Ace Frehley, the iconic guitarist of KISS, has led a life that’s nothing short of extraordinary. With his incredible talent, charisma, and otherworldly stage presence, Ace has earned a special place in the hearts of rock fans worldwide. This day, we will delve into the early life of this legendary musician, explore his rise to fame, and discuss his current net worth. Join us on this journey as we uncover the fascinating story of Ace Frehley, the man behind the Spaceman persona.
Net Worth: $1 Million
Salary: –
Date of Birth: April 27, 1951
Place of Birth: Bronx, New York City
Gender: Male
Profession: Songwriter, Musician, Guitarist
Ace Frehley Early Life
Born Paul Daniel Frehley on April 27, 1951, in the Bronx, New York City, Ace’s love for music was evident from a young age. His parents, Carl and Esther, recognized their son’s innate talent and nurtured his passion for music. Ace’s childhood was filled with various musical influences, from Elvis Presley to The Rolling Stones, but it was the Beatles’ performance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964 that would ignite his desire to become a rock musician.
Ace’s interest in playing the guitar began at the age of 13, and he was soon practicing tirelessly on a second-hand electric guitar. He attended DeWitt Clinton High School, but ultimately dropped out to pursue his dreams in music. Before achieving success, Ace worked various odd jobs, including a stint as a delivery boy and a liquor store clerk, to support himself and his passion.
In 1972, Ace spotted an advertisement in the Village Voice for a guitarist audition held by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. At the time, Stanley and Simmons were trying to form a new band after their previous project, Wicked Lester, had failed to gain traction. Ace’s performance at the audition impressed the duo, and he was asked to join their new band, which would later become the world-renowned rock group KISS.
With his unique Spaceman persona and jaw-dropping guitar solos, Ace Frehley quickly became a fan favorite. KISS skyrocketed to fame in the 1970s with its flamboyant stage performances, elaborate costumes, and unforgettable makeup. Ace’s contribution to the band’s success was immense, and his legendary guitar work can be heard in some of KISS’s most iconic songs, such as “Shock Me,” “Cold Gin,” and “Rocket Ride.”
Ace Frehley Personal Life
Ace Frehley’s personal life has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, much like his career. He has been open about his struggles with substance abuse throughout the years, which had a significant impact on his relationships and musical output. However, Ace’s resilience and determination have helped him overcome these obstacles, and he has been sober since 2006.
In terms of relationships, Ace has been married once. He tied the knot with Jeanette Trerotola in 1976, and the couple had a daughter named Monique. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1995. Since then, Ace has been in several relationships, and he is currently engaged to long-time partner Rachael Gordon.
Ace Frehley Career
Ace Frehley’s career has been marked by both tremendous success and notable challenges. After leaving KISS in 1982, he formed Frehley’s Comet, which enjoyed moderate success with their self-titled debut album in 1987. The band released two more albums, “Second Sighting” (1988) and “Trouble Walkin'” (1989), before disbanding in the early 1990s.
Following the dissolution of Frehley’s Comet, Ace focused on his solo career, releasing the album “Anomaly” in 2009. The album received positive reviews and marked a triumphant return for the Spaceman. In 2014, Ace released “Space Invader,” which debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 chart, making it his highest-charting solo album.
Ace’s relationship with KISS has also seen its fair share of ups and downs. In 1996, he rejoined the band for the highly successful KISS Alive/Worldwide Reunion Tour, which saw the original lineup performing together for the first time in over a decade. Ace would remain with KISS until 2002, after which he resumed his solo career.
In 2018, Ace released the critically acclaimed album “Spaceman,” which further solidified his legacy as a rock icon. In addition to his impressive musical output, Ace’s influence can be seen in countless guitarists who have cited him as a significant inspiration for their own playing.
Ace Frehley Net Worth
Ace Frehley’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. Much of his wealth can be attributed to his successful career with KISS, which saw the band sell millions of records, perform sold-out concerts, and become a merchandising powerhouse. However, Ace’s income was not solely reliant on the band’s success.
In 1980, Ace released his first solo album, titled “Ace Frehley,” which proved to be a hit among fans and critics alike. The album’s lead single, “New York Groove,” reached No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it the highest-charting single from any of the KISS members’ solo albums. After parting ways with KISS in 1982, Ace went on to form his own band, Frehley’s Comet, which released three studio albums between 1987 and 1989.
Ace’s entrepreneurial spirit has also contributed to his net worth, as he has delved into various ventures outside of music. He has released a signature line of guitars, the Gibson Les Paul “Budokan” model, and published a best-selling autobiography, “No Regrets: A Rock ‘N’ Roll Memoir,” in 2011.
