Former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley plans to work on “Origins Vol. 3” after the release of his latest studio album “10,000 Volts”
In a recent interview with Terrie Carr of Morristown, New Jersey’s 105.5 WDHA radio station, Ace Frehley has officially announced his intentions to begin work on “Origins Vol. 3,” the upcoming installment in the series of cover song collections that have served as inspiration for the former KISS guitarist. The forthcoming album follows Ace Frehley‘s previous releases, “Origins Vol. 1” in April 2016 and “Origins Vol. 2” in September 2020.
Ace Frehley said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “We can get some great guest stars and pick some really great songs I haven’t done. Because remember, in the late ’60s and early ’70s, there was so many great songs. Lita Ford called me up the other day; she wants to be involved again. I’ve gotta give Slash a call. That’s all I can say at the moment… ‘Origins Vol. 3‘ is gonna be the next release.”
“Origins Vol. 2” featured a diverse selection of cover tracks, including renditions of classics by THE BEATLES, DEEP PURPLE, LED ZEPPELIN, THE ROLLING STONES, THE KINKS, and THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE, among others. A bonus track on the album was Ace‘s cover of the 1975 KISS tune “She,” featuring guest appearances by CHEAP TRICK’s Robin Zander, Lita Ford, and former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick.
In April 2016, “Origins Vol. 1” made an impactful debut, claiming the No. 23 spot on The Billboard 200, with initial sales reaching 16,000 equivalent album units. The album showcased a remarkable lineup of collaborations, featuring KISS frontman Paul Stanley teaming up with Ace for a rendition of FREE‘s “Fire And Water.” Additional highlights included Slash contributing to the THIN LIZZY classic “Emerald,” Lita Ford taking the lead on THE TROGGS‘ “Wild Thing,” then-ROB ZOMBIE guitarist John 5 accompanying Ace on the KISS favorite “Parasite,” and PEARL JAM‘s Mike McCready joining forces with Ace for a rendition of KISS‘s “Cold Gin.” The diverse set of guest appearances added an extra layer of excitement to the album.
Ace Frehley‘s new solo album, “10,000 Volts,” is scheduled for release on February 23, 2024, via MNRK Music Group. The album’s title track has already been accompanied by an official music video directed by Alex Kouvatsos from Black Wolf Imaging. The new all-original album acts as the successor to “Spaceman,” released in October 2018 via eOne. Notably, “Spaceman” featured contributions from KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons, who co-wrote two tracks on the LP.
Ace Frehley previously discussed the creation of his latest album back in March during an appearance on SiriusXM‘s “Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk”, saying: “Within six days I had written and recorded five new songs, which is unprecedented for me.”
Ace also added that he had been working with Peppy Castro from the BLUES MAGOOS on the new LP, saying: “Back in the ’60s, [the BLUES MAGOOS] had the big hit ‘(We Ain’t Got) Nothin’ Yet’. I grew up with him in the Bronx. He inspired me to become a rock star. I remember going to Orchard Beach in the Bronx, and all of a sudden I hear Peppy‘s song on the radio.
“I go, ‘Jesus Christ. If he can do that, I can do it. I’m better looking than him.’ [Laughs] He actually taught me how to play bar chord in the basement of an apartment building… But we’ve been friends ever since, and we’ve followed each other’s career. And he’s been in my studio a half dozen times. And he also hooked me up with Tommy Denander. He wrote three songs for me that I’m probably gonna rearrange at least one or two of them and add vocals. But me and Steve have been doing a song a day. It’s insanity.”
Providing a visual glimpse into Ace Frehley‘s new album, the official music video for the title track, directed by Alex Kouvatsos from Black Wolf Imaging, is now available for viewing below.
Ace Frehley “10,000 Volts” track listing:
01. 10,000 Volts
02. Walkin’ On The Moon
03. Cosmic Heart
04. Cherry Medicine
05. Back Into My Arms Again
06. Fightin’ For Life
07. Blinded
08. Constantly Cute
09. Life Of A Stranger
10. Up In The Sky
11. Stratosphere