In a recent interview with Guitar Player, original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley opened up about an interesting technical mix-up with his replacement, Tommy Thayer. Frehley shared a surprising revelation regarding their different approaches to playing the same solos.
“It’s true that Tommy had to remind me of some of the old parts when I came back for the reunion,” Frehley explained. “You have to understand that there were songs Paul and Gene wanted me to perform that I hadn’t played in 10 or 15 years. Tommy’s like an encyclopedia; he knows exactly how to hit the right notes.”
He continued, “But Tommy was surprised when I played some solos at a different position on the neck than he thought I did. He’d go, ‘Wow, that’s surprising!’ And I’d say, ‘Well, Tommy, I’m just not a schooled musician, so I play things where I feel like playing them!'”
Frehley humorously added, “As it turned out, he wasn’t playing them correctly either. I thought it was funny, and so did he.”
This exchange highlights the ongoing, complex dynamic between the two guitarists, which has been part of KISS’s history. Thayer took over as KISS’s lead guitarist in the early 2000s, a transition he described as a “no-win situation” due to the strong loyalty fans had to the original lineup, according to iHeart.
Thayer has now been with the band longer than any other guitarist in KISS’s history, a milestone reported by Eddie Trunk.
While both guitarists have contributed to KISS’s iconic sound, they approach the band’s material in very different ways. Frehley is known for his raw energy and emotional depth, especially evident in classic tracks like “Shock Me” and “Cold Gin,” as noted by Blabbermouth. On the other hand, Thayer’s playing is marked by more polish and precision, reflecting his background as a skilled session musician. This contrast in styles is often a topic of discussion among KISS fans.
Beyond their technical differences, the guitarists’ performance styles also diverge. Frehley is recognized for his unpredictable and wild stage presence, while Thayer brings a more disciplined and consistent approach. This distinction has sparked ongoing debates among fans, with some preferring Frehley’s spontaneity, while others appreciate Thayer’s steady reliability.
Related Topics
- Brian May Honors Freddie Mercury with Special Tribute on New Signature Guitar
- PRS Guitars Introduces Limited Edition 40th Anniversary Custom 24-08 Semi-Hollow
- Eric Clapton to Rock TD Garden on Limited U.S. Tour
