Ace Frehley Declines KISS Reunion Offer, Criticizes Vegas Venue Choice
via AceFrehleyVEVO / YouTube
Former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley recently addressed why he won’t be appearing at the upcoming KISS Kruise: Land-locked in Vegas event this November. In an interview with Guitar World, Frehley confirmed that he was invited to join but ultimately declined the offer. His absence underscores the ongoing rift between the guitarist and his former bandmates, despite the event’s significance as KISS’s first live performance since their farewell tour wrapped up in December 2023.
Frehley made it clear that he had no interest in participating, expressing bluntly, “They asked me and I declined.” His decision reflects more than just a scheduling choice—it’s a continuation of the rocky history he has with the group since leaving the lineup years ago. For fans, his absence will feel especially noticeable, as his role in shaping the band’s legacy remains undeniable.
This development adds another chapter to the story of KISS’s complicated dynamic with its former members. While the band continues to evolve with new directions, Frehley seems more intent on defining his own legacy apart from the KISS machine.
Criticism of the Venue Choice
In explaining his decision further, Frehley pointed to the venue choice as a major misstep. He argued that a band of KISS’s stature should have staged such a reunion-worthy event at Madison Square Garden in New York rather than at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Calling out the Vegas location, he remarked that hosting it in a 5,000-seat theater was underwhelming compared to the symbolic weight of a legendary arena like the Garden.
This criticism highlights Frehley’s perspective on the importance of scale and legacy in live music. For a group that famously branded itself as “the hottest band in the world,” the Las Vegas setting may feel to him like a downgrade. His comments suggest he still sees KISS’s home turf of New York as the rightful stage for moments of historical importance.
Frehley’s remarks also emphasize the contrast between nostalgia-driven events and the desire for grandeur. While many fans may be thrilled by the intimacy of the Vegas venue, his view reflects a different standard rooted in the epic scale that defined KISS’s rise to fame.
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Moving Forward on Separate Paths
Despite skipping the Vegas event, Frehley shows no signs of stepping away from performing. He recently played at Four Winds New Buffalo’s Silver Creek Event Center in July, delivering a set packed with classic KISS hits alongside his solo material. His continued presence on the touring circuit signals his commitment to keeping his own career vibrant and independent.
Meanwhile, the Vegas event will still feature notable appearances, including guitarist Bruce Kulick. Kulick’s involvement carries special weight for fans, as he represents the band’s non-makeup era of the mid-1980s through the mid-1990s. This connection adds legitimacy to the event even without Frehley’s participation.
Ultimately, the split decisions of Frehley and his former bandmates illustrate the divergent paths each has chosen. KISS moves forward with milestone performances that celebrate its legacy, while Frehley remains focused on carving out his identity outside the group. Together, their choices reflect both the lasting impact of KISS and the individuality of its members.
