Fresh from his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as the lead guitarist of Kiss, Ace Frehley and friends landed on November 20th, at the Paramount in Huntington, New York. The 21 song set included tracks spanning Ace’s entire career to date, including numbers from his recently released Space Invaders. The sixth album in his solo catalog charted at #9 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart, and adds to Ace’s creds as the most successful Kiss member in terms of solo releases. Recent barbs in the press from Kiss members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons seem quite petty, as Frehley’s show musically exceeds anything Kiss has done in some time. These rock soldiers should lighten up a little. Letting the music speak for him is more than enough response from Frehley.
 
Ace’s fine live show is due in large part to the current players in his band. Richie Scarlet (rhythm guitar), Chris Wyse (Bass guitar), and Scot Coogan (drums) are serious veteran players. All of the band members took turns with vocals, which allowed Ace Frehly free to concentrate on his signature lead guitar work. Drummer Scot Coogan filled in nicely for Paul Stanley, as the band covered some songs from the Double Platinum years of Kiss. Frehley boldly brought in some numbers that he did not handle vocals on while in Kiss, and the performances exceeded expectations. Tracks like Strutter, Parasite, Detroit Rock Cty, and Deuce had been sung by Simmons or Stanley, who likely will have some publicity garnering quotes continuing the ongoing silly feud. They might even become angrier when they hear how superbly and crisply the songs came off as handled without them. Stanley’s vocals have worn from a heavy Kiss touring schedule over many years, and Scot Coogan showed no such wear and tear.
The folks at the exquisite venue achieved lift-off from the get-go, when Ace opened with Rip It Out from his 1978 solo offering. Later Ace played the Russ Ballard penned New York Groove, followed by the classic Shock Me.  Ace brought us back to the riff he immortalized on Alive II, as the current from his guitar left the crowd shocked in the best possible way.  Snowblind was also offered from Ace’s Kiss solo album, which is the favorite Frehley release for most fans. Richie Scarlett handled vocals on 2 Young 2 Die, and Queens New York native Chris Wyse offered up his fine take on the Kiss classic Strange Ways. Ace stayed true to his roots, while still remaining relevant in the present moment.  By the time he achieved lift-off with the classic Rocket Ride, the alien invasion had stormed in and conquered the night. The encores consisted of the Kiss staples Detroit Rock City, Cold Gin and Deuce. This was the finest of trio of consecutive songs performed at any Kiss-related show since I first saw the original band on the Dynasty Tour. Ace did not have to ask for any cards for his hand, as he dealt a tasty set list. The tracks from Space Invaders, including the title track, Toys, and Gimme A Feelin’ brought to mind the sound from 1978’s solo album, with the new songs fitting in like perfectly cut puzzle pieces . The tour concluded on December 7th in Anaheim, California at the House of Blues. Look for new dates to possibly be added soon.
 
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Words: Bob Wilson
Pictures: Wayne HerrschaftÂ
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If you want to reminisce about KISS, pick up SEALED WITH A KISS by Lydia Criss at amazon.com Lydia Criss “Sealed With A Kiss”
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