Somewhat delayed from the meet n’ greets, it was well after 10 o’clock when Ace finally hit the stage. But despite the overrun, the first few bars of ‘Rocket Ride’ swiftly dispelled any frustrations that had been bubbling beneath the surface! On the back of his latest album ‘Anomaly’ (2009), it was clear that Ace was out to take care of business tonight, and very quickly the ‘Starship Frehley’ attained a velocity of warp-speed proportions!

Following on from ‘Rocket Ride’ and ‘Parasite’, the cool guitar work of ‘Snowlblind’ was soon pushing the excitement meter into the red zone! A profusion of Ace and Kiss classics followed, complimented nicely along the way with ‘Outer Space’ and ‘Sister’ from the new album ‘Anomaly’. Naturally, the set list pleased the masses, and equally noteworthy was a very catchy rendition of the Rolling Stones’ ’2000 Man’, which had them punching the air and chanting the chorus-line with absolute devotion!

After ‘Shock Me’ Ace went into his legendary smoking guitar-solo routine which, despite his cold, he managed to execute with both panache and pyrotechnic precision; the acrid smoke bellowing all around him! Whilst this was all reminiscent of a Kiss production, albeit minus the costume, it’s just as much the mystique and presence of Ace which adds substance to the theatrics. Ultimately, Ace’s association with Kiss is inextricable, and much emotion was generated by the classic Kiss covers delivered on this last show of the current European tour.

Backing up Ace on rhythm guitar was Derek Hawkins, who’s effervescent energy and engagement with the audience was, as always, exceptional!  In no less equal measure were Scott Coogan (drums) and Anthony Esposito (bass), who both turned in great performances without compromise.

Notwithstanding the release of Anomaly, the current tour is made all the more poignant on the back of the release of Kiss’ ‘Sonic Boom’ album, and their ongoing Alive-35 tour, which itself seems to have gained a momentum of biblical proportions! But on a more spiritual level, both Anomaly and Sonic Boom present interesting parallels given the almost mystical association between the personalities involved.

As for the show tonight, this was a precision performance and the Space Ace was indeed in fine fettle! Despite the late start and the unusually inclement London weather, this was a treat not to have been missed.

Set List: Rocket Ride (Kiss), Parasite (Kiss), Snowblind, Sister, Outer Space, Speedin Back To My Baby, Rock Soldiers, Love Her All I Can (Kiss), 2,000 Man (Rolling Stones), Shock Me (Kiss), Guitar Solo, Shout It Out Loud (Kiss cover), Love Gun (Kiss), Deuce (Kiss), Cold Gin (Kiss)