The Loudini Rock and Roll Circus

LRRC EP858; Ace Frehley, Cliff Williams Played The Wrong Bass Line, Mesa-Boogie Mark IIC, Big Foot

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On this week's Loudini Rock & Roll Circus we dive in the the life and times of KISS guitarist Ace Frehley. Ace had an amazing career and life both in and out of KISS. We had a lot of fun telling some of his wacky rock and roll stories! Plus, what's us with the Mesa-Boogie Mark IIC reissue?  Did Cliff Williams play the wrong bass line on Back 'n Black.  And yes... Big Foot is real!

 

Loudini:

Ace Frehley:

🎸 Ace Frehley — The Spaceman of Rock ‘n’ Roll

Born Paul Daniel “Ace” Frehley on April 27, 1951, in The Bronx, New York, Ace is best known as the original lead guitarist and co-founder of KISS, one of the most iconic and theatrical rock bands of all time. His space-themed persona — “The Spaceman” — perfectly matched his cosmic sound, filled with fiery solos, heavy riffs, and wild stage energy that helped define KISS’s larger-than-life image.

Ace joined KISS in 1973, answering an ad in the Village Voice, and his unique, melodic playing quickly became a key part of the band’s signature sound. He wrote or co-wrote some of KISS’s most beloved tracks, including “Cold Gin,” “Shock Me,” “Parasite,” “Rocket Ride,” and “2,000 Man.” His solo on “Shock Me” — inspired by an onstage electrocution incident — is often cited as one of the great classic rock guitar solos of the 1970s.

In 1978, when each member of KISS released a solo album, Ace’s was the most commercially and critically successful of the four, producing the hit single “New York Groove,” which became a Top 20 hit and remains one of his signature songs.

Frehley left KISS in 1982, citing burnout and creative differences, but he returned for the band’s 1996 reunion tour — one of the biggest in rock history — and continued performing with KISS through the early 2000s. His solo career has remained active and prolific, highlighted by albums like “Frehley’s Comet” (1987), “Anomaly” (2009), “Space Invader” (2014), and “Spaceman” (2018).

Ace has influenced generations of guitarists with his blues-based phrasing, use of effects, and explosive personality, earning a reputation as both a showman and a genuinely innovative player. His signature Gibson Les Paul — often customized to shoot smoke or light up — became one of the most famous guitars in rock history.

Today, Ace Frehley is recognized not only as the original lead guitarist of KISS but as a solo artist who helped shape the sound and image of hard rock and glam metal. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 as a member of KISS

Solo-Career Highlights & Album Performance

Here are some of the key solo-albums, how they performed, and what stands out:

1978 – Ace Frehley
  • Released September 18, 1978 on Casablanca. (Wikipedia)

  • Included the hit single “New York Groove” (a cover of a song by Hello written by Russ Ballard). (acefrehley.fandom.com)

  • Charted at No. 26 on the U.S. Billboard 200. (Wikipedia)

  • It was certified Platinum (meaning shipments over 1 million in the U.S.). (Wikipedia)

  • Among the four simultaneous solo albums released by the original KISS members that day, Ace’s was the strongest commercially. (kiss.fandom.com)

  • For your podcast: this album remains a key starting point — it showed that he could step outside KISS and have meaningful solo impact.

    • 1980s – Frehley’s Comet (1987) & Trouble Walkin’ (1989)
    • “Frehley’s Comet” (1987) is often considered his first major post-KISS solo band outing. It charted at No. 43 on the Billboard 200. (Wikipedia)

    • “Trouble Walkin’” (1989) featured guests (see below) and charted at No. 102. (Wikipedia)

    • These albums came during a time of transition, and while commercially they didn’t match the ’78 record’s impact, they reinforced his solo identity.

      • 2009 – Anomaly
      • Released September 15, 2009. (Wikipedia)

      • Debuted at No. 27 on the Billboard 200. (Wikipedia)

      • For the podcast: highlights his comeback era and his ability to still produce strong chart numbers decades after his initial success.

        • 2014 – Space Invader
        • Released August 18/19, 2014 via eOne. (Wikipedia)

        • Achieved No. 9 on the Billboard 200 — the only solo album by a past or current KISS member to reach the Top 10. (Noise11.com)

        • Very much a high point for his late-career solo work.

          • 2024 – 10,000 Volts
          • Released February 23, 2024. (Wikipedia)

          • Topped both the Hard Music and Rock Album Charts, and had strong international physical sales (e.g., #1 Sweden physical). (MNRK Heavy)

          • Demonstrates his enduring appeal well into his 70s.

            • Summary of Sales/Impact
            • The 1978 album remains his best-selling solo work (Platinum).

            • While precise full sales numbers for all his solo albums are harder to validate publicly, some indication: his 2016 covers album Origins Vol. 1 had “150,000+ solo albums in the U.S. alone (75% physical)” according to a sell-sheet. (Axis)

            • Chart performance indicates sustained relevance: from Top 30 (Anomaly) to Top 10 (Space Invader) to strong rock chart performance in 2024.

