Mike McCready, guitarist for Pearl Jam, has publicly expressed his deep respect and gratitude for the late Ace Frehley, the iconic guitarist of Kiss. Following news of Frehley's death on Thursday, October 16, McCready shared how Frehley's unique style and the band Kiss fundamentally shaped his musical path and inspired him to learn the guitar.
McCready's tribute highlights a significant connection between two generations of rock music, underscoring Frehley's lasting impact on musicians globally. Frehley, known for his distinctive stage persona as 'Spaceman' or 'Space Ace,' passed away at 74 years old.
Key Takeaways
- Pearl Jam's Mike McCready paid tribute to Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley.
- McCready stated Frehley's influence was crucial for him to start playing guitar.
- He learned of Frehley's passing on October 16 at the age of 74.
- Frehley's representative cited a recent fall as the cause of death.
- Kiss bandmates Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley also shared a joint statement.
Ace Frehley's Early Impact on McCready
McCready recounted learning about Frehley through a friend, Rick Friel, in 1977. Friel, who owned a Kiss lunchbox, introduced McCready to the band and Frehley's guitar work. This initial exposure was a pivotal moment for the young McCready.
"Rick was also the first guy on the bus in 1977 with a KISS lunchbox to tell me about Ace…just changed my life," McCready recalled in a social media post shared by both Pearl Jam and his personal accounts. This early encounter directly led to his musical pursuits.
Interesting Fact
Ace Frehley's 'Spaceman' persona was one of the four iconic characters in Kiss, known for his smoking guitar effects and unique stage presence. His influence extended far beyond hard rock, touching various genres.
Forming Early Bands and Learning Solos
In 1978, McCready acquired his first guitar with the specific goal of joining Friel's band, Warrior. This group later evolved into Shadow. Their early repertoire included covers of Kiss songs, demonstrating the direct influence Frehley had on their musical development.
McCready specifically mentioned covering 'C'mon and Love Me,' a track that allowed him to immerse himself in Frehley's guitar style. He spent countless hours studying Frehley's solos, perfecting his technique and understanding of rock guitar.
"I got a guitar in 1978 to join Rick‘s band Warrior, which turned into Shadow. We covered ‘C’mon and Love Me,'" McCready stated. "All my friends have spent untold hours talking about KISS and buying KISS stuff. Ace was a hero of mine and also I would consider a friend. I studied his solos endlessly over the years."
Frehley's Enduring Musical Legacy
The influence of Frehley's guitar work on McCready is evident in Pearl Jam's music. McCready encouraged fans to listen to Kiss's "Alive" album to understand the depth of Frehley's impact. He cited Frehley's solo from Kiss's song "She" as a direct template he used in his own playing.
This admission highlights how foundational Frehley's techniques were for McCready. It demonstrates a direct lineage of musical inspiration from one rock legend to another, spanning decades and different subgenres of rock.
Background on Kiss's 'Alive'
Released in 1975, Kiss's 'Alive!' is a double live album considered a landmark in rock history. It captured the band's energetic stage presence and featured extended versions of their studio tracks, solidifying their reputation as a premier live act. The album played a crucial role in the band's commercial success and cemented Ace Frehley's status as a guitar hero.
A Dream Collaboration at Madison Square Garden
McCready's admiration for Frehley culminated in a memorable live performance. Ace Frehley joined Pearl Jam on stage at Madison Square Garden to perform Kiss's classic song 'Black Diamond.' For McCready, this collaboration was a fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
This joint performance served as a powerful testament to the bond between the two musicians and the profound respect McCready held for his idol. It also showcased Frehley's continued relevance and appeal to younger generations of rock artists.
"Ace jammed on ‘Black Diamond’ with Pearl Jam at Madison Square Garden…a dream come true for me. I would not have picked up a guitar without Ace and KISS’s influence," McCready emphasized. His words underscore the deeply personal connection he felt to Frehley's artistry.
Ace Frehley's Passing and Tributes
Ace Frehley passed away at the age of 74 in Morristown, New Jersey. His representative, Lori Lousararian, confirmed his death and attributed it to a recent fall at his home. A specific cause of death was not immediately released.
News of Frehley's death prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the music industry. Other notable musicians, including Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Rush, and Tom Morello, also shared their condolences and memories of the influential guitarist.
Statements from Kiss Bandmates
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, Frehley's former bandmates in Kiss, released a joint statement acknowledging his significant contributions to the band's history. Their words highlighted Frehley's irreplaceable role in the group's formative years.
"We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley," Simmons and Stanley said. "He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history. He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy."
This statement reflects the collective impact Frehley had on Kiss's iconic sound and image. His unique guitar style and stage presence were integral to the band's global success and enduring appeal.
- Ace Frehley was born Paul Daniel Frehley on April 27, 1951.
- He co-founded Kiss in 1973 with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss.
- Frehley was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Kiss in 2014.
- His solo career also produced successful albums, including his 1978 self-titled debut.
McCready concluded his tribute with a heartfelt message: "RIP it out Ace, you changed my life. Thank you." This simple yet powerful statement encapsulates the profound and lasting influence Ace Frehley had on countless musicians, including one of rock's most respected guitarists.
The tributes from across the music world confirm Frehley's status as a true pioneer. His innovative guitar playing, memorable solos, and charismatic stage presence left an indelible mark on rock music, inspiring generations of guitarists to pick up the instrument and pursue their own musical dreams.