Gene Simmons seems to be taking a page from KISS partner Paul Stanley‘s book in helping former guitarist Ace Frehley on his next solo album.
After Stanley sang Free‘s “Fire & Water” for Frehley’s 2016 Origins Vol. 1 covers album, Simmons has revealed that he’s written two songs with Frehley for the guitarist’s next set of original music, which currently has no title or release date.
It makes the first time Simmons and Frehley have worked together since KISS’ Psycho Circus album in 1998.
Frehley has recently talked about returning to KISS but Stanley tells us that’s unlikely:
“I would say no, and it doesn’t negate my appreciation of Ace. He’s in a much better place than he ever was. He’s clean and sober and clearheaded, which is terrific. He’s an oddball, which is part of what makes him who he is, but he’s focused and clearheaded and fun to be around. But that doesn’t mean taking it any further but appreciating it for what it is.”
Simmons adds that he and Stanley are happy working with guitarist Tommy Thayer as well as drummer Eric Singer in the current configuration of KISS:
“We’re lucky as hell to have them in the band ’cause not everybody is designed to run a marathon. As much as I love and respect Peter and Ace, their DNA was just not designed to last 42 years. You know, shooting stars are bright; They don’t last long.”
KISS has a handful of mostly festival dates in the U.S. later this summer after touring Europe earlier this year.
Gary Graff is an award-winning music journalist who not only covers music but has written books on Bob Seger, Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen.