Ace Frehley at Ameristar Casino in Kansas City, Missouri on June 28, 2025.
Photos and Review by The Pit Magazine Contributor, Bob DeHart Photography
It was a great night in Kansas City as Ace Frehley and his group played a great set at the Ameristar Casino. Loaded with Kiss hits and some solo hits, the crowd ate it all up during the 75 minute set. This was the first time Ace had played in Kansas City in a long time. So long in fact, I can’t tell you the last time he performed there. I would like to believe that it was a solo show, but maybe he was still with Kiss the last time he performed there. I’m sure some internet sleuths can and will let me know. It was a homecoming of sorts for Ace’s bass player, Ryan Spencer Cook, who grew up about an hour away in Topeka, Kansas. He had many family and friends in attendance for the show.
Ace started the show with the first song he ever sang on a Kiss record, Shock Me. And then launched into Deuce, a song from the first Kiss album. He shared the vocals with others in the band throughout the night. Ryan singing Detroit Rock City, Scotty Coogan (drums) doing a great rendition of Love Gun, and shared vocals with the band on Shout it Out Loud. Other classics include Rocket Ride, Gold Gin, and set closer Rock and Roll All Nite.
Ace is the last original Kiss member that is actively out and touring and recording. He is currently recording his third installment of his Origins albums, which are albums with a bunch of cover songs that have influenced him. Ace has still got the ability to get the crowd up and moving. It isn’t always pretty or perfect. But in Ace’s own words, that’s rock and roll. His band is amazing too and they may not always get the credit they deserve. Top notch musicians and people.
Photos by The Pit Magazine photographer, Bob DeHart Photography in York, Nebraska. ©2025.
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