
Ace Frehley Loads The Deck At Rivers Casino
by Alex Lloyd Gross
While Ace Frehley was not playing cards , he was playing music this weekend at Rivers Casino in Philadelphia. From the first note of “Shock Me” to the closing of Rock and Roll All Night”, this was a fun night for people that appreciate good music. As soon as the lights went down, the crowd stood up and remained standing .

Alex Lloyd Gross Photo- Ace Frehley at Rivers Casino.
Those down front stayed close to their seats, until the start of “Love Gun”,then it was controlled bedlam, as those fans claimed a spot right next to the stage. Most in the crowd moved up behind those that were in the front and were singing to every song.

Ace did a standard set. In the past, he would put in a medley of songs, about 45 seconds of say “Hard Times”, or “Torpedo Girl”, songs that were fan favorites, but could not fit into the set as a whole. This time around, he did not do that. He did play songs from when he was in KISS, besides the opener and “Love Gun”. “Rocket Ride”, from Alive 2 and “She” as well as “Parasite”.
He did play “Cherry Medicine,” from his new 10,000 volts release and that was it. It would have been great to hear the title track or more songs from this record that is pure gold. Ace has two cover albums out, Origins and Origins 2. He did nothing off of them. In fact, a lot of albums he never touched on. Like Second Sighting, Trouble Walking or Spaceman for example.

Alex Lloyd Gross Photo-Ace Frehley with a mic stand full of guitar pic that he threw out to the crowd.
KISS is known for explosions and special effects, and this show had some. No explosions, but his guitar did smoke and did flash in bright white lights during “New York Groove”. The sound was loud and in your face. Ace was giving people the opportunity to meet him backstage for $500.00. Instead of giving away signed photos, people should have been given the option to get their own things signed, or get the photos. Has that been publicized, Ace would be there for hours singing peoples KISS collections and ACE memorabilia.
At 74 years old, he still has it and is playing like he’s 24. He should, he’s had 50 years of practice for this show.