Gene Simmons Plays Two Ace Frehley-Penned Kiss Classics Live for First Time

Simmons added "Strange Ways" and "Rocket Ride" to his solo show setlist in tribute to his former bandmate.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Gene Simmons performed two Kiss songs written by Ace Frehley - "Strange Ways" and "Rocket Ride" - for the first time ever at his solo show in Lake Charles, Louisiana on February 20, 2026. Simmons also played two other Frehley-penned Kiss classics, "Cold Gin" and "Parasite", as part of the 14-song setlist.

Why it matters

Frehley co-founded Kiss in 1973 along with Simmons, Paul Stanley and Peter Criss, and wrote some of the band's most popular early songs. His death in October 2025 was a significant loss for the band and its fans, so Simmons' decision to honor Frehley's musical legacy by adding these songs to his setlist is seen as a touching tribute.

The details

Simmons and his band debuted "Strange Ways" and "Rocket Ride" (the latter of which was co-written by Sean Delaney) during the show, which was the first of 2026 for the Gene Simmons Band. It was only their second time performing live since Frehley's passing. Simmons also played two other Frehley-penned Kiss classics, "Cold Gin" and "Parasite", as he has done at previous solo shows.

  • The Gene Simmons Band show took place on February 20, 2026 in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
  • Ace Frehley, the co-founder of Kiss, passed away on October 16, 2025.

The players

Gene Simmons

The co-founder of the rock band Kiss, who is performing his first solo show of 2026.

Ace Frehley

The co-founder of Kiss who wrote several of the band's most popular early songs, and passed away in October 2025.

Sean Delaney

The co-writer of the Kiss song "Rocket Ride" which Simmons performed.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“My hand to God I didn't intend to hurt Ace or his legacy, but upon rereading my words, I see how it hurt everyone. I've always loved Ace.”

— Gene Simmons (awesome98.com)

What’s next

Simmons and his band will perform three more shows in February, including an appearance on the Rock Legends Cruise XIII.

The takeaway

Simmons' decision to add Ace Frehley-penned Kiss classics to his solo setlist is a touching tribute to his former bandmate and the band's musical legacy, demonstrating the enduring impact of Frehley's songwriting on Kiss' early success.