Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley: Solo Tours and Set List Similarities
Despite their divergent career paths over the past four decades, founding Kiss members Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley have surprisingly similar set list strategies during their recent solo tours. This article delves into their touring histories, average set lists, and the nuances of their live performances.
Career Trajectories
Frehley has maintained a consistent presence in the music scene since departing Kiss in the early 1980s. He has embarked on numerous tours and released nine studio albums, including a notable reunion with Kiss for five years starting in 1996. In contrast, Simmons remained with Kiss until their 2023 retirement from touring, but began to explore solo opportunities in 2017, performing occasional shows.
Set List Analysis
A comparison of their recent set lists reveals intriguing parallels. Typically, Simmons performs nine Kiss songs, while Frehley’s count can vary between eight and ten, depending on whether his songs from the 1978 solo album are included in the tally.
Common Song Selections
Both musicians frequently feature five of the same Kiss classics in their sets: “Parasite,” “Cold Gin,” “Deuce,” “Shout It Out Loud,” and “Rock and Roll All Nite.” Notably, Frehley wrote the first two tracks, although Simmons took the lead vocals on the original albums, Kiss and Hotter Than Hell.
Solo Material and Covers
On his 2024 tour, Simmons typically includes two songs from his solo albums, matching Frehley’s average despite Frehley having a more extensive solo discography. In addition, Simmons has infused his set with covers of songs by iconic bands such as Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, and Motörhead, enhancing the variety of his performances.
Connection to Their Kiss Legacy
Interestingly, Simmons’ choice of Kiss songs is largely tied to his time with Frehley, with only one song, “I Love It Loud,” originating from after Frehley’s departure in 1982. Although Frehley doesn’t perform on this track, he is still associated with it through the album’s visuals and promotional materials.
The Possibility of a Joint Tour
Given their overlapping set lists, one might wonder why Frehley and Simmons don’t tour together more frequently. They did collaborate on a brief tour of Australia in 2018, which was successful enough for Frehley to adopt Simmons’ touring band, but their history of personality clashes and creative differences suggests that separate tours might be more beneficial for both artists.
Which Set List Reigns Supreme?
Deciding which artist offers the better set list is subjective, as both heavily draw from a shared era of Kiss. Simmons relishes the freedom of performing without the constraints of Kiss’s elaborate staging, while Frehley’s selections highlight some of the best work from the Kiss catalog. Fans are encouraged to experience both artists live to make their own comparisons.
Set List Examples
Gene Simmons Band Average 2024 Set List
- “Deuce”
- “War Machine”
- “Are You Ready” (from Gene Simmons Vault, 2017)
- “I Love It Loud”
- “Shout It Out Loud”
- “House of Pain” (Van Halen cover)
- “Communication Breakdown” (Led Zeppelin cover)
- “Ace of Spades” (Motörhead cover)
- “Weapons of Mass Destruction” (from Asshole, 2004)
- “Charisma”
- “Parasite”
- “Cold Gin”
- “Calling Dr. Love”
- “Rock and Roll All Nite”
Ace Frehley Average 2025 Set List
- “Shock Me”
- “Deuce”
- “Cherry Medicine” (from 10,000 Volts, 2024)
- “Rock Soldiers” (from Frehley’s Comet, 1987)
- “Love Gun”
- “Rocket Ride”
- “Parasite”
- “Detroit Rock City”
- “Rip It Out”
- Blues Jam
- “She”
- “New York Groove”
- “Cold Gin”
- Guitar Solo
- “Shout It Out Loud”
- “Rock and Roll All Nite”
Upcoming Tours
Simmons is set to kick off a nine-date tour on May 2 in Peachtree City, Georgia, while Frehley will perform the same night at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey. Fans can stay updated on their tour schedules at GeneSimmons.com and AceFrehley.com.
Conclusion
Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley, despite their individual paths and differences, continue to honor their legacy as founding members of Kiss. Their similar set list formulas provide a nostalgic journey through the band’s iconic catalog, allowing fans to appreciate the distinct yet connected musical journeys of these rock legends.
FAQs
1. How many solo albums has Ace Frehley released?
Ace Frehley has released nine studio albums since leaving Kiss, with his most recent being 10,000 Volts in 2024.
2. What are some of the cover songs Gene Simmons includes in his set list?
Simmons has incorporated covers of songs by Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, and Motörhead into his recent performances.
3. How do Simmons and Frehley’s set lists compare?
Both artists typically perform a mix of Kiss classics and solo material, with several overlapping songs. Simmons tends to feature more covers, while Frehley focuses on his own solo hits.
4. Have Simmons and Frehley toured together?
Yes, they toured together briefly in 2018 in Australia, but their complex relationship has led to separate tours since then.
5. Where can I find their tour schedules?
Fans can keep up with Gene Simmons’ and Ace Frehley’s tour plans on their respective websites: GeneSimmons.com and AceFrehley.com.
