Fire and Water

Ace Frehley

The Zoo Crew is spinning Ace Frehley's "Fire and Water," a standout track from his 2016 covers album Origins Vol. 1, featuring a collaboration with former Kiss bandmate Paul Stanley. This cover of the 1970 Free classic marked the first time Frehley and Stanley appeared together in a music video since Kiss's 1998 "Psycho Circus" clip. The video captures their chemistry, opening with a playful alley pep-talk where they acknowledge the years apart but affirm they’ve "still got it." Stanley’s deep, diaphragm-driven vocals were a departure from his usual higher register, earning praise from Frehley, who called them "fabulous" and noted the track’s unique place outside their Kiss personas. Fans can relive the moment through the official video on YouTube, which Frehley promoted heavily, including a post on X in 2016 encouraging fans to own the video via iTunes.

Behind the scenes, the "Fire and Water" video shoot was a fanboy’s dream, as shared in a Sleaze Roxx report. Photographer Jay Gilbert, present at the shoot, revealed the excitement of capturing Frehley and Stanley together, a "Kisstoric" moment for fans. The track itself was a highlight of Origins Vol. 1, with Sleaze Roxx reviewers noting it as the second-best song on the album, powered by Stanley’s vocals and Frehley’s signature guitar work. Frehley’s enthusiasm for the collaboration was evident in a 2016 Rolling Stone interview, where he highlighted how the song allowed Stanley to showcase a different vocal style, adding to its raw, hard-hitting appeal. The Zoo Freaks tuning in are likely vibing to this reunion of rock legends, a testament to their enduring influence.

Ace Frehley, born Paul Daniel Frehley on April 27, 1951, in The Bronx, New York, kicked off his musical journey at 14 when he received his first electric guitar as a Christmas gift in 1964. Coming from a musical family—his father a church organist and his brother a classical guitarist—Frehley was drawn to rock, citing influences like Buddy Guy, Jimi Hendrix, and The Rolling Stones. His early years weren’t all music; he ran with a street gang called The Duckies alongside future W.A.S.P. frontman Blackie Lawless. Frehley’s big break came in the early 1970s when he answered an ad for a band that became Kiss. Showing up to the audition in mismatched sneakers due to his family’s tight finances, he wowed the group with his guitar skills and was hired three weeks later. As Kiss’s original lead guitarist, he created the iconic Spaceman persona, complete with a cackling laugh and smoking guitar effects, helping propel the band to fame with his frenetic, atmospheric playing.

Frehley’s career with Kiss spanned from 1973 to 1982, during which he wrote fan favorites like "Cold Gin" and "Shock Me," the latter inspired by a near-electrocution on stage. After leaving Kiss, he formed Frehley’s Comet, releasing albums that kept his loyal fanbase engaged. He rejoined Kiss for a successful 1996 reunion tour but left again in 2002 to focus on his solo career, which has since produced albums like 2024’s 10,000 Volts. His official website, acefrehley.com, is the hub for tour dates, merchandise, and updates. Fans can connect with him on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and X, where he shares everything from birthday shoutouts to new music teases.

The Kiss fan community is vibrant, and Ace Frehley enjoys dedicated support. Fan sites like Kiss Asylum and KissFAQ offer news, forums, and trivia for Zoo Freaks who can’t get enough of the Spaceman. On Facebook, groups like Ace Frehley Fans and Kiss Army bring together thousands of devotees sharing memories, photos, and concert stories. These spaces keep the spirit of Frehley’s music alive, perfect for the Zoo Crew’s audience to dive deeper into the legacy of "Fire and Water" and beyond.


 

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