Rock music is no stranger to borrowed riffs and recycled solos, and even Kiss are no exception. Bassist Gene Simmons recently shed light on one particularly contentious incident, claiming ex-bandmate Ace Frehley’s guitar solo on the band’s 1975 track "She" was effectively lifted "note-for-note" from The Doors’ 1968 classic "Five to One." During his appearance on The Magnificent Others podcast hosted by Billy Corgan, Simmons recalled how the situation came to light through conversations with Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready, who mentioned Frehley’s playing had significantly influenced him.
Specifically, McCready stated one of the first solos he learned was from Kiss's "She," which he later used as inspiration for Pearl Jam’s hit "Alive." Simmons recounted McCready's shocked reaction when he revealed, "I said, ‘Mike, I don’t know how to tell you this, but that's a note-for-note guitar solo from the Doors [Five to One].' Ace liked it so much, he just reproduced it. He goes, ‘No!'" Simmons added, "My point is, it’s always very appreciative when somebody says, ‘Loved your stuff.' Everybody’s got bits and pieces of stuff.”
This admission from Simmons sparked immediate conversation about how prevalent musical influences and borrowing can be. Indeed, rock music has long been embroiled in allegations of appropriation, with iconic songs like The Beach Boys’ "Surfin’ USA" credited as a lift from Chuck Berry's "Sweet Little Sixteen." Even more notable is the case of George Harrison, whose single "My Sweet Lord" closely followed the melody of the Chiffons’ "He’s So Fine."
Despite this, Simmons was quick to argue for the legitimacy of borrowing. He emphasized, “Listen to Zeppelin songs, you’ll hear lots of blues, very recognizable blues songs.” This acknowledgment pointed out the little-discussed reality of musical inspiration within the industry, where artists often recycle ideas. Yet, Simmons' comments particularly shine a light on Ace Frehley’s sometimes overlooked influence and the legacy he built within rock music.
Reflecting on Frehley's audition for Kiss back when he was seeking to join the band, Simmons recalled the memorable impression Frehley left. "We auditioned players… And Ace [comes in and] plugs in and starts playing. I walked up to him and said, ‘Buddy, you’d best sit down before I knock you out. What are you doing? We’re talking.'" This anecdote showcases the confidence and carefree nature of Frehley, which would become part of his legendary persona.
Simmons’ comments not only raise questions about Frehley's originality but also about the nature of artistic influence and sharing within the music community. Musicians have for decades stood on the shoulders of giants—borrowing riffs, musical phrases, and lyrical ideas from predecessors. The overlap of influence is not just common; it is often celebrated as part of what drives the evolution of styles within rock and pop music.
It is worth noting how Frehley’s work inspired artists like McCready, who came of age during the emergence of grunge. McCready previously recounted the first time he encountered Kiss was on his school bus back in sixth grade when his friend played Kiss music during lunch. His fascination with the band echoed Simmons’ sentiments on the lasting impact Kiss has had on musicians across generations.
Even as he honored Frehley’s influence, Simmons also acknowledged the larger conversation about originality within rock music. He addressed it with, “Everybody’s got bits and pieces of stuff,” acknowledging the amalgamation of ideas and how they serve as building blocks for new music. This sentiment speaks to the heart of the rock genre itself, which thrives on creative adaptation and the respect artists hold for each other’s work.
While Simmons’ remarks may put Frehley’s past under scrutiny, they also open the floodgates for discussing the blurred lines of creativity. With bands like Led Zeppelin famously accused of plagiarism, it becomes evident how deep-seated these issues run across the industry. After all, accusations of theft or plagiarism do not arise from malice but often from love for another artist's work, leading musicians down the path of reinvention.
Interestingly, Simmons’ reflections on Frehley have arrived at a time when music streaming makes it easy for new generations to access such classics. Today’s listeners could witness these connections firsthand, discovering how one artist’s riff can lead to another’s anthem—often inadvertently.
While Ace Frehley continues to navigate his career, he is left with this new chapter alongside Simmons’ revelations. The scrutiny might seem heavy, but it also sparks curiosity about the rich history of rock music and how every note echoes through time, linking artists past and present. Rock and roll is often characterized by its spirit of camaraderie and shared experience. It thrives on the echoes of the past, reverberated through the work of every musician willing to pick up their guitar and find inspiration.