A Rock icon, the lead guitarist for classic-era KISS, Ace Frehley is one of the most distinct characters of the band’s history. When in 1978, each member of KISS released a “solo” record; Frehley’s went platinum and was the most successful of the four. Departing from the band in 1982, he launched a successful solo career releasing three albums in three years; Frehley’s Comet (1987), Second Sighting (1988), and Trouble Walkin’ (1989). It was another twenty years before his next release, 2009’s Anomaly, and another five before his latest highly anticipated effort Space Invader. Now touring in support of his latest release, Classic Rock icon Frehley was ready to thrill a packed room at The Paramount in Huntington, NY on Thursday November 20th.
Opening the night, Baltimore’s Charm City Devils brought their brand of Sleaze Rock to The Paramount for a thirty minute set of heavy guitars and angst ridden lyrics. Spending most of 2014 on the road, the band toured with the likes of Slash this summer and was a part of 2012’s Rock Allegiance. Featuring dual guitarists (Victor Karrera and Nick Kay), bassist Anthony Arambula, drummer Jason Heiser, and lead vocalist John Allen, Charm City Devils replicated the sound of early Aerosmith and the look of early Guns N’ Roses, appearing as if they just came off the Sunset Strip in 1988. “Devil is a Woman,” a gritty rocker opened the set with a preview of what was to come as fuzzed out guitars and Classic Rock sounding solos accompanied Allen’s aggressive vocals. Other highlights included a rocking rendition of the often covered “Man of Constant Sorrow” and a Blues number entitled “I Got Mine” which featured a lengthy bridge of Jimi Hendrix’ “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)”, and Led Zeppelin’s “Bring It On Home.” Charm City Devils’ new album Battles is out now and is a worthy addition to a Rock fan’s collection.
Taking the stage after an hour break between opener Charm City Devils, Frehley opened the show with a blistering rendition of “Rip it Out” from 1978’s Ace Frehley. A straight-ahead rocker, oozing power chords, propulsive drumming, and a punchy solo, it set the tone for the night. Backed by a cast of accomplished musicians including guitarist Richie Scarlet, bassist Chris Wyse (The Cult), and drummer Scot Coogan (Brides of Destruction), with no stage adornments other than a banner behind the drum kit, Frehley treated the crowd to a good old fashioned rock show. Following the opener, Frehley dipped right into the new album with “Gimme a Feeling” and “Toys,” two guitar heavy numbers.
The crowd screamed for KISS, and following the first three numbers, they were not disappointed. “Parasite” from 1974’s Hotter Than Hell, “Snow Blind” from 1978’s Ace Frehley, and the title track from 1977’s Love Gun followed with Coogan on vocals. This allowed for some excellent soloing by both Frehley and Scarlet. Intense energy was being displayed on stage and the crowd, ranging in age from twelve to over sixty, responded in kind.
Keeping the energy flowing, Scarlet, Wyse, and Coogan assumed lead vocals on the next group of songs which included “Breakout” from Ace Frehley’s first solo album, Frehley’s Comet, and a three song medley consisting of the title track from Space Invader and Kiss classics “King of the Night Time World” and “Strutter” from their 1976 smash Destroyer and their 1974 self-titled debut, respectively. All provided strong vocals and their own unique style as Scarlet’s rough vocals were an excellent counterpoint to Wyse and Coogan’s smoother singing. Going right back to the new material, Frehley went into medium-paced rocker “Change”, whose lyrics were penned by his fiancée Rachael Gordon. Responding well to the offering from Space Invader, the crowd cheered, enjoying every minute and wondering what would be next. With that said, next came Wyse taking lead vocals again on the Kiss number “Strange Ways”, one of Kiss’ heavier songs from the ’70s, with a dark, down tuned riff and menacing lyrics.
With twelve out of twenty-two tracks coming from albums released under KISS, Frehley had an excellent understanding of his crowd. Top 20 hit “New York Groove” included an extended sing-along with the crowd which was followed by the KISS song most associated with Ace Frehley; “Shock Me.” On KISS Alive II (1977), Paul Stanley screams to the crowd, “We got a little surprise for you tonight. We’re gonna turn the microphone over to Ace Frehley. Shock Me!” This was the first song on a KISS studio album in which Frehley performed lead vocals, despite having written many tracks on previous KISS albums. Harkening back to KISS’ heyday, Frehley played an extended solo and incorporated his famous pyrotechnics on his guitar as flames and smoke flew from his signature sunburst Les Paul Custom. After closing the solo, Frehley got a huge roar from the fans after saying, “Forty fucking years and still smokin’.”
Closing out the set with solo tracks “2 Young 2 Die,” “Shot Full of Rock,” and “Rocket Ride” from Alive II’s fourth side of studio tracks, the audience was screaming for more. Grateful for the response, Frehley and his band came out for an encore, pulling out all the stops on a three song set featuring three of KISS’ most popular tracks; “Detroit Rock City,” “Cold Gin,” and “Deuce.” All three featured extended jams with Frehley and Scarlet trading the spotlight, as well as Coogan on lead vocals again for “Detroit Rock City.” Concert goers looking for a night of fun, no holds barred Rock-n-Roll with excellent guitar work, and wall to wall energy and excitement, look no further than Ace Frehley live on stage. Prowling the stage for two solid hours of unpretentious power chords and songs about drugs, booze, women, etc. and a plethora of tracks from KISS at the height of their popularity, Frehley knew what the crowd is there for, and he delivers.
No comment