Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In this episode, Robert John Hadfield takes you back to 1987 — the year Ace Frehley re-emerged from chaos and addiction to release Frehley’s Comet. Using a rare article from the News and Observer (Raleigh, North Carolina, July 17, 1987), Robert explores how the former KISS guitarist rebuilt his career after years of personal turmoil and near-death experiences.
You’ll hear how Ace described losing his “voice” after Peter Criss left the band, his struggles with drugs and alcohol, and his eventual comeback — all while being signed by a then up-and-coming A&R rep named Eddie Trunk.
The episode digs into:
The incredible rise and burnout of KISS between 1975–1979
How Ace Frehley’s guitar style may have influenced Eddie Van Halen
The role of Anton Fig (later the drummer for David Letterman’s band)
Why Frehley’s Comet marked Ace’s rebirth after years of chaos
The enduring debate about KISS: musical genius or over-marketed spectacle?
Robert also reflects on what made Ace’s voice, style, and songwriting so unique — that “perfectly imperfect” quality that made him one of rock’s most beloved guitar heroes.
👉 Subscribe for more deep-dive stories, vintage rock articles, and classic album memories.
🎸 Share your thoughts: Did you own Frehley’s Comet when it came out? What’s your favorite track?
#AceFrehley #KISS #FrehleysComet #ClassicRock #GeneSimmons #EddieVanHalen #RobertJohnHadfield #Audiomover #RockHistory #1980sRock
In this episode, Robert John Hadfield takes you back to 1987 — the year Ace Frehley re-emerged from chaos and addiction to release Frehley’s Comet. Using a rare article from the News and Observer (Raleigh, North Carolina, July 17, 1987), Robert explores how the former KISS guitarist rebuilt his career after years of personal turmoil and near-death experiences.
You’ll hear how Ace described losing his “voice” after Peter Criss left the band, his struggles with drugs and alcohol, and his eventual comeback — all while being signed by a then up-and-coming A&R rep named Eddie Trunk.
The episode digs into:
The incredible rise and burnout of KISS between 1975–1979
How Ace Frehley’s guitar style may have influenced Eddie Van Halen
The role of Anton Fig (later the drummer for David Letterman’s band)
Why Frehley’s Comet marked Ace’s rebirth after years of chaos
The enduring debate about KISS: musical genius or over-marketed spectacle?
Robert also reflects on what made Ace’s voice, style, and songwriting so unique — that “perfectly imperfect” quality that made him one of rock’s most beloved guitar heroes.
👉 Subscribe for more deep-dive stories, vintage rock articles, and classic album memories.
🎸 Share your thoughts: Did you own Frehley’s Comet when it came out? What’s your favorite track?
#AceFrehley #KISS #FrehleysComet #ClassicRock #GeneSimmons #EddieVanHalen #RobertJohnHadfield #Audiomover #RockHistory #1980sRock