              • Key Takeaways for Podcast
              • Ace proved that his solo career wasn’t a footnote — he had real commercial success and longevity.

              • The 1978 debut set the bar.

              • His later work (2014, 2024) shows he could still move units and connect with fans decades later.

              • For your listeners: emphasize the consistency — a classic guitarist staying active, evolving, and achieving milestones across eras.

                • Guest Appearances, Collaborations & Covers

                Ace’s solo career and side projects also feature a number of interesting collaborations and guest appearances:

                • On Origins Vol. 1 (2016, covers album): guests included Paul Stanley (his KISS bandmate), Slash, Mike McCready (Pearl Jam), John 5 (Rob Zombie / Marilyn Manson). (metalforcesmagazine.com)

                • On Origins Vol. 2 (2020): guests included Lita Ford, Bruce Kulick (former KISS guitarist), Robin Zander (Cheap Trick). (Wikipedia)

                • He also guested on other artists’ projects: for example on the 2012 Bret Michaels solo album (playing lead solo) alongside Michael Anthony (Van Halen) and Joe Perry (Aerosmith). (BLABBERMOUTH.NET)

                • On the 1994 Cat #1 by Peter Criss (his former bandmate in KISS), Ace played lead guitar on several tracks (“Bad Attitude”, “Walk the Line”, “Blue Moon Over Brooklyn”). (Wikipedia)

                  • Significance for Your Podcast
                  • These collaborations show Ace reaching out and working with both his peers (old KISS members) and younger/associated rock stars — establishing credibility and relevance across generations.

                  • The presence of high-profile guests underscores the respect he had in the rock community.

                  • Cover albums reveal his influences and his willingness to reinterpret classics, a nice talking point.

                    • TV & Media Appearances
                    • He has done TV interviews — for example, in December 2009 he appeared on Swedish TV talk shows “Robins” and “Aftonbladet TV” during his Anomaly era. (BLABBERMOUTH.NET)

                    • The Late Late Show with James Corden (2018): A version of KISS featuring Ace made a special appearance during a cruise performance, which was taped and aired on that show. (JamBase)

                    • He has been featured in behind-the-scenes web series (“On the Road with Ace Frehley”) circa 2025. (BLABBERMOUTH.NET)

                    • For your podcast: You might mention that beyond music, Ace engaged with media/platforms beyond just concerts and albums — talk shows, web documentaries, international TV — which helps show the breadth of his solo persona.

                      • Suggested Talking Points for Your Podcast

                      Here are some ideas you might weave into your discussion:

                      • The contrast: how Ace’s solo debut (1978) exploded in comparison to the other members’ solo work, and what that told us about his individual appeal.

                      • How his chart resurgence (Space Invader top 10, 10,000 Volts strong rock chart showing) indicates that he remained creatively vital decades after his KISS peak.

                      • The role of covers albums (Origins Vol 1 & 2) in his career: reflecting both his influences and his ability to collaborate.

                      • The guest-appearance network: rock royalty choosing to work with him — a good indicator of his legacy and respect among peers.

                      • His media outreach: TV appearances and modern web series, showing he adapted to the changing ways artists interact with audiences.

                      • Maybe a reflection: for listeners, what can a solo career after a big band teach us? Ace’s path shows both opportunity and challenge.

                      • Anecdote: The single “New York Groove” – how a cover became a solo signature — and how Ace wished he’d written it himself. (People.com)

                        • Here’s a detailed chronology of Ace Frehley’s solo/collaborative albums (release dates, chart peaks where available), plus a summary of major guest appearances & media/TV highlights you can use for your podcast notes.

                        Solo & Band-Albums Chronology

                        Note: Some albums are credited to Ace Frehley solo; some to his band Frehley’s Comet. I’ve listed them in chronological order with key data.

                        Year

                        Album

                        Credit

                        Release Date

                        Chart / Key facts

                        1978

                        Ace Frehley

                        Solo

                        Sept 18, 1978 (Wikipedia)

                        Peaked #26 on US Billboard 200. (Wikipedia) Certified Platinum (shipped over 1 million). (Wikipedia) The hit single “New York Groove” became a signature. (Top Charts)

                        1987

                        Frehley’s Comet

                        Frehley’s Comet (band)

                        1987 (Apple Music - Web Player)

                        First major post-KISS band outing. Chart peak not as prominent publicly.

                        1988

                        Second Sighting

                        Frehley’s Comet

                        May 24, 1988 (Justapedia)

                        Third solo-era LP; band credited. Less Ace-centric according to commentary.

