A Look Back at the Guitarist’s Most Iconic Songs from Kiss and His Solo Career.
Following the confirmed death of Ace Frehley at age 74, the original lead guitarist and co-founder of Kiss, fans and musicians alike are revisiting the music that solidified his status as a rock icon.
His family shared that they were able to surround him with love, prayers, and support in his final moments. Known for his signature sound, space-age persona, and guitar innovations, Frehley left behind a catalog that spans both his time with Kiss and a successful solo career. Here are five essential recordings that capture his impact across decades.
1. “Cold Gin” (1974)
Featured on Kiss’s debut album, “Cold Gin” is one of Frehley’s earliest songwriting contributions. Although Gene Simmons handled vocals, the song’s riff-heavy structure and dark energy reflected Frehley’s style from the beginning. It quickly became a concert staple and helped establish Kiss’s gritty early sound.
2. “Shock Me” (1977)
Appearing on the album Love Gun, “Shock Me” marked Frehley’s debut as a lead vocalist. The song was inspired by an onstage electrical shock he suffered, and it evolved into one of his most iconic performances. Its blistering solo work and swaggering riff earned Frehley acclaim not only as Kiss’s lead guitarist but as a frontman in his own right.
3. “Rocket Ride” (1978)
Recorded as one of the studio tracks on Alive II, “Rocket Ride” showcased Frehley’s expanding influence within the band. He handled lead vocals and much of the instrumentation, giving fans a glimpse of the musical instincts that would drive his solo career. The song blends science fiction flair with hard rock intensity, reinforcing his “Spaceman” persona.
4. “New York Groove” (1978)
From his self-titled solo album released the same year as the other Kiss members’ solo projects, “New York Groove” became Frehley’s breakout hit away from the band. A cover of a Russ Ballard track, the song climbed the charts and remains his most commercially successful solo single. Its swagger, groove and hooky chorus highlighted Frehley’s crossover appeal beyond heavy rock.
5. “Walkin’ on the Moon” (2024)
A standout track from his final solo album 10,000 Volts, “Walkin’ on the Moon” captures Frehley’s ability to stay connected to his roots while evolving with age. Even in his later years, his guitar tone and songwriting retained the same cosmic flair that made him a star in the ’70s.
These five tracks trace Frehley’s musical journey—from the raw, riff-driven beginnings of Kiss to the confident experimentation of his solo work and continued creativity into the 2020s. Each recording offers a snapshot of the qualities that made him influential: melodic solos, memorable hooks and a distinctive persona that shaped rock performance.
As tributes pour in from around the world, these songs serve as reminders of Frehley’s place in rock history. Whether listeners are long-time fans or newcomers discovering his catalog for the first time, these recordings offer a powerful entry point into the legacy of a guitarist whose sound defined an era and continues to inspire.
