Ace Frehley: Former KISS Guitarist Recalls the Moment He Almost Died on Stage
Ace Frehley, the iconic guitarist of KISS, has had his share of thrilling moments throughout his career, but none quite as terrifying as the time he nearly lost his life during a performance. In a recent interview, the legendary musician opened up about a chilling experience where he came face-to-face with death on stage.
Frehley recounted the night in question, revealing that it happened during a KISS concert when he was performing with the band in the late ’70s. While playing one of the band’s signature songs, Frehley felt something go terribly wrong. He had been using his signature guitar with a built-in rocket launcher, a staple of KISS’s over-the-top live shows, when the rocket malfunctioned. Instead of safely firing into the air, the rocket misfired and exploded directly in front of him, sending debris flying dangerously close to his face.
The blast was so intense that Frehley recalls being stunned and temporarily blinded by the smoke and dust that engulfed the stage. He quickly lost his footing, feeling disoriented and unsure of what was happening. For a few moments, it seemed like Frehley might not make it out of the chaos unscathed.
“I thought, ‘This is it. I’m done,'” Frehley admitted. “The explosion was so close, I could feel the heat on my face. I couldn’t see anything, and I didn’t know if I was hurt or if I was just disoriented. My heart was racing. But somehow, I managed to stay on my feet and keep going.”
Though the incident was terrifying, Frehley credits his resilience and the adrenaline of the live performance with keeping him going. He finished the show, despite the close call, and later sought medical attention, though fortunately, he walked away with only minor injuries.
The explosive moment not only added to KISS’s legendary reputation for putting on an electrifying live show, but it also served as a stark reminder of the risks that come with the band’s larger-than-life performances. In hindsight, Frehley sees the near-death experience as a reminder of how close he came to an untimely end.
“I’ve had a lot of close calls over the years, but that one really opened my eyes,” Frehley reflected. “It was a reminder that life can change in an instant. It was a blessing that I walked away from that one, and I never took my safety for granted again.”
The moment became a part of rock history, adding another legendary tale to Frehley’s storied career. Despite the dangers, he continues to perform, keeping fans on the edge of their seats with his electrifying guitar skills and wild energy. For Ace Frehley, the show must always go on — no matter how close to death the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle might bring him.