Kiss

Latest about Kiss

Bassist Gene Simmons (left) and guitarist Ace Frehley performing with American rock group Kiss, circa 1977
Gene Simmons on Ace Frehley’s three departures from Kiss

By Phil Weller Published

Gene Simmons says Ace didn’t have it in him to go the distance with the band

Guitarists
John Fogerty speaks onstage during the 2026 Songwriters Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at The New York Marriott Marquis on June 11, 2026 in New York City.
“I had no idea what the phrase meant.” John Fogerty shares the origins of “Proud Mary” at the Songwriters Hall of Fame awards

By Robert Dye Published

The Creedence Clearwater Revival legend joined Taylor Swift, Kiss and Alanis Morissette among other honorees at the star-studded event

Guitarists
LEFT: Steve Farris performs with Mr. Mister at Riverfrest on Harriet Island in St. Paul, Minnesota on July 19, 1986. RIGHT: Gene Simmons (left) and Paul Stanley (right)
“I have the dubious distinction.” Steve Farris sang “Honky Tonk Women” with Kiss — and was fired almost immediately

By Phil Weller Published

The future Mr. Mister guitarist impressed Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley with a single solo, but one unexpected audition requirement ended his tenure almost as soon as it began

Guitarists
Photo of Ace FREHLEY and Peter CRISS and Paul STANLEY and KISS and Gene SIMMONS; L-R: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, Paul Stanley - posed, studio, group shot
Gene Simmons makes a stunning claim about the author of Kiss's all-time biggest hit

By Phil Weller Published

It‘s been 50 years since its release, but Simmons says he wants to finally set the record straight

Guitarists
Paul Stanley (L) and Tommy Thayer of Kiss perform at Arco Arena on November 19, 2009 in Sacramento, California.
Tommy Thayer teases future Kiss activity and says the band “has a lot in the works”

By Phil Weller Published

The lead guitarist for the band’s final two decades doesn’t believe it’s game over just yet

Guitarists
Ace Frehley
Ace Frehley said one of his greatest Kiss guitar solos was written by someone else

By Phil Weller Published

The track, from the band’s ‘Destroyer’ album, is among the best known in their catalog

Guitarists
Ace Frehley and Gene Simmons of Kiss backstage in concert during 'The Elder' Album in 1981
Gene Simmons says he has one regret about how he treated the late Ace Frehley

By Phil Weller Published

The bassist explains there were many reasons he avoided taking action when it might have done some good

Guitarists
Angus Young of AC/DC performs onstage during day 1 of the 2015 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival (Weekend 2) at The Empire Polo Club on April 17, 2015 in Indio, California.
Test your guitar news knowledge with Guitar Player's "Week in Music" Quiz for November 14, 2025

By Phil Weller Published

20 multiple choice questions about guitarists, gear and music, chosen from this week's top stories

Lessons
LEFT: Eddie Van Halen, displaying his guitar virtuousity during a concert in the late 1970s . RIGHT: American musician Ace Frehley of the group Kiss performs at the International Ampitheater, Chicago, Illinois, September 22, 1979
A veteran guitarist says Eddie Van Halen copied Ace Frehley. We dismantle the claim with one simple fact

By Phil Weller Published

The guitarist sees too many similarities between Ed's magnum opus and Ace's “Shock Me” solo from 'Alive II.' But the timelines don't add up

Guitarists
LEFT: Ace Frehley, guitarist for the American rock & roll band Kiss, strikes some chords onstage in full Kiss regalia in 1978. RIGHT: Eddie Van Halen of Van Halen performing at Madison Square Garden in New York City on March 30, 1984.
Gene Simmons on the guitar solo Eddie Van Halen recorded for a Kiss hit — and Ace Frehley copied note for note

By Christopher Scapelliti Published

Simmons was producing Van Halen at the time in the hope of turning the group into superstars

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