Ace Frehley Talks Solo on Kiss’ “Shock Me” & Talks EVH, Gear + More! | Shred with Shifty

Volume.com is a free platform offering live stream performances, concert broadcasts, and a video archive with performances from various artists like Brothers Osborne, Stone Temple Pilots, and more. Host Chris Shiflett introduces the show 'Shred with Shifty,' emphasizing the availability of ad-free versions and exclusive content on Volume.com. He also mentions his upcoming spring tour in Ireland and the UK and encourages viewers to follow him on social media and participate in the show by tagging their guitar solos.

Chris Shiflett interviews his guitar hero Ace Frehley, discussing Ace's iconic Black Beauty guitar from the 70s and his influence on the design of future Gibson models. Ace shares insights about his modifications to his guitars, including the addition of a triple pickup and the unique cream-colored components. They reminisce about Ace's early days with Kiss and his nervousness during his first lead vocal performance of 'Shock Me' at Madison Square Garden.

Ace Frehley recalls recording the guitar solo for 'Shock Me' and his nervousness about singing lead vocals. He describes his experience with producer Eddie Kramer and how Kramer taught him various recording techniques. They discuss the use of outboard gear and mic techniques for recording solos, and Ace highlights how he developed his signature sound through trial and error.

Ace and Chris delve into the specifics of the 'Shock Me' guitar solo, discussing the minor pentatonic scale, bending techniques, and the influence of other guitarists. Ace admits he plays from the heart and doesn't rely on technical musical knowledge. They attempt to play together despite internet latency and explore the nuances of Ace's playing style.

Ace elaborates on his guitar solo techniques, including harmonics and string picking. He humorously admits to not knowing musical terms and plays by feel. They discuss the modulation in Ace's solos and how he developed unique playing techniques without formal training. Ace shares his experiences with different guitars and how he customized them to achieve his signature sound.

Ace reflects on his early influences, including Hendrix and Page, and his experiences with Kiss. He mentions the challenges of performing under the influence and the integrity he maintained to deliver the best performance. Ace shares stories about his concert experiences and how his playing evolved over time, despite facing personal struggles.

Ace recounts his early band experiences with his brother and how he transitioned from rhythm to lead guitar. He shares his fascination with image and style in the music industry. Ace nostalgically recalls attending legendary concerts and how his look and persona helped him blend in with famous musicians backstage, ultimately leading to unique opportunities.

Ace discusses his extensive guitar collection, including a unique Strat with P90s found in a pawn shop. He describes his preference for high-action guitars and larger frets. Ace also talks about his experience with different string gauges and manufacturers, emphasizing his specific needs for achieving his desired sound. He humorously recalls an incident with makeup during a tour in Paris.

Ace explains the evolution of his smoke bomb guitar effect, from its initial concept to the challenges faced with fire marshals. He details the engineering modifications made to his guitars to accommodate smoke bombs and the transition to using fog machines. Ace shares his creative process and the technical aspects of achieving his iconic onstage effects.

Ace reflects on his brief endorsement with Washburn guitars and why he returned to using Les Pauls. He mentions his experience with various Japanese guitar brands like Greco during tours in Japan and how these guitars compared to his preferred Gibson models. Ace humorously discusses the practical challenges of playing different guitars on stage.

Ace candidly discusses the physical toll of performing with Kiss, particularly the knee damage from onstage falls. He describes the measures taken to mitigate injuries, such as using knee pads and foam padding on stage. Ace shares his thoughts on modern amp simulators versus traditional tube amps and his preference for the authentic sound of Marshall amplifiers.

Ace talks about his recording setup, including vintage Fender amps and the unique sounds they produce. He mentions his use of an octave divider for solos and the importance of maintaining a consistent tone throughout a show. Ace emphasizes the irreplaceable quality of tube amps and his old-school approach to achieving his signature sound.

Ace reflects on his legacy and influence in the music industry, mentioning the cover feature in Guitar World and his contributions to rock guitar playing. He discusses his status as an enduring figure in rock music and the impact of losing fellow guitar legends like Eddie Van Halen. Ace expresses his contentment with his career and his unique position in the music world.

Chris Shiflett wraps up the interview by promoting Ace's new album '10,000 Volts' and expressing gratitude for Ace's participation in the show. They discuss future plans, including potential guest appearances at Foo Fighters shows. Chris thanks Ace for his contributions to music and their engaging conversation, leaving the door open for future collaborations.