Ace Frehley w/ Enuff Z’Nuff
Neptune Theatre, Seattle, WA
02.11.17

I have been hooked on the music of KISS since I was 7 years old. Their iconic sound, makeup, and stage presence are what defined rock and roll during my formative years. Dynasty was the album that started it all and “I Was Made For Loving You” was the song that sunk the lifelong KISS hook in me. But I am certainly not alone in that love, and the buzz was alive and well for the last show of Ace Frehley’s 15-date North American tour at the sold out Neptune Theatre in Seattle.

Chicago’s Enuff Z’Nuff opened the show with their psychedelic rock. Despite having a new release, Clown’s Lounge, they relied mostly on classic songs from their self-titled debut. Lead singer/bassist Chip Z’Nuff addressed the crowd “The Best Coffee and weed are right here. What a great city you have here. What a great way to end the tour, the last night here in Seattle.” He thanked Ace for bringing them along for the ride.

The stage was then cleared and the giant Space Invader backdrop glowed in the stage light. The capacity crowd was beyond excited to see the founding KISS/ “Space Ace” guitarist tear it up.

Playing songs from his 2016 release Origins Vol. 1 and 2014’s Space Invader, Frehley and his band were on fire. Vocal duties were shared amongst each musician. Drummer Scot Coogan was such a surprise taking on the classic Kiss song, “Love Gun,” and holding down the beat. Ex-Cult bassist Chris Wyse and longtime Frehley collaborator Richie Scarlet were such a dynamic duo on stage.

One of the highlights of the night was Frehley announcing a special guest, “I’d like to welcome Mike McCready, who played on my new album, to help us out with this song.” The crowd went wild seeing the Pearl Jam guitarist take over from Scarlet as they broke into “Cold Gin.” McCready was just having a blast rocking out.

What a great end to a fun tour for Seattle to witness. There have been several shows that make me appreciate the vibrancy and music community here in this city, and this was yet another highlight to add to that legacy. The rock and roll hall-of-famer will always be a legend in the eyes of many. His “Space Ace” persona is bigger than life and his licks have stood the test of time. What a fantastic night seeing a guitar legend still rocking!

Review by and photos by Neil Lim Sang