Ace Frehley on 'ridiculous' idea of Kiss going on with no original members

Ace Frehley says it’s “ridiculous” to consider the idea of Kiss continuing without any original members.

The former Kiss guitarist was replying to previous comments from ex colleague Paul Stanley that the band’s characters could outlive him and Gene Simmons and continue performing when they’re gone.

Frehley’s Spaceman persona was taken over by Tommy Thayer full-time in 2002, while drummer Peter Criss’ Catman was handed off to Eric Singer. But Frehley says the idea of Simmons and Stanley being replaced is a non-starter.

He tells WZLX 100.7 (via Blabbermouth): “That’s the most ridiculous statement I’ve ever heard them make. I think the only reason they make those statements at this juncture is to try to validate the fact that they have two other guys in the band that aren’t the original members.

“So they’re trying to rationalise to the fans, ‘Well, you know, we replaced Peter and we replaced Ace, and eventually we’re gonna replace ourselves.

“That’s like Mick Jagger saying, ‘Yeah, after me and Keith die, The Stones will continue on with two other guys.’ It’s a joke.”

Frehley’s relationship with Stanley appears to be in better shape than it has been for years, with Stanley having guested on Frehley’s upcoming album Origins Vol. 1.

Frehley enjoyed the experience so much that he was moved to say he’d never rule out a potential return to Kiss.

Ace Frehley remaining 2016 US tour dates

Apr 01: Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, FL
Apr 02: Clearwater Capitol Theatre, FL
Apr 03: Sunrise Rockfest 80s, FL
Apr 05: Atlanta Variety Playhouse, GA
Apr 07: Danville Carrington Pavilion, VA
Apr 09: New Hope Havana, PA
Apr 11: New York B.B. King’s Blues Club, NY
Apr 12: New York B.B. King’s Blues Club, NY
Apr 13: Huntington The Paramount, NY
Apr 15: Wilkes Barre The FM Kirby Center, PA
Apr 16: Poughkeepsie The Chance, NY

Stef wrote close to 5,000 stories during his time as assistant online news editor and later as online news editor between 2014-2016. An accomplished reporter and journalist, Stef has written extensively for a number of UK newspapers and also played bass with UK rock favourites Logan. His favourite bands are Pixies and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. Stef left the world of rock'n'roll news behind when he moved to his beloved Canada in 2016, but he started on his next 5000 stories in 2022.