Jeremy Asbrock shared his thoughts on the differences between working with Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley, stating that the two rock stars have little in common.
“The only similarity is that they were both in KISS,” Asbrock mentioned during his appearance on Nashville On The Rocks.
He explained that Frehley is more comfortable with a setlist, often sticking to one, while Simmons preferred variety. “With Gene, we did not have the same setlist ever, not one show. Every show was different. We did like 65 or so different songs over the course of a year and a half.”
When asked if it gave him more freedom, Asbrock confirmed, adding, “Yeah.” He also shared the challenge of managing the varied setlists, saying, “I had to have these gigantic lyrics sheets.”
The guitarist explained how he had to prepare large lyric sheets for shows. “Seriously I would take like six to eight pieces of paper together and make these lyric sheets that were this big for songs he didn’t really know the lyrics to but man, if that means we’re going to get to do ladies room, then you got it dude.”
In a 2023 interview with All Music Magazine, Asbrock further detailed his experiences with both Simmons and Frehley. He recalled how Simmons loved spontaneity, playing different songs at every show, and his playful nature. “He liked to hang out before the show and after the show. He likes to play practical jokes and cut up and buster balls, and he loves it when you give it back.”
Asbrock also recalled his initial fear of retaliating against Simmons’ jokes but was soon put at ease when Simmons laughed. “The first time I had to give it back, I was scared sh*tless. [But] He laughed and I’m like ‘Oh, it’s okay.'”
On the other hand, Asbrock described Frehley as more predictable. “Ace is kind of a creature of habit. We kind of stick to the same set. He shows up, I know he’s there because I hear the intro music come on and [then] I see him, we’re going on stage. He gives me one of these, and we play and after the show, he goes to cool off. And then do his meet and greet, and we leave.”
Asbrock first played with Simmons’ solo band in 2018, and after that, Simmons recommended him to Frehley. He later toured with Frehley, including for his 2024 album ’10, 000 Volts,’ via Classic Rock History.
