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Space Invasion: Kiss' Ace Frehley now a solo star

Chris Jordan

Ace Frehley

Who's the member of Kiss with the highest-charting solo record?

It's the Space Ace.

Ace Frehley's new "Space Invader" debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 in August. The next highest solo record for a Kiss member was bass man Gene Simmons, who notched a No. 22 with his solo record at the height of Kiss-mania in the '70s.

So how does it feel for Frehley, who's been the target of recent barbs from Simmons and frontman Paul Stanley?

"I think the success of this record has kind of made Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons look a little foolish because they're constantly taking pot shots at me about my ability and my ability as a musician," Frehley said. "I think it just proves there might be some jealously behind some of those statements and there might be more jealousy at this juncture."

Frehley's "Space Invader" tour goes into orbit, starting with a Nov. 13 date at the State Theatre in New Brunswick. It circles back for a Nov. 22 show at the Borgata in Atlantic City and shows Nov. 24 and 25 at B.B. King's Blues Club and Grill in Times Square.

"It's a nice surprise. It was very well received all over the world," said the Bronx-born Frehley. "I'm planning a European tour in June, and hopefully I'm going to hit Australia in the spring and Japan. The success of this record has really opened up a lot of doors."

"Space Invader" is six-string flash and glammy verve melded to an interstellar rocket.

"It's a feel-good record because I had a good time recording it," said Frehley on the phone from his San Diego home. "There wasn't a lot of negativity around me during the recording process. It's a great record to drive to in your car and blast it."

It has been a long trip for Frehley to this point. He answered an ad in the Village Voice and joined with Simmons, Stanley and drummer Peter Criss, who now lives in Wall, to change music as a member of Kiss.

The band emerged from the glam-rock dipped New York City music scene of the early '70s that included the New York Dolls.

Ace Frehley

"When we came out, the Dolls were bigger than us," Frehley said. "The Dolls had already made their name, then we came along at some point, and we surpassed their popularity and we know what happened in history. They were definitely a very original, very innovative band, and I respected those guys."

Frehley shared stylistic elements with the Dolls' Johnny Thunders. They both used Gibson Les Pauls and both had a crunchy, sparse style of playing that allowed their personalities to shine through.

"There's lots of overdubbing, you just don't hear it," said Frehley of the Space Ace guitar sound. "I'll double stuff with (acoustic guitars) but I'll tuck it under the electric guitar so it's just low enough so you really don't distinguish it, but it adds something, it adds sparkle. I learned that from Pete Townshend, listening to early Who records. He used to double a lot of things with electric guitar and acoustic guitar."

Frehley's original run with Kiss lasted until '82. He re-upped in '96, and that lasted until 2002. Sobriety has historically been an issue for the 63-year-old, but at last count, he's been clean for the past eight years.

"You get addicted, that's the problem and even though you're not having fun anymore, if you stop doing it, you get sick," Frehley said. "It's a vicious cycle, and you have to break that cycle and I was lucky enough to do that eight years ago. Unfortunately, some people aren't as lucky — everyday I hear from fans who got sober because of me. 'Ace, I got sober because you got sober' and it just makes my day."

Ace Frehley: Lakewood bound.

"I've lost a lot of friends over the years. It goes along with the territory of rock 'n' roll."

Now, it's time for blast off. Frehley's band will include guitarist Richie Scarlet (Sebastian Bach), bassist Chris Wyse (The Cult) and drummer Scot Coogan (Lynch Mob, Lita Ford).

"This band has four lead singers — the harmonies should be great," Frehley said. "I'm looking forward to performing."

Chris Jordan: 732-643- 4060;

Ace Frehley

WHEN: 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13

WHERE: State Theatre, Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick

INFO $45 to $65. 732-246-7469;


WHO: Ace Frehley

WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22

WHERE: The Music Box at the Borgata Hotel, Casino and Spa, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City

INFO: $29.50 to $35; 609-317-1000;