Kulick.net - The Official Bruce Kulick Website

It is not often that I get to see any shows when I travel for my Grand Funk gigs, unless we are on a festival bill with other bands of course. But this past Friday night was very different as I was able to see Ace Frehley and The Tubes in concert at the same showroom in Michigan that GFR would play on Saturday night.

I thought it would be a great double bill, as I knew The Tubes from years ago, being on a bill with them in the early 80's with Michael Bolton oddly enough. I caught the last half of the show, and "White Punks On Dope" is a fun song. Fee Waybill was quite entertaining in his 12 inch heels and crazy glam outfit. It is power pop with a crazy sense of humor. They ended the show with "Talk To Ya Later" another strong hit from the band.

But truthfully I was really there to see Ace like all the KISS fans in the crowd. I was aware that he was touring with a solid band, and that he was doing all the hits from his solo career and KISS. I had NOT seem him as a solo artist before so I was looking forward to the show. I was aware he wasn't feeling well that night as the sound man, Night Bob, is an old friend of mine. He said Ace getting over a chest cold, but to be honest Ace didn't let it keep that him down.

As he sang later in the set "Ace is back, I told you so!" After some high pitch feedback noise from his excellent looking Les Paul Custom signature model, Ace got down to business pleasing the crowd. I didn't take notes with the set list, but of course I enjoyed songs like "Breakout", (dedicated to Eric Carr), "Parasite", "Strange Ways", "Rip It Out", "Rock Soldiers", and "New York Groove". He even did a bit of "I Want You" in one of the songs.

The band was tight and his other guitarist a good compliment to Ace. The drummer sang well as well as played powerfully, and the bassist who was in a matching outfit with the other guitar player held down the bottom well. But the fans came to see Ace and they really embraced the Space Ace! Ace had a "Jesus" shirt on and sunglasses and a kind of KISS Revenge look to me with his facial hair.

I left right after he took out the cool Les Paul that has lights blinking across the top of it, and I heard the next day of course he used the smoking guitar as well. I am sure the fans went wild. Overall, he seemed confident and played well. The band was tight and as usual Ace's sense of humor shines through his work, both on this guitar doing all the tricks he is known for, and on the mike saying those crazy things that can only come out his mouth. Overall.. great show, and it was fun to see him on stage where he belongs. I look forward to hearing the new disc.

It got a bit rowdy before the show as I was clearly in the crowd, and as always the KISS fans are the best. So it felt like I was at a KISS fans, and of course I tried to sign and take a photo with all who asked. I had to take this picture of a KISS fan's tattoo. And he was a BIG fan and a BIG guy, so that back of his made room for an amazing version of DESTROYER in ink.

Our Grand Funk show the following night was fun, and the crowd went wild for the hits. Michigan is SO rock! (Anyone heard of DETROIT ROCK CITY?!) and with Grand Funk coming from Michigan originally, it was a rewarding trip for me.