Ace Frehley brings the sounds of vintage KISS to Anderson’s Paramount Theatre

Ace Frehley brings the sounds of vintage KISS to Anderson’s Paramount Theatre

By: Kevin Vickery

On January 26th, original KISS guitarist, Ace Frehley performed at the historic Paramount Theater in downtown Anderson, IN along with special guest, Kore Rozzik who has been touring with Frehley for the last two years.

Frehley was a cofounding member of the popular and hugely successful band KISS from its inception in 1973 where he played the character of “Space Ace” until his departure in 1982. He then went on to have success as a solo artist and with his band “Frehley’s Comet” in the late 1980s.

He reunited with KISS in 1996 when they put their makeup back on and rejoined with all original members, including Peter Criss returning on drums, and of course, Gene Simmons on bass and lead vocalist, Paul Stanley as front man.

That was supposed to be a fair-well tour but as we know with many classic rock artists, after they say that, the money starts flowing and they instead opt to keep going for years longer. When KISS did it, they chose to continue on without Ace Frehley, and he went back to being a solo artist.

That’s the show he brought to the Paramount. A set list riddled with vintage KISS tunes’ like “Love Gun”, “Detroit Rock City” and “Cold Gin” but also mixing in material from his solo career like “Rock Soldiers” from his days with Frehley’s Comet and material promoting his new album “10,000 Volts”. Personally, my favorite tune to hear Ace sing is “Back in the New York Groove” which was always in my opinion a KISS Classic, even though it was recorded on his solo album when all KISS members recorded solo projects in 1978. I have only recently learned that it was actually a cover song recorded originally by British glam band “Hello” in 1975. I’ll say that having now dug that version up, I’ll take Ace’s version over it every time.

Ace’s show didn’t disappoint as he offered some of the same stage tricks he’s been doing for years like his smoking guitar during “Shock Me” or his lighted guitar during “Back in the New York Groove”. The crowd of 1,700 or so that filled the room of Anderson’s historic Paramount Theatre were all loud and proud that night and they all definitely enjoyed the show. Sure, it may not have all the flash and insane level of special effects associated with the an actual KISS concert, but everyone there still loved seeing a rock legend so close to home at a place as beautiful and historic as Anderson’s Paramount Theater.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Paramount, it sits at 1124 Meridian Street in downtown Anderson. The theater has a rich history since its opening in 1929 and has a beautiful interior appearance that was designed as what is known as an “atmospheric theater” and made to resemble a Spanish Courtyard at night. It has gone through serious renovation throughout the years to keep it alive and thriving and it has most certainly been well worth the effort.

Ten year old, Colton Pierson, from Saratoga, IN, located in Randolph County, said he found the show “amazing” and added that he’s “always been a fan of Ace Frehley”. He and his parents try to find different events to attend at the Paramount Theatre because they love and enjoy the venue so much.

Dillon Rose, who travels with Frehley’s drummer, Scot Coogan said she thought the Paramount Theatre was “absolutely beautiful”.

Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of working many events there in various capacities including performing there a few times. It’s a super-cool venue and seeing a rock classic like Ace grace their stage is sure to be a night to remember for all those in attendance.

For more information about events at the Paramount Theater you can check out their Facebook page or their official website at: andersonparamount.org

To keep up with the tour schedule of Ace Frehley you can also find him on social media or his official website at: acefrehley.com

Henry County resident and Ball State alum, Kevin Vickery, is bassist and lead vocalist for The Cousin Brothers. He spent several years working in Nashville for some of the biggest names in Country Music before taking over the reins at his family business. If you have a story idea or an event that you think Kevin should cover, contact him at kevin.makesomenoise@yahoo.com