Rock-n-roll ruled during the 1980’s, and with its dominance came many memorable bands. One such band that comes to mind was the project of Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley named Frehley’s Comet. Short-lived, the band only lasted three studio albums and faded into the galaxy in 1988 with Frehley pursuing a solo career and the crew of Frehley’s Comet going on to other endeavors. Now in 2014, the stars have realigned with vocalist/guitarist Tod Howarth (Frehley’s Comet, Cheap Trick), bassist John Regan (Frehley’s Comet, Peter Frampton), guitarist Sean Kelly (Crash Kelly, Helix) and drummer Stet Howland (W.A.S.P., Lita Ford) joining together in a new project called Four by Fate. With this new band born, Howarth commented that Four by Fate will play “some Comet tunes and maybe some tunes from other big bands that we have all collectively played with.” Making a special appearance at Revolution Music Hall in Amityville, NY on Thursday June 5th, the band hosted a rock extravaganza with support from Race Odyssey and Richie Scarlet.
NY based act Race Odyssey is lead by veteran guitarist Johnny Race. Race has been rocking stages around the tri-state area for three decades now; sharing the stage with Joe Bonamassa, Zebra,Y&T, Joe Lynn Turner, and Tracii Guns to name a few. Coming at the audience with a straight classic rock-n-roll sound, the band fit perfectly with the evening’s feel. Be sure to check out the band as they continue to play shows locally.
Next up was accomplished guitarist Richie Scarlet. On the rock scene for years, Scarlet has spent time in Frehley’s Comet, Sebastian Bach, Alice Cooper Group, Chubby Checker, and many more. Starting his set in interesting fashion, Scarlet began at the back bar walking through the crowd with his guitar to the front. Opening up with instrumental rock classic “Becks Bolero”, he went into a list of great songs from his newest album I Plead The Fifth (2012). Showing the skill of a world class guitarist, Scarlet sprinkled in some of his older tunes as well from years past and kept this audience’s eyes on the stage. Confessing that two of his biggest influences musically are in fact The Beatles and Jeff Beck he even played a great instrumental version of “A Day In The Life”. Concluding the rocking performance the way it began, Scarlet walked off the stage through the crowd back to the bar. It is no wonder this hard working musician has been labeled the “Emperor of Rock and Roll” after all these years.
With the audience all warmed up, the intimate crowd gathered close to the stage awaiting Four By Fate. Many in attendance were aware of the amount of experience and clout this four piece band brought with them, and that merely added to the excitement, ready to begin. As Howarth, Regan, Kelly, and Howland walked out, applauds began and they took off into a set rattled with great tunes. Performing tightly and passionately, the band played such songs as Frehley’s Comet ” Into The Night”, W.A.S.P. “Blind In Texas”, and Cheap Trick’s “I Want You To Want Me”, to name a few. Projecting a sense of comfort together on stage, rocking out songs from their careers, it was a spectacular experience to see the band on stage together. It was easy to see it was a special experience for the band as well when Regan thanked his bandmates and the audience as they played Frehley’s Comet songs for the first time since 1988.
While Four By Fate is still raising awareness in the rock scene to their existence, they are putting on great shows in the process. Fans of Frehley’s Comet, W.A.S.P., Cheap Trick, or the countless other bands Four By Fate have been a part of should check out their show. Four By Fate head over to Europe now on August 7 in Norway and August 9th in Belgium.
Keyboardist for Richie Scarlet. Great shots of everyone. Nice job.