                        1989

                        Trouble Walkin’

                        Solo

                        Oct 13, 1989 (Wikipedia)

                        Peaked #102 on Billboard 200. Features guest performances by former KISS drummer and members of Skid Row. (Wikipedia)

                        2009

                        Anomaly

                        Solo

                        Sept 15, 2009 (Wikipedia)

                        Debuted at #27 on Billboard 200. Marked a comeback after a long gap. (Wikipedia)

                        2014

                        Space Invader

                        Solo

                        August 18 (UK) / 19 (US) 2014 (Wikipedia)

                        Reached #9 on US Billboard 200 — the only solo album by any past or current KISS member to hit Top 10. (Wikipedia)

                        2016

                        Origins Vol. 1

                        Solo (covers album)

                        April 13 (Japan) / April 15 (US) 2016 (Wikipedia)

                        Covers of songs that influenced him; guests include Slash, Lita Ford, John 5, Mike McCready, Paul Stanley. (Wikipedia) Charted #23 in US first week. (Wikipedia)

                        2018

                        Spaceman

                        Solo

                        October 19, 2018 (Music Charts Archive)

                        Peaked #49 on Billboard (as per chart mention) after many years in the business. (Music Charts Archive)

                        2020

                        Origins Vol. 2

                        Solo (covers)

                        September 18, 2020 (Wikipedia)

                        Guest appearances include Lita Ford, John 5, Robin Zander, Bruce Kulick. (Wikipedia)

                        2024

                        10,000 Volts

                        Solo

                        February 23, 2024 (Wikipedia)

                        Topped Hard Music & Rock Album Charts. Debuted strong physical sales (#1 Sweden physical) and other charts. (MNRK Heavy)

                        Additional Notes:

                        • The 1978 debut remains his highest-selling solo album; shipping records show >1.3 million by June 1979. (kissconcerthistory.com)

                        • The gap between 1989 and 2009 shows a long hiatus in major studio releases of new material.

                        • The later period (2014 onward) shows a resurgence with solid chart performance and an emphasis on covers + collaboration.

                        • Covers albums (Origins) are particularly interesting from a narrative perspective — showing him revisiting his influences and collaborating with peers.

                          • Major Guest Collaborations, Media & TV Appearances
                          Here are selected highlights worth including in your podcast to illustrate his broader activities beyond just album releases.
                          Guest/Collaboration Highlights
                          • On Origins Vol. 1, notable guest musicians: Slash, Lita Ford, John 5, Mike McCready (of Pearl Jam), and his former KISS bandmate Paul Stanley. (Wikipedia)

                          • On Origins Vol. 2, guest list includes Lita Ford (again), John 5, Robin Zander (Cheap Trick) and Bruce Kulick (former KISS guitarist). (Wikipedia)

                          • In a 2017 interview on his SiriusXM appearance, Ace discussed writing songs with his former bandmate Gene Simmons (of KISS) saying:


                            • “I called him up … we had a fantastic time.” (Eddie Trunk)


                          • On Trouble Walkin’ (1989) album, guest appearances include his former KISS drummer Peter Criss, and members of Skid Row (Sebastian Bach, Rachel Bolan, Dave “Sabo”). (Wikipedia)

                            • TV / Media / Interview Highlights
                            • On October 1, 2018, during the annual cruise event (the “KISS Kruise”), KISS reunited with Ace Frehley & Bruce Kulick and appeared on the talk show The Late Late Show with James Corden. (JamBase)

                            • A 2025 web-series “On the Road with Ace Frehley” provided behind-the-scenes tour footage. (BLABBERMOUTH.NET)

                            • Appearances on syndicated radio shows: e.g., he featured as a special guest on the radio program Hard Rock Nights talking about his guitar work, fame and the making of Anomaly. (BraveWords - Where Music Lives)

                            • His solo album announcement and media build-up (for example the Origins albums) involved high-profile rock journalism and audio-visual promotion.

                              • Podcast Segment Suggestions

                              Here are some talking-point ideas you can pull in:

                              • Evolution of his solo career: From the “you’re still part of KISS” era (1978) → new band (Frehley’s Comet) → long hiatus → resurgence with strong charting (2014 onward).

                              • Collaboration as indicator of respect: The star-guest line-ups on the Origins albums show how peers and later-generation rock artists viewed him.

                              • Media savvy & longevity: TV/radio/web appearances show he kept engaging with audiences beyond just studio albums.

                              • Narrative arcs:

                                • The peak: 1978 debut, hit single, platinum success.

                                • The struggle/transition: late 80s albums with less chart impact.

                                • The comeback: 2009, 2014, 2024 – new material, covers, renewed energy.

                                • Highlight a song/story: For example “New York Groove” (cover but became Ace’s anthem) – use as anchor moment in his solo career.

                                • Guest appearances to humanize him: e.g., writing with Gene Simmons, working with Slash or Lita Ford — show the interconnected rock-family world.

                                • Media appearances to show his brand/persona: The “Spaceman” persona still visible, but in new formats (cruise TV show, web-series) showing his adaptability.

                                  • Mesa/Boogie MarkIIC++ (art of guitar), Is Big Foot real??? Update on the famed Patterson/Gimlin footage (cabin in the woods), there is no “one size fits all” for guitar technique (gavin brooks)




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