5 Wild and Unforgettable Stories That Prove Why Ace Frehley Was One of a Kind

Ace Frehley died on October 16, leaving behind a legacy that proved he was far more than just the “Spaceman” of Kiss. Ace reinvented himself time and time again—even when it seemed impossible, and perhaps even when his former bandmates doubted he could.

Since 2009, he has released six solo albums, featuring both original songs and covers of artists who have inspired him. His 2014 album Space Invader even reached the Top 10 on the Billboard charts, making it the first Kiss-related solo album to do so. For many who had written him off because of past struggles, this was a triumphant comeback—classic Ace at his best.

Throughout the years, Ace shared incredible stories about his wild life—tales that showcased his humor, creativity, and rock ’n’ roll spirit. His anecdotes were as unpredictable as his guitar solos. He spoke about sneaking into legendary concerts, witnessing UFOs, and, of course, his reasons for leaving Kiss. The following five stories capture why Ace Frehley was truly one of a kind.

1. How Kiss Alive! Became a Rock Landmark

When fans think of Kiss, Alive! is often the first album that comes to mind. For Ace, though, it wasn’t just about the roaring crowds and pyrotechnics—it was about transforming chaos into something extraordinary. He recalled how wild it was to work with producer Eddie Kramer to enhance those live performances in the studio.

Before digital editing, they had to create elaborate tape loops of audience noise and layer them by hand. Ace loved the process—it was messy, loud, and completely new. He always said Alive! succeeded because it captured the raw energy and mayhem of a true Kiss concert: the lights, the fire, the smoke, and most importantly, the music. The album catapulted the band to fame, and Ace knew it would always remain part of their legacy.

2. The Show That Changed His Life

As a teenager growing up in New York, Ace wasn’t chasing fame—he just loved rock music. One day, he and a friend skipped school to sneak into a concert. They planned to see Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, but fate had something else in store. That same show featured Cream and The Who, two of the greatest live bands in history—and young Ace was completely blown away.

He had never seen anything like it: Pete Townshend tossing guitars in the air, Keith Moon demolishing his drums, Roger Daltrey swinging his microphone like a lasso, and John Entwistle calmly holding it all together. The power of that performance lit a spark in him.

From that day forward, he was determined to form a band that both looked and sounded spectacular. The Who’s unrestrained energy planted the seed for the kind of theatrical rock Kiss would later perfect. Decades later, Ace had the chance to perform alongside some of those same bands—a full-circle moment that still made him smile.

3. When the Spaceman Actually Met the Stars

Ace Frehley’s fascination with outer space was more than an image—it was part of who he was. At one point, he believed he might have had a real close encounter. One night, he woke up half-asleep at his front door and saw a strange circular mark on the grass outside. Soon after, he began having vivid dreams about visits from another world.

As always, Ace turned the experience into art. “Up in the Sky,” from his 2024 album 10,000 Volts, was inspired by those bizarre nights. Whether it was a genuine alien encounter or just the product of an overactive imagination, Ace treated it as another cosmic adventure. Being “The Spaceman” wasn’t just a stage persona—it was a way of life.

4. A Guitar Hero Who Stayed Humble

From Slash to Mike McCready of Pearl Jam, countless guitarists have cited Ace as an influence. Yet he never took himself too seriously. He often joked that he might have practiced more if he’d known how many future stars would study his playing. What made him so magnetic was his effortless cool—he played from instinct, not ego.

Ace’s setup was simple: a Gibson Les Paul plugged straight into a Marshall amp, cranked up to full volume. He rarely used more than one pickup and loved creating harmonics by brushing the string with his thumb as he picked, giving his tone that unmistakable bite fans could recognize instantly.

He wasn’t a flashy technician—he was a guitarist who played with feeling. His solos were catchy, bluesy, and full of attitude, the kind you could hum along to. Influenced by legends like Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, and Jimi Hendrix, Ace forged his own sound by blending their styles. His philosophy never changed: keep it real, keep it raw, and make it sing.

5. The Moment He Knew He Had to Leave Kiss

Being in Kiss was exhilarating but not always easy. Ace often grew frustrated that critics focused more on the costumes and pyrotechnics than the music itself. For him, the songs were what truly mattered. When his solo hit “New York Groove” topped the charts in 1978—the only solo track from any Kiss member to do so—Ace realized something important: he could succeed on his own.

As time went on, the immense pressure of being in one of the world’s biggest bands and ongoing creative conflicts began to wear on him. He wanted to make music without the restrictions that came with Kiss. Eventually, he made the difficult decision to leave. It cost him millions, but he never regretted it.

“You can’t put a price on peace of mind,” he used to say. Ace had met plenty of rich but unhappy people, and he refused to become one of them. By walking away, he gained happiness, health, and sanity—things money could never buy.

Ace Frehley’s life was filled with chaos, laughter, and magic—the kind only true rock legends possess. Whether he was talking about sneaking into concerts or meeting aliens, he did it with the same candid humor he brought to his music. That mix of wit, mystery, and heart made him unforgettable.

Even after the makeup came off, Ace remained a dreamer, a joker, and a guitar hero who never stopped reaching for the stars. In his own unique way, he ensured he’d always shine just a little brighter than everyone else.