At his first solo show of 2026, Gene Simmons gave fans a moment no one saw coming — playing songs written by his late KISS bandmate Ace Frehley live for the very first time. Ace Frehley, co-founder and original lead guitarist of KISS, passed away in October 2025, but his music lives on — now in a whole new setting.
Simmons and his solo band debuted “Strange Ways” and “Rocket Ride” — both penned by Frehley — for the first time in live performance during their show at L’Auberge Casino Resort. These tunes hadn’t been part of Simmons’ solo repertoire before, making the moment particularly special for longtime fans.
In addition to the two live debuts, Simmons also performed other Frehley-written favorites he’s played at his solo gigs before, including “Cold Gin” and “Parasite.” Together, these songs showcase some of Frehley’s most beloved contributions to the KISS catalog.
Simmons noted that “Rocket Ride” was never performed live by KISS itself, even though it was often a staple during Frehley’s solo shows — so hearing it now resonated deeply with fans and raised the emotional stakes of the set.
This performance came amid Simmons’ brief February solo tour, which runs through the end of the month and includes appearances like the Rock Legends Cruise XIII, giving fans multiple chances to catch these Once-hidden gems performed live.
Ace Frehley was a central figure in KISS’s early success, writing or co-writing some of the band’s most enduring songs — and hearing them interpreted live by Simmons adds a heartfelt dimension to the guitarist’s legacy. Fans have long celebrated Frehley’s riffs, songwriting, and influence on rock, and this moment serves as both a tribute and a way to keep those songs alive in front of audiences.
Simmons’ Set List (Feb. 20, 2026, Lake Charles, LA)
- “Deuce”
- “Shout It Out Loud”
- “War Machine”
- “I”
- “Domino”
- “Parasite”
- “Strange Ways” (Live Debut)
- “Charisma”
- “Rocket Ride” (Live Debut)
- “Cold Gin”
- “I Love It Loud”
- “Calling Dr. Love”
- “Let Me Go, Rock ’n’ Roll”
- “Rock and Roll All Nite”
Hearing these tracks live — especially the debut performances — gave longtime fans a powerful reminder of Frehley’s songwriting genius and cemented this show as one of the most emotional highlights of Simmons’ solo run so far.
