In a night steeped in nostalgia and emotion, Peter Criss, the original drummer and founding member of KISS, returned to the stage for the first time in eight years to honor his late bandmate and friend, Ace Frehley. The event, titled “A Night for Ace,” took place at the Beacon Theatre and drew a sold-out crowd of lifelong fans — many donning the same iconic KISS makeup and tour shirts that once defined an era of rock and roll rebellion.
Criss, now 79, appeared visibly moved as he stepped into the spotlight dressed in black, a silver cross glinting under the stage lights. His gravelly voice trembled as he addressed the audience.
“Ace wasn’t just a bandmate,” he began. “He was my brother in every way that mattered. We fought, we laughed, and we made the kind of noise that shook the world. Man, I’d give anything to hear that Les Paul one more time.”
The crowd erupted in chants of “ACE! ACE! ACE!” as Criss wiped his eyes and took his seat behind his legendary sparkle-green drum kit. The first notes of “Hard Luck Woman” filled the theatre — stripped down, soulful, and raw. He followed with a tender version of “Beth,” his signature ballad, his voice cracking with age and emotion. Many in the audience could be seen wiping away tears.
Halfway through the show, Criss was joined by former KISS bandmates Bruce Kulick, Eric Singer, and a surprise appearance from Paul Stanley, who received a thunderous ovation. Together, they performed “Rock and Roll All Nite” — not as the fire-breathing spectacle of decades past, but as a heartfelt celebration of friendship, brotherhood, and the music that changed their lives.
As the song ended, the massive screen behind them lit up with archival footage of Frehley’s legendary 1977 solo — his guitar spewing sparks and smoke while the crowd roared. Criss stood motionless, one hand pressed over his heart.
“That’s the Ace I’ll always remember,” he said softly. “The kid from the Bronx who made the stars seem reachable. You’re still out there somewhere, brother — lighting up the sky.”
Fans called the tribute “the spiritual closing chapter of KISS.” Hashtags like #PeterForAce and #KISSLivesForever trended globally within hours. One attendee wrote, “Seeing Peter Criss play again — for Ace — was like watching history come full circle. No makeup, no pyros. Just love.”
Earlier this month, Frehley’s passing was confirmed by his family and former bandmates Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, who also paid moving tributes at his funeral in New York.
After the concert, Criss shared a heartfelt message online:
“I didn’t want my first show in years to be under these circumstances. But Ace deserved it. We started this wild ride together — and tonight, I finished my part for him.”
According to Billboard, the performance will be released later this year as a live tribute album titled “Peter Criss: For Ace,” with proceeds benefiting MusiCares, supporting musicians’ mental health and addiction recovery.