It’s taken a day or two for me to write this post.

Last Thursday, early Friday morning the news broke that Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of KISS passed away.

Like the passing of Diogo Jota earlier in the year, the news of his passing hit me pretty hard.

I’ve been a KISS fan since 1982 when I first heard them round my best friend Kevin’s house. The album he played to me was Love Gun.

KISS were my first gig (De Montfort Hall, Leicester 1983). Ace had left by then, KISS had taken the make up off, and Vinnie Vincent was on lead guitar. Eric Carr had his drum set on the tank turret that was a left over from the creatures tour.

It wasn’t until March 1988, a month after the passing of my grandad that I had what can only be described as a three day high! It started off attending a record signing by Ace at a record store in Kingston Upon Thames. I drove there with a friend that I was studying with at Brighton Poly.

This signing and the gig two days later were the first Ace had here in the UK playing as a solo artist since leaving KISS.

So after queuing for an age I finally got to briefly meet Ace and the rest of Frehleys Comets, and get his ep signed. My friend kindly got a copy signed for my brother.

After the signing I headed back east and home.

As I said two days later myself, my brother, my best friend Kevin, and our childhood partner in crime Ginette drove down to the Hammersmith Odeon to see Ace play live.

It was a magical three days, I was on a natural high. Not only had I met my hero. But I’d seen him play in his only UK gig.

Jump forward to 1996 at my local in Guildford they had a fancy dress party (I think for Halloween). I went as Ace from the Dressed to Kill album.

As the photo below shows with the wig I made a pretty good Ace.

It took me an age to put the make up on.

The lazy part was I could get away with wearing a suit, and didn’t have to try and recreate one of Ace’s stage outfits.

There is another photo (full length) but I’ve been unable to locate it.

In 1996 I went by myself to see KISS headline Donington as part of the reunion tour. At the time it was the only UK reunion tour, but they announced further UK dates at the concert.

I was front and centre for this one. There was no way I was going to move from my spot. If I needed to answer the call of nature I was more than prepared to pee my pants. Luckily I didn’t need to go. Somehow my bladder held out for an incredibly long time.

This was a dream come true. The original KISS lineup in full makeup. And I was front row for it.

I then saw them with Kate at Wembley full makeup up, I think that was the Psycho Circus tour. And that was without Peter on the drums.

I feel lucky that I got to see the original line up in make up. Plus see and meet Ace as a solo artist.

Ace was my favourite member of KISS. A hero of mine.

Ace bought so much joy to my life. Gave me probably one of my most memorable life moments. Yes meeting him in 1988 was that impactful.

I hope his friends and family are finding some comfort from the outpouring of love from fans.

RIP Space Ace.