The rock world was stunned last month by the tragic passing of Ace Frehley, the legendary founding guitarist of KISS. And now, after a two-year hiatus, KISS has returned to the stage, marking their comeback with a poignant tribute to their fallen brother. This isn't just a concert; it's a moment of remembrance, a testament to the complex bonds of family, even within the whirlwind world of rock and roll.
On Friday, the iconic band – Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer, and Eric Singer – launched their "KISS Kruise: Landlocked in Vegas" event with an intimate, unmasked acoustic set, their first performance since their farewell tour concluded in December 2023. Think of it: after all those years in makeup, they chose this moment to be vulnerable and real.
Before the music began, Paul Stanley addressed the Las Vegas crowd with heartfelt words. "Before we get going, we just wanted to take a moment to think about somebody who is at the foundation of this band. And we’re talking about Ace," Stanley shared. He acknowledged the band's differences with Frehley, adding, "So, we certainly had differences, but that’s what family is about." He then led the audience in a moment of silence, suggesting they imagine Frehley "looking down on us — from [the planet] Jendell, probably." To further commemorate the moment, many fans in attendance raised battery-operated candles, creating a sea of light in honor of the late guitarist – a truly moving sight, I imagine.
Following the tribute, KISS delivered an 11-song set that leaned heavily into their deeper cuts – a choice that speaks volumes about their desire to honor Frehley with authenticity and perhaps a touch of nostalgia. They're scheduled to perform a full-on electric set, again unmasked, at the “KISS Kruise: Landlocked in Vegas” on Saturday, giving fans another chance to celebrate the band's enduring legacy and remember Ace Frehley.
Here's a glimpse at the setlist, which began with the Ace Frehley tribute:
- Comin’ Home (preceded by Ace Frehley tribute)
- See You Tonite (Gene Simmons song)
- A World Without Heroes
- Hard Luck Woman (first performance since 2019)
- Christine Sixteen
- Nothin’ to Lose
- Goin’ Blind
- Hide Your Heart (first performance since 2019)
- Plaster Caster
- Beth
- Love Her All I Can
But here's where it gets controversial... While many fans appreciated the tribute, some have questioned whether it was enough, given Frehley's significant contribution to KISS's success. After all, he co-wrote and performed some of their most iconic songs. Was a moment of silence and a setlist of deep cuts truly sufficient to honor a founding member? Or should they have dedicated the entire show to his memory, perhaps featuring guest guitarists to perform Frehley's signature solos?
And this is the part most people miss... The band's choice to perform unmasked adds another layer of complexity. Did it signify a deeper level of sincerity, a vulnerability appropriate for mourning? Or was it simply a practical decision for an acoustic set? Some might even argue that it disrespects the image that Frehley helped create.
What do you think? Did KISS adequately honor Ace Frehley? Was their choice of songs and the unmasked performance a fitting tribute, or should they have done more? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let's discuss!
