John 5 Confirms He Was Invited to Play on Ace Frehley’s Final “Origins Vol. 3” Album

John 5 has worked with some of the biggest names in rock, but his connection to Ace Frehley always meant something different. He played on the first two Origins albums, a pair of loose, spirited tributes to the songs that shaped the former KISS guitarist’s musical life. So when he confirmed that he had been invited to return for Origins Vol. 3, the revelation carried a bittersweet weight. The project was already in motion when Ace passed away, leaving behind plans that will never fully materialize.

In a recent interview with Guitar World, John 5 spoke candidly about the invitation and the emotions tied to it. He admitted that Ace had reached out, hoping he would once again contribute a track, just as he had on the earlier installments. The chance to collaborate again was something John genuinely cherished, making the loss feel even heavier. He didn’t know what song they would tackle together, but he was ready the moment Ace called.

Ace’s death in October rocked the rock-and-roll world, and John 5’s reaction reflected the personal bond they shared. To him, this wasn’t just a missed musical opportunity—it was the loss of a friend, a mentor, and a childhood hero. His reflections set the tone for a story that blends admiration, grief, and gratitude.

Ace Frehley’s Final Days and the Tragedy Behind His Passing

Ace Frehley’s death came as a shock to fans and friends alike. Initial confusion soon gave way to clarity when the Morris County Medical Examiner revealed the details: Ace died from blunt trauma caused by a fall, with the injury leading to a subdural hematoma. CT scans showed multiple contusions and fractures, painting a grim picture of a tragic accident that spiraled quickly. He was 74 years old.

Additional injuries suggested he had suffered more than one fall, and later reports confirmed that a second accident at home left him on life support. Surrounded by family, Ace passed away peacefully nearly two weeks later. His balance issues, long observed by fans even during his KISS years, may have contributed to the events that unfolded. The guitarist had always joked about being clumsy, but this time the consequences were devastating.

A private memorial service was held before his burial at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, a resting place steeped in musical history. Friends, family, and longtime collaborators attended to honor a musician who had left an undeniable mark on rock culture. For many, the suddenness of his passing remained the hardest part to accept.

John 5 Reflects on Friendship, Fandom, and Ace’s Final Joys

For John 5, Ace wasn’t just a colleague—he was the reason he picked up a guitar in the first place. He discovered KISS as a young kid in the late ’70s, just like millions of others, and carried that inspiration into adulthood. Over time, admiration turned into real friendship. They talked often, met up casually, and shared simple moments like movie nights and pawn-shop hunts. Behind the makeup and mythology was a man John found genuinely kind.

One memory from their final conversations stood out. Ace had been thrilled about receiving a Kennedy Center Honor—a moment he had looked forward to with real excitement. John recalled Ace laughing with pride that the President pronounced his name correctly. Even at this stage of his career, that kind of recognition still meant the world to him. It was a reminder that, despite the ups and downs, Ace had been in a truly happy place.

As John continues to mourn him, he also finds comfort in revisiting the funny stories and the strange little details that made Ace who he was. The balance issues, the quirks, the offbeat charm—it was all part of the package. What hurts most is knowing their next collaboration will never happen, even though it was already set in motion.

Honoring Ace’s Legacy and John 5’s Ongoing Connection to KISS

Ace’s legacy extends far beyond his work in KISS. His Origins albums reflected his musical DNA, offering a peek into the artists and riffs that shaped him long before he became “The Spaceman.” Origins Vol. 3 could have been another piece of that puzzle. John 5 was ready to be part of it once again, a gesture that showed how deeply he respected Ace’s influence on generations of guitarists.

Meanwhile, John continues to maintain his own connection to the KISS universe. Earlier this year, he opened a temporary KISS-themed museum in Los Angeles, showcasing more than 2,500 pieces from his personal collection. From Gene Simmons’ 1976 “Destroyer” boots to some of the rarest early-era memorabilia, it captured the obsessive love he has for the band that shaped his life. It wasn’t a business venture—it was a tribute.

Today, John 5 remains one of the busiest guitarists in modern rock, currently holding down lead-guitar duties in Mötley Crüe and continuing a career that has crossed genres and generations. Still, it’s clear that Ace Frehley occupies a special place in his story. His invitation to play on Origins Vol. 3 may never be fulfilled, but the sentiment behind it lingers—a final gesture of friendship between two guitarists whose lives intersected in ways neither could have predicted.