North Tonawanda, NY-It has been an electrifying couple of days for KISS fans in the Western New York area. The historic and beautiful West Herr Riviera Theatre played host to two rock legends in quick succession. On Monday, Gene Simmons of KISS fame delivered a unique and powerful performance, setting the stage for ex-KISS member Ace Frehley, who took to the same venue just two days later. Frehley, touring in support of his latest studio album, “10,000 Volts,” showcased his renowned guitar prowess and unique vocal abilities, captivating an audience of all ages.
Despite Ace Frehley’s reputation for occasionally struggling during live performances, this evening was a notable exception. Frehley was completely in the zone, delivering guitar solos and vocals that were both impressive and effective, much to the delight of the audience. Backed by his amazing band, which included Jeremy Asbrock on guitar and vocals, Ryan Spencer Cook on bass and vocals, and Scot Coogan on drums and vocals, the performance was elevated to another level. Each member of the band took on lead vocal responsibilities at different points during the show, creating a genuine band experience. Many members of the sold-out crowd were also singing back every word throughout the performance.
Ace Frehley, at 73 years of age, delivered a 90-minute set that thrilled fans with a mix of classic KISS songs and tracks from his solo career. He kicked off the show with “Shock Me” from the iconic KISS album Love Gun, setting the tone for an evening filled with nostalgia. For many in attendance, KISS was the band that sparked their love for rock music, and their passion has only grown stronger over the years.
Two songs from Ace Frehley’s new record 10,000 Volts, the title track and the single “Cherry Medicine,” fit seamlessly with the classic KISS songs and Frehley’s solo hits. This album marks Frehley’s most successful record in decades. One of the co-writers of the song “10,000 Volts,” David Julian, was in the audience and shared his excitement on Facebook after the show: “Finally got to see the song ‘10,000 Volts’ that I co-wrote with Ace Frehley of KISS and @stevebrownrocks performed live in my hometown…great night!”
Before Ace and his band broke into the KISS classic “Cold Gin,” his guitar began to smoke, signaling to the audience that his signature smoking guitar solo was imminent. Sure enough, after the song, Ace launched into a ten-minute solo that showcased his innovative guitar style. The solo included riffs from iconic classic rock songs by Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple, mesmerizing the crowd and underscoring Frehley’s enduring talent and showmanship. Towards the end of the solo, the smoke from his guitar shrouded the stage, a move he has performed at every show for decades, adding a dramatic yet expected flair to his performance.
Like with every KISS performance for decades, this show ended with “Rock & Roll All Nite.” Ace and his band wrapped up the night with an encore, delivering the most famous KISS song. Before launching into it, Ace quipped, “Everyone knows this song. If you don’t, you don’t live on planet Earth.” The band then proceeded to play, with the audience in awe and singing along, making for a fitting end to a truly dynamic performance.
In summary, this was a wonderful evening and a trip down memory lane for many. It was such a thrill to see a legendary rockstar still playing and delivering such an entertaining show. While KISS is no longer touring and time marches on, it is essential to see these great artists while you can. For the KISS fans in Western New York, these last few days will be remembered forever. Thank you to Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and the West-Herr Riviera Theater for giving the KISS fans in Western New York a couple of days filled with unforgettable memories.
For more on Ace Frehley visit www.acefrehley.com
For more on upcoming shows at West-Herr Riviera Theater, please visit https://rivieratheatre.org/
Setlist 08/21/2024
Shock Me
Deuce
Cherry Medicine
Rock Soldiers
Love Gun -lead vocals -Scot Coogan
10,000 Volts
Rocket Ride
Parasite
God of Thunder intro /New York Groove
Detroit Rock City-lead vocals Ryan Spencer Cook
Rip It Out
Strange Ways -lead vocals -Jeremy Asbrock
Cold Gin
Ace Frehley Guitar Solo
Shout It Out Loud
Encore:
Rock and Roll All Nite
Thomas S. Orwat Jr.
RockMusicStar.com 
Awesome review. That’s just the way I saw it.
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