Ace Frehley Drummer Scot Coogan Vows to Protect Musician's Legacy

Coogan says he will not profit from Frehley's name or music, and will donate any related earnings to charity.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Scot Coogan, who served as the drummer and lead vocalist in Ace Frehley's solo band since 2006, has issued a statement regarding his recent silence and his intentions moving forward after Frehley's passing. Coogan says he will not rush to perform Frehley's music or profit from his name, likeness, or legacy, and will instead donate any related earnings to an animal charity in Frehley's honor. Coogan describes his deep personal connection to Frehley, calling him family, and vowing to protect and honor his legacy.

Why it matters

Frehley was a founding member of the iconic rock band KISS and a highly influential guitarist, so the handling of his musical legacy is of great interest to his legions of fans. Coogan's statement provides insight into how one of Frehley's closest collaborators plans to approach the musician's passing and ensure his work is respected.

The details

Coogan served as Frehley's drummer and lead vocalist in his solo band since 2006, and the two developed a close personal relationship over their years of working together. Coogan says he will not rush to perform Frehley's music or profit from his name, likeness, or legacy, and will instead donate any related earnings to an animal charity in Frehley's honor.

  • Coogan has remained silent since Frehley's passing.

The players

Scot Coogan

Ace Frehley's longest-running solo-band drummer and lead vocalist since 2006, who has issued a statement regarding his intentions to protect Frehley's legacy.

Ace Frehley

Founding member of the iconic rock band KISS and a highly influential guitarist, whose musical legacy Coogan vows to protect.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I have remained silent intentionally—to give my crew, management, and most importantly Ace's family the time and respect they deserve to grieve without noise, speculation, or opportunism.”

— Scot Coogan, Ace Frehley's Drummer

“I personally feel it is far too soon to perform Ace's music, and I have absolutely no interest in profiting from his name, likeness, or legacy.”

— Scot Coogan, Ace Frehley's Drummer

“Working with Ace since 2006 was one of the greatest honors of my life. We shared the stage on countless tours and collaborated on multiple recordings, but our connection went much deeper than music. Ace walked my wife down the aisle and stood beside me as my best man. He wasn't just someone I worked with – he was family.”

— Scot Coogan, Ace Frehley's Drummer

“And because he was family, I will always protect and honor his legacy. Any money that comes to me connected to Ace's name, music, or likeness will be donated to an animal charity in his honor.”

— Scot Coogan, Ace Frehley's Drummer

The takeaway

Coogan's statement demonstrates a deep personal and professional commitment to preserving Ace Frehley's musical legacy with dignity and respect, rather than rushing to capitalize on the guitarist's passing. His pledge to donate any related earnings to charity further underscores his desire to honor Frehley's memory in a meaningful way.