffer. The production was handled by Frehley and Eddie Kramer, who also engineered the album alongside Rob Freeman. Specific instrumental contributions included Carl Tallarico on drums for 'Fractured Mirror' and Bobby McAdams providing power mouth (talkbox) effects on 'New York Groove.'

Did You Know?

• Drummer Anton Fig later became a member of Ace Frehley's band, Frehley's Comet, and played on KISS albums Dynasty (1979) and Unmasked (1980).
• The album was certified platinum on October 2, 1978, just two weeks after its September 18 release date.

Historical Context and Creation

Released on September 18, 1978, by Casablanca Records, Ace Frehley was one of four solo albums released simultaneously by each KISS member. It emerged as the most successful of the group's solo efforts. The creation was driven by a specific moment at a band business meeting where Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons offered help with his record, prompting Frehley to think, 'I don't need their help.' Several tracks were originally intended for the fifth KISS album, Rock and Roll Over, before being included here.

Musical Composition and Personnel

The album was produced by Ace Frehley and Eddie Kramer. It featured Anton Fig on drums, who later joined Frehley's Comet and played on KISS albums Dynasty and Unmasked. Will Lee played bass on 'Ozone,' 'I'm in Need of Love,' and 'Wiped-Out.' Other contributors included Carl Tallarico (drums on 'Fractured Mirror'), Bobby McAdams (power mouth/talkbox on 'New York Groove'), and backing vocalists David Lasley, Susan Collins, and Larry Kelly. The production team also included engineers Rob Freeman, Eric Block, Don Hunerburg, and mastering by George Marino at Sterling Sound.

Commercial Success and Chart Performance

'New York Groove,' a cover of the 1975 Hello single written by Russ Ballard, reached No. 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100, the highest placement for any single from the four 1978 KISS solo albums. The album peaked at No. 26 on the US Billboard 200. It was certified platinum on October 2, 1978, after shipping over 1,000,000 copies. It remains the highest-selling of the four KISS solo albums in the Sound Scan era (1991 onwards).

Critical Reception and Legacy

Greg Prato of AllMusic called it 'the best of the bunch,' noting Frehley did not stray far from the heavy KISS sound. Jason Josephes of Pitchfork described it as a 'melange of riff rock, power pop, and just a little bit of soul.' Martin Popoff defined it as 'the least pretentious, heaviest and best-selling platter' of the quartet, characterizing the music as 'solid, well-rounded simplified '70s metal.'