- - Resurfaced Interview Reveals Ace Frehley Didn’t Write One of KISS’ Most Iconic Solos

Nina DerwinDecember 20, 2025 at 4:41 AM

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It's been almost fifty years since KISS released their 1976 hit "Detroit Rock City," and it remains one of the most recognizable anthems in rock and roll. As for Ace Frehley's slamming guitar solo? Fans would know it anywhere. But, it turns out, Frehley didn't write a note of that iconic riff.

In a recently resurfaced interview with Banger TV from 2010, Frehley revealed the true origins of the now legendary track, which was penned by Paul Stanley.

Famed record producer, Bob Ezrin, produced "Detroit Rock City," which was part of the KISS' Destroyer album. Hands-on and highly opinionated, Ezrin worked with the band to tap into a softer sound with "Beth," which went on to become one of the band's greatest hits.

Ezrin's skill wasn't just as a producer, but as a musician, too.

"Bob is classically trained, and he'd made a lot of hit records before working with us," Frehley told Banger TV. "He had a proven formula, and we had to kind of fit into his formula."

Frehley explained that the usual process of recording with Ezrin consisted of figuring out the individual parts, practicing, then recording. But, that wasn't the case with "Detroit Rock City."

"Bob's the one that came up with the solo for 'Detroit Rock City,' – I didn't write that," Frehley admitted. "Bob came up with the melody."

Rock fans around the world mourned Frehley’s passing earlier this year at the age of 74. The rock icon reportedly died from blunt force injuries to the head sustained in an accidental fall earlier in the year, marking a tragic conclusion to the life of an artist who helped define a generation of rock guitar.

As the first of the original KISS lineup to pass away, Frehley’s absence was deeply felt by bandmates and fans alike. Bandmate Gene Simmons took to X to honor the late guitar player.

"Our hearts are broken. Ace has passed on. No one can touch Ace's legacy," he wrote. “I know he loved the fans. He told me many times. Sadder still, Ace didn’t live long enough to be honored at the Kennedy Ctr Honors event in Dec. Ace was the eternal rock soldier. Long may his legacy live on!”

Frehley may not have written the famous solo in "Detroit Rock City," but it was his performance of the song over the years that truly brought it to life. It will never be played quite the same way again.

This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 20, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”