Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley discussed a technical exchange with his replacement Tommy Thayer in a recent interview with Guitar Player. Frehley shared a surprising discovery about their different approaches to playing the same solos.
“It is true that Tommy had to show me some of those old parts when I came back for the reunion,” Frehley said. “You’ve got to realize that there’s songs that Paul and Gene wanted me to perform that I hadn’t played in 10 or 15 years. Tommy’s like an encyclopedia, and he knows how to play the right notes.”
“But Tommy was funny,” he continued. “When I played certain solos, I played them at a different position on the neck than he thought I did. He would go, ‘Wow, that’s surprising!’ I’d go, ‘Well, Tommy, I’m just not a schooled musician, so I play things where I feel like playing them!'”
“As it turned out, he wasn’t playing them correctly, either,” Frehley added. “I thought it was funny, and so did he.”
The recent exchange illustrates the complex dynamic between the two guitarists. They have maintained a complicated relationship throughout KISS’s history.
The Replacement Era
Thayer took over as KISS’s lead guitarist in the early 2000s. According to iHeart, he described the transition as a ‘no-win situation’ due to strong fan loyalty to the original lineup.
Thayer has now held his position longer than any other guitarist in the band’s history. This milestone was reported by Eddie Trunk.
Contrasting Styles
The two guitarists approach KISS’s material differently. Blabbermouth notes that Frehley’s style features raw energy and emotional depth. These qualities are especially evident in classic tracks like ‘Shock Me’ and ‘Cold Gin.’
Thayer performs these songs with more polish and precision. His approach reflects his background as a skilled session musician. KISS fans frequently discuss this contrast in styles.
Performance Dynamics
The guitarists’ differences extend beyond technical execution. Frehley earned recognition for his unpredictable and wild stage presence. Thayer brings a more disciplined approach to performances.
This performance style distinction has sparked ongoing discussions among fans. Some prefer Frehley’s spontaneity. Others appreciate Thayer’s consistency and reliability.
