Rip it out: My Tribute to Ace Frehley

I would like to start by expressing my condolences to everyone who was blessed to know Ace personally especially his Daughter and Family. Including all of his bandmates.

I know that it has been a month since Ace passed. But I am not writing this as a journalist with an obligation to report the latest news. I am writing this as a fellow artist and fan who despite having only met the Man once (I will touch on that later) I am grieving. So like any other art I create, this is an outlet to express myself and as someone who is grieving I am hoping this will comfort others who feel the same way. However I would like to share this link so that you can Pay your respects to Ace I would also like to thank whoever made all this amazing tribute artwork. I wish I knew who it was so I could give them credit. Hopefully this piece becomes a reality.

Rip it Out

I felt this was the perfect title for a tribute to Ace. Like the chorus to first solo on his 1978 solo album goes : "Rip it out!, take my heart!" that is exactly how many feel right now. And I sometimes find myself fixated on the first track of an album. It is your first step into a new album, so they are always special. Some people may find the fact that I am grieving over someone I didn't know personally to be nonsense, irrational, or even insane. But I believe that like each person is unique, the way a person grieves is unique and personal. The artists that inspire us and enrich our lives are just as much a part of us as our close friends and family are. Especially when these artists inspire us to pick up an instrument and learn to play. I probably mentioned this before, but I discovered KISS at an early age after finding a cassette copy of their debut album after moving into the house spent most of my childhood in. Like Ace, I became a guitar player first and singer second. I remember playing that tape, hearing that first song "Strutter". I was blown away by the music as a whole but it was the guitars that stood out. From the riffs to the solos, I loved the intensity and feel of their playing. As I studied their sound I learned that despite the phenomenal playing of Ace Frehley, a big part of the KISS sound was the teamwork between Ace and Paul Stanley.

Of course that time period brought us several guitar greats, but Ace Frehley is unique. It was as if you could feel his emotions through the playing. And it wasn't just his playing. It was how he moved about on stage. Swaying or thrusting with each note as needed (if you don't know what I mean rewatch the video above). And of course his personality that stands out in every interview or public appearance he made. Many credit him for being one of the first (if no the first) guitarist to finger tap. Ace's aforementioned 1978 solo album also had the song "Fractured Mirror", the earliest rock-guitar instrumental to my knowledge. In the years to come rock guitar instrumentals would become its own genre with albums by Yngwie Malmsteen, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Eric Johnson and the likes.

To date this was the most difficult entry to write. I have been working on it for weeks. Like I had stated in my tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, there is no way to include everything I wanted to or could say about someone so influential with such a long career in music. I can say that I was fortunate enough to see the original KISS perform live and got to meet Ace. Unfortunately it was when I was young and I tried snapping a picture of him without permission at a meet and greet getting scolded by one of his personnel, so I didn't get to thank him for influencing me. Not my finest moment, but you live and learn. I figured I would give you the opportunity to have a laugh at my expense. You're welcome.

Though I never got to thank Ace personally, his influence on me remains until this day. I recall him saying in an interview that his advice to anyone looking achieve something is to "Never give up and Don't listen to anybody". Simple but effective. Of course being in music I've met quite a few people that have interacted with Ace in some way. But the one that stands out the most is Kore Rozzik. A personal friend of mine who's band toured with Ace for two years.

There is so much more I could say about the Man who personified the blueprint for what a rock star should look and act like. But I think so many already know. Many bands over the years that inspired me were inspired by Ace's playing from Pantera to Trixter and more. It's a testimony to what one determined individual can do if they believe in themselves and like he advised others to do "Never Give Up!". I would also like to praise Ace in his resilience and becoming sober. I hope anyone who is struggling with addiction can see this as an example of what can happen if you keep fighting for what's best in life. And whether you're struggling with addiction, or anything else in life or not, It is still THE BEST piece of advice a person can live by.

Thank you all for reading this. I have no doubt that Ace will never be forgotten. Like many of the celestial bodies we look up at in the sky, his star will never fade. With that in mind, I invite all of you to Sign this petition to Make Ace an Honorary Astronaut . I will leave you with this wonderful tribute that was played at the recent KISS Kruise in Las Vegas.

Enjoy and be well, Nate xoxo