Canadian band recalled nights on tour in 1974 spent ‘doing whatever nonsense we could think of’ to make legendary American guitarist laugh
The remaining members of the Rush remember the period in which they acted as the opening band for Kiss in the 1970s. After the death of Ace Frehley on Thursday, October 16, the Canadian band shared a tribute to the American guitarist, calling him an “irrefutable character.”
“Absolutely shocked and saddened by the news of Ace Frehley’s tragic death”the band wrote on Instagram. “In 1974, as the opening act for Kiss, Alex (Lifesonguitarist), Neil (Peartdrummer) and me (Geddy Leevocalist and bassist) we spent many nights together in his hotel room after shows, doing whatever nonsense we could think of, just to make him let out his inimitable, infectious laugh.”
The group added: “He was an undeniable character and a bona fide rock star. Rest in peace, Ace…thanks for welcoming us newbies into the world of rock and roll.”
See this photo on InstagramA post shared by Rush (@rush)
Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson shared stories from their tour with Kiss (and especially Frehley) in a documentary, Team Stand Stillin 2016. While on tour, Lifeson often dressed as “The Bag” — putting a paper bag over his head and stuffing his hands down his pants to entertain his bandmates and Frehley.
“Gene was very, very upset with The Bag”recalled Lifeson in the documentary. “And that made Ace even happier.”
“Gene was straight-faced”Lee added at the time. “He didn’t get high like we did. He had a different sense of reality when he walked into Ace’s room. We were drinking, smoking and acting like idiots.”
Frehley passed away in Morristown, New Jersey, at age 74. Lori Lousararian, Frehley’s representative, attributed his death to a “recent fall at his home,” although the specific cause of death was not immediately released.
“We are completely devastated and heartbroken.”Frehley’s family said in a statement. “In his final moments, we were fortunate to be able to surround him with loving, caring and peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this Earth.”
About Ace Frehley
Born April 27, 1951, Paul Daniel “Ace” Frehley He started playing guitar at age 13 and grew up in a musical family. In his youth, he was part of several local bands while juggling jobs as a postman, taxi driver and delivery boy.
In 1972, he responded to an advertisement for a guitarist in a new band. It was selected by Paul Stanley (voice and guitar), Gene Simmons (voice and bass) and Peter Criss (drums) after a curious audition in which he appeared “poorly dressed”, according to his colleagues, but surprised with his performance.
He joined the group that adopted the name Kiss in 1973. Frehley created the persona Spaceman (also Space Ace), painting silver stars on his eyes. The band’s double lightning bolt logo is also his.
Ace initially remained in the lineup until 1982, when, amid problems with drug addiction and conflicts with Stanley and Simmons, he left the group.
After leaving Kiss, he formed Frehley’s Cometwith which he released two albums, and began a solo career. In 1996 he returned to the masked band for a reunion tour, remaining until 2002.
Frehley was introduced into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 as a member of Kiss. He was credited for 11 of the group’s studio albums, although he did not play on one (Creatures of the Night1982) and its presence in another (Psycho Circus1998) is limited to just a few tracks. He also released eight studio albums as a solo artist.
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Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
