Ace Frehley admitted he would have rejoined KISS before his shock death at 74
Years before his death, guitarist Ace Frehley admitted in an interview that he was open to the idea of a reunion tour with KISS but said he would only do it 'for the right price'
Ace Frehley admitted he would have rejoined KISS "for the right price" before he sadly died aged 74.
The original lead guitarist and founding member of the glam rock band died peacefully surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall, according to his agent. His family said in a statement they are "completely devastated and heartbroken" but vowed to cherish their memories of the musician.
The rock star, who was nicknamed The Spaceman during his time in the band, reportedly suffered a brain bleed after falling in his studio a couple of weeks ago. This led to him being hospitalized on life support as his health continued to decline.
A 2018 interview Ace did with Yahoo has now resurfaced. In his chat with journalist Lyndsey Parker, he was asked whether he would be willing to participate in the band's End of the Road final tour, if he had the opportunity.
Chuckling, Ace said, "I knew you were gonna ask that. Okay, I have a pat answer, and it's true: I haven't been invited." However, he admitted he was open to the idea and said he would "absolutely" do it "for the right price."
He added, "The first year of that [1996] reunion tour, we grossed $215 million. … So, what would it be today? Probably double that? Half a billion? I'm there. Anything can happen. … The ball's in Gene and Paul's court.
"So fans, if you want it, speak up. If you don't, don't. I'm okay either way. Don't worry about me. Tell Paul and Gene what to do - because you pay their salary. It's true." A 2023 concert at Madison Square Garden was billed as the band's last, but Ace didn't take part in it. While Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons said they would not tour again, they've been open to the possibility of more concerts, and they've stayed active promoting the group's music and memorabilia.
The band's original lineup included Frehley, singer-guitarist Paul, tongue-wagging bassist Gene and drummer Peter Criss. Ace's is the first death among the four founding members. Paul and Gene said in a statement after Ace's death, "We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley.
"He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history. He is and will always be a part of KISS's legacy. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world."
In a statement, Ace's family said, "We are completely devastated and heartbroken. In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to have been able to surround him with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this earth. We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others. The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions, and beyond comprehension. Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace's memory will continue to live on forever!"
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