Ace Frehley makes Billboard Top 10 comeback shortly after passing away
Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and occasional singer for the iconic band KISS, has achieved a remarkable posthumous milestone by securing a spot in the top 10 of the Billboard charts with one of his popular solo tracks. The passing of the rock legend on October 16, at the age of 74, triggered a surge in sales of his 1978 hit song “New York Groove,” resulting in its impressive debut at number four on the Rock Digital Song Sales chart. This notable achievement marks Frehley’s highest solo ranking in recent years, underscoring the enduring appeal of his music more than forty years after its initial release.
Reports from Forbes, referencing data from Billboard and Luminate, indicate that “New York Groove” experienced a substantial spike in sales, reaching nearly 1,000 copies in the latest tracking period. This surge represented a significant increase of over 250% compared to the previous week when sales were below 300. The outpouring of support from fans and heightened streaming activity following news of Frehley’s passing contributed to this remarkable resurgence of interest in his music.
Frehley’s untimely death earlier in the month, resulting from complications following a fall in his home recording studio that led to a brain bleed, had a profound impact on the music community. His fellow KISS bandmates, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, expressed deep sorrow over his loss in a heartfelt statement to People, acknowledging Frehley’s indispensable contributions to the band’s legacy during pivotal moments in its history. They emphasized his enduring presence within KISS’s storied history, extending sympathy to his estranged wife, Jeanette Trerotola, his daughter Monique Frehley, and all those who held him dear, including their global fan base.
Former KISS member Peter Criss commemorated Frehley’s legacy on his website, recognizing the profound influence that Frehley exerted both as a founding KISS member and in his successful solo career. Criss lauded Frehley for captivating and inspiring millions with his musical talents, asserting that his impact on the industry and the hearts of fans, especially the devoted KISS Army, will endure for generations to come.
The revival of interest in Frehley’s music extended beyond his solo work to include his collaborations with KISS. The band’s 1979 hit single “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” reentered the charts, resurging to number eleven on the Rock Digital Song Sales chart and reaching number five on the Hard Rock Digital Song Sales chart, where it has maintained a strong presence for 16 weeks. “New York Groove,” originally recorded by the British band Hello in 1975, became a defining track for Frehley when he included it in his eponymous solo album released alongside the solo projects of his fellow KISS band members in 1978.