Ace Frehley made his post-KISS vinyl debut in 1987 with Frehley’s Comet. His solo band had been going for a few years, recorded demos, and had undergone a few personnel changes, but the band (on record) would consist of drummer Anton Fig (who played on Kiss’ Dynasty and Unmasked, plus Frehley’s 1978 solo album), as well as guitarist/singer Tod Howarth (ex 707). Frehley’s Comet was easily as good or better as anything Kiss did in the ’80s, featuring the classic Ace anthem “Rock Soldiers”, co-written with Chip Taylor) as well as favorites like “Breakout” (co-written by Ace with Eric Carr and Richie Scarlet), “Stranger In A Strange Land”, and the single “Into The Night” – another Russ Ballard tune (Ace’s solo hit “New York Groove” was a Ballard song).

Tod Howarth also contributed a few good songs – “Something Moved” and “Calling To You” – a re-writing of 707’s “Mega Force” (co-credited to Ace, Jim McClarty, and Kevin Russell). Frehley’s Comet was a solid production – co-produced by Eddie Kramer & Ace, with Kramer engineering, and Howarth & Regan credited as assistant producers. Frehley’s Comet charted in Canada at #38, the US @ #43, and Sweden @ #20. It brought Ace Frehley back in to the public eye with tours and an excellent follow up album as the band Frehley’s Comet. Great album cover too!

RIP John Regan (Apr 7, ’23), who’s career also included numerous records with Peter Frampton, as well as Chip Taylor, as well as credits on albums by The Stones, David Bowie, Robin Trower, and David Lee Roth. In 2016 he was part of Four By Fate, along with Tod Howarth releasing the album Relentless.

LINKS:

https://acefrehley.com/

https://todhowarth.biz/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064583923921

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100047698971793

https://bravewords.com/news/former-frehley-s-comet-bassist-john-regan-passes-at-age-71