At the height of glam-rock band Kiss’s fame in 1978, each band member took an ambitious solo route, releasing individual albums on September 18. While fans embraced the spectacle, it was Ace Frehley’s “New York Groove” that truly captured the energy and essence of the Kiss guitarist’s style, setting his record apart from the others.
The Inspiration and Success of “New York Groove”
Ace Frehley’s solo album offered classic Kiss sounds, with hard-party rock and catchy glam riffs, but it was his cover of “New York Groove” that became the standout hit. Written by English songwriter Russ Ballard, the song’s journey to Frehley was an unusual one. Ballard, who had written rock staples like Journey’s “Since You’ve Been Gone,” originally penned “New York Groove” for the British glam band Hello in 1975, inspired by the electric vibe of the Big Apple. When it came time for Frehley to choose material for his album, producer Eddie Kramer convinced him to record “New York Groove.” Frehley’s rendition quickly climbed the charts, peaking at Billboard #13 and becoming a memorable anthem both for Kiss fans and rock enthusiasts.
Reflecting on the song’s success, Ace Frehley revealed his love for “New York Groove” but clarified that he didn’t write it himself. “A lot of people think I wrote New York Groove. It’s not a myth that I’ve perpetuated, but that’s the way it is. I wish I would’ve written the song, though. I would’ve made a lot more cash out of it!” he confessed. The song became a staple at Kiss shows, particularly during their 1979-1980 tour and later during Frehley’s 1996 reunion appearances.
How Ace Frehley’s “New York Groove” Became a Kiss Classic
While the solo albums from Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss met with mixed reviews, Frehley’s version of “New York Groove” captured the classic glam rock feel that Kiss was known for, cementing it as the best-received record of the four. Featuring infectious tracks like “Rip It Out” and “Snow Blind,” Frehley’s album resonated with fans looking for that gritty, iconic Kiss sound. “New York Groove,” with its catchy hook and undeniable swagger, remains a quintessential Frehley track that exudes New York’s vibrant energy.
The success of “New York Groove” further proved Frehley’s place in Kiss’s lineup as the ultimate “Spaceman” with a uniquely gritty sound that contrasted Gene Simmons’ pop ambition. Despite its initial skepticism, the track became a defining moment for Ace Frehley’s career and remains a memorable part of Kiss’s legacy.
