Ace Frehley recently shared insights on his upcoming solo album, ‘10,000 Volts,’ with Guitar World. During the chat, the interviewer pointed out that the new record’s release date (February 23) seemed timely in light of some views questioning Frehley’s creativity with his former KISS bandmates’ effect. So, the guitarist said:
“Paul [Stanley] and Gene [Simmons] have tried to destroy my reputation over the years – we know that. And unfortunately for them, ‘10,000 Volts’ is going to make them look like imbeciles.”
Then, comparing his and the band’s career, he went on:
“KISS hasn’t put out a record since 2012 [‘Monster’], and here I am, 17 years sober, and it’s my sixth record since leaving KISS. I keep chugging along, and nobody can stop me. Creating amazing music is the best way to combat someone putting you down. That’s how I shut them up.”
Frehley’s Response To Stanley’s Comments On His Talent
These remarks followed Paul Stanley’s words about possibly having Frehley and Peter Criss on KISS’ final show at Madison Square Garden. In early 2023, Stanley told Howard Stern that the band would sound like ‘piss’ if the original members were back in the lineup.
In response, the guitarist reflected on his steady music career since leaving KISS 20 years ago in a chat with 93.5 FM MAX:
“It was hard in the beginning, but now I’ve picked up a lot of steam. In fact, I remember … the guy that got me signed to the label, he told me that, before [2009’s] ‘Anomaly’ came out, he said a lot of people said to him, ‘You’re not even gonna get the record.'”
Referring to his former bandmates’ comments on his music, he added:
“Because Paul and Gene have pretty much tried to destroy my credibility by calling me a drunk and a drug addict and somebody who’s not dependable. But if that were the case, how did I make five albums? And I’ve been touring steadily for the last 10 years plus.”
The Band And The Guitarist Are Moving On With Their Careers
Despite rumors, Frehley did not join KISS for their final live performance on December 2. While Simmons claimed it was because the former member declined their offer, the guitarist said he never got a phone call about the show.
The band concluded their four-year farewell tour with the current lineup and announced a future phase with digital avatars. Meanwhile, Frehley kept working on his solo work, releasing the title track from ‘10,000 Volts’ on November 28.
