Focus On: Ace Frehley

April 27, 1951-October 16, 2025 I know that I’m a little late posting about the tragic death of the legendary Ace Frehley, but I wanted to post about him after Thirty-One Days O’Horror so that I could give his death my full attention. As many of my readers know, I’m a massive KISS fan andContinue reading “Focus On: Ace Frehley”

The Year Of KISS: Monster (2012)

“Cause money makes the rules!” KISS pulled their way back into the mainstream spotlight with Sonic Boom. Despite constant criticism from “fans” upset with the fact that Ace and Peter had been replaced by Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, makeup and all, the group continued to tour successfully, selling out multiple shows and putting outContinue reading “The Year Of KISS: Monster (2012)”

The Year Of KISS: Psycho Circus (1998)

“I wanna leave but I can’t get away….” With the recording of Carnival Of Souls: The Final Sessions all but forgotten, KISS rode a wave of nostalgia that started in 1995 with the reuniting of the original band on MTV Unplugged. KISS was once again at the top of the world, as the original membersContinue reading “The Year Of KISS: Psycho Circus (1998)”

The Year Of KISS: Ken Kelly, Artist (1946-2022)

Destroyer, Love Gun Cover Artist Passes Away On June 3, 2022, the art world and the rock world lost one of its most iconic creators. Ken Kelly, a sword and sorcery artist who KISS fans know as the cover artist for two of KISS’ most iconic albums: Destroyer and Love Gun. Kelly produced artwork forContinue reading “The Year Of KISS: Ken Kelly, Artist (1946-2022)”

The Year Of KISS: Ace Frehley (1978)

“I hope you suffer…..” KISS was on top of the world in 1978…..at least on the surface. Behind the scenes the band was falling apart. What was really going on with the band? It depends on who you ask. Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley have been accused of being control freaks who tried to bendContinue reading “The Year Of KISS: Ace Frehley (1978)”

The Year Of KISS: Creatures Of The Night (1982)

“Get me out of this rock and roll hell…..” With their popularity spiraling downward at an uncomfortably fast rate, KISS stumbled into a shaky 1982. Ace Frehley’s days in the band were numbered. His battles with alcoholism and drug dependency at the time are well documented in his book, No Regrets, as well as theContinue reading “The Year Of KISS: Creatures Of The Night (1982)”

The Year Of KISS: Music From The Elder (1981)

“I believe in me.” Fans of KISS in the United States felt alienated by the band at the beginning of the 1980’s. Thanks to the pop direction that 1979’s Dynasty and 1980’s Unmasked took, listeners accustomed to a harder sound from the group longed for an album that returned to the band’s hard rock roots.Continue reading “The Year Of KISS: Music From The Elder (1981)”

The Year Of KISS: Unmasked (1980)

“All I want is a little conversation….” KISS entered the 1980’s in a state of flux. Peter Criss was out of the band and Ace Frehley was becoming disenchanted with the direction of the group. Despite this, he soldiered on and wrote two songs, co-wrote a third song, and provided lead vocals for all threeContinue reading “The Year Of KISS: Unmasked (1980)”

The Year Of KISS: Dynasty (1979)

“I’ve Been A Gambler But I’m Nobody’s Fool….” 1977 saw KISS on top of the world. A trio of massively popular albums were followed up by a second live album, Alive II, which actually sold better than the much beloved Alive. In April of 1978 the band released their first greatest hits collection, Double Platinum.Continue reading “The Year Of KISS: Dynasty (1979)”

The Year Of KISS: Love Gun (1977)

“Make Me Feel Better…..” By 1977, KISS was one of the most popular bands in the world. Not only were Alive!, Destroyer, and Rock And Roll Over all successful albums, the band’s name and faces were plastered on tons of merchandise. KISS comics from Marvel, toy guitars, and a KISS radio were all released inContinue reading “The Year Of KISS: Love Gun (1977)”