Ace Frehley was good, real good, surprisingly good.
When Ace Frehley was announced as Alice Cooper’s opening act for this Australian tour, the expectations weren’t that high. That changed the moment Ace and band hit the stage at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena and for the next 50 minutes delivered a high energy Kiss show with a couple of songs from his 1978 solo debut.
‘New York Groove’ was a massive hit in Australia. Of the four solo Kiss albums of 1978, Ace Frehley was the only member to have a solo hit. Occasionally, you will still hear the song on classic hits radio.
The bigger surprise was the selection of Kiss songs, some he sang on the original albums (Talk To Me, Hard Times, 2000 Man), some he just played on (Detroit Rock City, Love Gun, Deuce). The fact was it was great to hear the songs live.
Australia has a good dose of Kiss tours and in coming months even a solo Gene Simmons tour. Regardless of who from the band is touring, these were great songs.
Ace’s band is Richie Scarlet on guitar, Chris Wyse on bass and Scoty Coogan. Combined with Ace, they form a competent backbone to faithfully deliver the Kiss legacy
Ace Frehley setlist, Melbourne, 20 October 2017
Parasite (from Kiss, Hotter Than Hell, 1974)
Hard Times (from Kiss, Dynasty, 1979)
2000 Man (from Kiss, Dynasty, 1979)
Rip It Out (from Ace Frehley, 1978)
Love Gun (from Kiss, Love Gun, 1976)
Rocket Ride (from Kiss, Alive II, 1977)
Bass Solo
Strange Ways (from Kiss, Hotter Than Hell, 1974)
Talk to Me (from Kiss, Unmasked, 1980)
New York Groove (from Ace Frehley, 1978)
Shock Me (from Kiss, Love Gun, 1976)
Ace Frehley Guitar Solo
Detroit Rock City (from Kiss, Destroyer, 1976)
Deuce (from Kiss, Kiss, 1974)
Ace Frehley remaining tour dates
October 23, Canberra, AIS Arena
October 24, Brisbane, Exhibition Centre
October 27, Auckland, Trusts Arena
October 28, Wellington, TSB Bank Arena
