Ace Frehley is back with Origins Volume 2, giving another glimpse into the music that helped shape this legendary guitarist.
While admitting he was at first unsure about the idea of releasing an album essentially of covers, he conceded that once the creative process began any doubts faded quickly.
“That idea came from the record company,” Frehley laughed. “It was an idea that I wasn’t crazy about but once I started the process it became a lot of fun. I got the chance to put my stamp on songs that I enjoyed playing when I was in a club band and when I was a teenager learning to play guitar. Then I started adding and inviting special guest stars to come on the record – Paul Stanley sang “Fire And Water” from Origins Volume 1 – and it got better and better as we progressed through the recording process. The same thing happened with this record. It was a lot of fun and I think that comes through on the tracks. All of these bands and songs have influenced me. Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, The Kinks, Deep Purple, you name it. The Rolling Stones, Beatles, Cream… I was lucky enough to see Cream and The Who’s first appearance in a theatre in Midtown. I snuck in and I couldn’t believe my ears when I saw them. It was mind-boggling. They knocked my socks off.”
In the full interview, Ace discusses putting his own spin on classic songs, guest artists on the record and why he chose them, how this music affected him personally and professionally, playing solo and the freedom it brings, the reason he chose one of Kiss’ lesser-known songs to cover for the album and more.
